BREAKOUT SESSIONS

We cannot be more excited to offer an extensive list of breakout sessions that participants are able to choose from to attend during our 2026 Together Conference: CONNECT.

You will be able to choose one (1) session from each group, which will be hosted and led by one of our excellent speakers. Take your time reading about each session so you can customize your conference experience!

CHECK OUT OUR SPEAKER LINE-UP

BREAKOUT SESSION 1

Parent Voices: Learning From Lived Experience

Led by: Parent Panel

This powerful parent panel invites attendees to hear directly from parents impacted by disability as they share honest, real-life stories about their experiences within the church. Panelists will highlight why special needs ministries matter, what has been life-giving and supportive, and where churches have unintentionally fallen short. Through both encouraging and challenging perspectives, church leaders and volunteers will gain deeper insight into the lived experiences of families navigating faith and disability. This session is designed to cultivate empathy, sharpen awareness, and equip churches to create more welcoming, responsive, and Christ-centered environments for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Facility Tour: Designing Inclusive & Supportive Spaces

Led by: TBD

Join us for a guided tour of West Ridge’s 10,000-square-foot facility, intentionally designed to serve West Ridge families and the surrounding special needs community. Attendees will explore classrooms, activity rooms, quiet spaces, and two state-of-the-art sensory rooms created to promote inclusion while also providing thoughtfully modified environments for individuals who need them. This tour offers practical inspiration and real-world examples of how physical spaces can be designed to be welcoming, flexible, and accessible—helping churches and ministries envision environments that support individuals with disabilities and their families with dignity and care.

Getting Started & Vision Planning

Led by: Jillian Palmiotto

This foundational breakout session is designed for church leaders, ministry coordinators, volunteers, and advocates who are ready to start—or strengthen—a Special Needs and Disability Ministry. Led by Jillian Palmiotto, this session will help attendees assess their current church culture, clarify who they are called to serve, and define practical, sustainable next steps. Participants will gain a clear framework for vision planning, including core values, program development, environment planning, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships. Attendees will leave with greater clarity, confidence, and a practical vision to guide the growth of an inclusive ministry that welcomes and supports individuals with disabilities and their families.

Including Kids with Anxiety Disorders & ADHD

Led by: Dr. Steve Grcevich

Children with anxiety disorders and ADHD are among the most common—and often most misunderstood—kids in our churches. In this practical and insightful session, Dr. Steve Grcevich will help church leaders and volunteers better understand how anxiety and ADHD impact behavior, participation, and engagement in ministry settings. Attendees will learn realistic, ministry-friendly strategies to support these children, reduce barriers to inclusion, and partner more effectively with families. This session equips churches to create environments that are calmer, more predictable, and more welcoming—allowing kids with anxiety and ADHD to feel safe, supported, and fully included in the life of the church.

Caring for Dads: Building Intentional Community for Special Needs Fathers

Led by: John Fela

Fathers of children with disabilities often carry unique pressures, responsibilities, and unspoken burdens—and are frequently overlooked in church support systems. In this meaningful session, John Fela will share the importance of intentionally caring for special needs dads and creating spaces where they can connect, be supported, and grow in community. Attendees will gain insight into the lived experiences of fathers, understand why connection matters, and learn practical ways churches can engage, encourage, and walk alongside dads with empathy and purpose. This session will help ministries strengthen families by ensuring fathers feel seen, supported, and included in the life of the church.

Inclusive Communication in Children’s Ministry: Empowering Leaders to Connect with Every Child

Led by: Quintina Brisco

This workshop is designed to equip ministry leaders with practical tools and techniques for effectively communicating with children with disabilities. The focus will be on teaching verbal and nonverbal communication strategies for making requests and setting boundaries in ways that promote understanding and inclusivity. Leaders will gain the skills needed to create a supportive environment that fosters positive interactions and respects each child’s unique communication abilities.

Grieving a Diagnosis: Walking With Families Through the Early Journey

Led by: Jeanetta Bryant

Receiving a disability diagnosis for a child can be emotionally overwhelming for families, often bringing a complex mix of grief, fear, uncertainty, and hope. In this compassionate session, Jeanetta Bryant will guide attendees through the emotional process families commonly experience following an initial diagnosis. Participants will gain insight into the stages of grief, the long-term impact of this season, and how the church can respond with sensitivity, presence, and meaningful support. This session equips leaders and volunteers to walk alongside families with empathy, wisdom, and care—offering comfort, understanding, and a reminder that families do not have to navigate this journey alone.

Creating Inclusive Camps, Retreats & VBS Experiences

Led by: Nan Britt

Camps, retreats, and Vacation Bible School can be some of the most meaningful experiences in church life—but only when they are intentionally designed to include everyone. In this practical and encouraging session, Nan Britt will equip church leaders and volunteers to create inclusive, adaptable experiences for individuals with special needs and disabilities of all ages. Attendees will learn how to plan ahead, build flexible programming, support volunteers, and thoughtfully accommodate a wide range of needs while maintaining the heart and mission of each event. This session offers practical strategies to ensure camps, retreats, and VBS are welcoming, accessible, and life-giving for every participant and family.

BREAKOUT SESSION 2

Disability Ministry Leaders Panel: Wisdom, Theology & Practical Application

Led by: Jillian Palmiotto

This dynamic panel discussion brings together some of the nation’s leading voices in disability ministry—Dr. Steve Grcevich, Sandra Peoples, Ryan Wolfe, and Dr. Steve Hunsley—for an honest and insightful conversation on disability inclusion in the church. Moderated by Jillian Palmiotto, this session will explore the why behind disability ministry, celebrate meaningful wins, address theological foundations, and share practical, real-world strategies churches can apply immediately. Attendees will leave encouraged, challenged, and equipped with both vision and actionable takeaways to strengthen inclusive ministry efforts in their own church communities.

Facility Tour: Designing Inclusive & Supportive Spaces

Led by: TBD

Recruiting, Training & Leading Special Needs Ministry Volunteers

Led by: Courtney Miller

Volunteers are the heartbeat of every special needs ministry—but recruiting, training, and retaining them requires intentional leadership. In this practical session, Courtney Miller will equip attendees with proven strategies to attract the right volunteers, train them with confidence, and lead them in ways that foster longevity and joy in serving. Participants will learn how to cast clear vision, set realistic expectations, provide ongoing support, and build a healthy team culture that prevents burnout. This session offers actionable tools to help churches develop strong, committed volunteer teams who feel prepared, valued, and empowered to serve individuals with disabilities and their families well.

Adapted Curriculum: Creating Meaningful Faith Experiences for Every Learner

Led by: Courtney Jenkins

Effective disability ministry requires curriculum that is flexible, engaging, and thoughtfully adapted to meet individuals where they are. In this practical and inspiring session, Courtney Jenkins—founder of Awe and Wonder—will equip attendees with tools and strategies for using adapted curriculum to support learners with a wide range of abilities. Participants will explore how to modify lessons, incorporate sensory supports, simplify concepts without diminishing spiritual depth, and create experiences that invite participation and connection. This session provides practical resources and ideas to help churches deliver meaningful, accessible faith formation for individuals with special needs and disabilities across all ages.

Caring for Caregivers: Supporting the Hearts That Carry So Much

Led by: Mary Tutterow

Caregivers of individuals with disabilities often pour out endlessly—emotionally, physically, and spiritually—while quietly carrying exhaustion, grief, and isolation. In this deeply encouraging and hope-filled session, Mary Tutterow draws from her personal journey and years of advocacy to help churches understand the unique needs of caregivers. Attendees will gain insight into the caregiver’s heart, the hidden weight they carry, and practical ways churches can offer meaningful support, encouragement, and respite. This session equips leaders and volunteers to create cultures of compassion where caregivers feel seen, valued, and sustained—not just supported, but truly cared for.

Belonging Through Serving: Creating Space for Adults with Disabilities to Serve and Thrive

Led by: Anthony Palmiotto

Adults with disabilities have meaningful gifts to offer the local church—and when given the opportunity, they thrive as contributors, not just recipients. In this inspiring and practical session, Anthony Palmiotto will share how churches can create intentional pathways for adults with disabilities to serve with purpose and dignity. Drawing from the partnership between Together We Belong and West Ridge Church attendees will learn how structured programs, supportive environments, volunteers, and job coaches can work together to make service possible. This session will equip churches with vision and practical ideas to help adults with disabilities put their faith into action and become active, valued members of the church community.

Children’s Ministry Inclusion: Welcoming Kids With Special Needs

Led by: Larah Roberts

Children’s ministry is often a family’s first point of connection to the church—and inclusion at this stage matters deeply. In this practical and encouraging session, Larah Roberts will equip children’s ministry leaders and volunteers with strategies to include students with special needs in safe, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate ways. Attendees will learn how to partner with parents, support volunteers, adapt environments and activities, and balance inclusion with individualized supports when needed. This session helps churches build children’s ministries where every child is welcomed, valued, and able to participate in ways that help them—and their families—belong.

Sunday Systems & Processes: Building a Safe, Welcoming, and Organized Ministry

Led by: Valeria Lobo

Strong Sunday processes create the foundation for a safe, welcoming, and well-run special needs ministry. In this practical session, Valeria Lobo will walk attendees through essential systems that support both families and volunteers, including intake forms, security and safety procedures, welcoming new families, onboarding new volunteers, and managing weekly check-in and communication flow. Participants will gain clear, actionable guidance for creating consistent processes that reduce confusion, build trust with families, and empower volunteers to serve with confidence. This session equips churches to move from reactive to prepared—ensuring Sundays run smoothly while keeping people at the center of ministry.

BREAKOUT SESSION 3

A Pastor’s Heart & Perspective: Leading the Church Toward Disability Inclusion

Led by: Anthony Palmiotto

This pastoral panel offers a candid and encouraging conversation on disability inclusion from the lens of church leadership. Featuring Pastor Brian Jones, Kevin Bloye, Wes Lutes, and Ken Chatham, attendees will hear how pastors think, pray, and lead around special needs ministry. Panelists will share the why behind inclusion, the pastoral challenges and victories they’ve experienced, and how disability ministry fits within the broader mission of the church. This session is designed to help leaders better understand the pastor’s heart and gain insight into how disability inclusion can be championed from the pulpit, staff, and leadership culture of the church.

Facility Tour: Designing Inclusive & Supportive Spaces

Led by: TBD

Disability & Theology: A Biblical Vision of Belonging

Led by: Rev. Bill Gaventa

How we understand disability is deeply shaped by our theology—and the church’s response matters. In this thoughtful and theologically rich session, Rev. Bill Gaventa will explore what Scripture reveals about disability, humanity, suffering, healing, and belonging in the body of Christ. Attendees will be invited to examine common theological assumptions, reflect on biblical narratives, and develop a more faithful, inclusive understanding of disability within God’s redemptive story. This session equips church leaders and volunteers with a strong theological foundation that affirms dignity, challenges misconceptions, and strengthens the church’s calling to fully include individuals with disabilities and their families.

Autism Awareness in Your Church: Building Understanding & Belonging

Led by: Tonya Nash

Autism awareness is a vital step toward creating churches where individuals and families feel truly welcomed and understood. In this informative and practical session, Tonya Nash—founder of the Autism Faith Network—will help church leaders and volunteers grow in understanding autism and its impact on individuals and families within the faith community. Attendees will learn how to recognize sensory, communication, and social needs, respond with empathy, and make simple, meaningful adjustments that foster inclusion. This session equips churches to move beyond awareness toward intentional action—creating environments where individuals with autism and their families experience belonging, dignity, and spiritual connection.

Discipling Special Needs Parents: Equipping the Spiritual Leaders of the Home

Led by: Elizabeth Newman

Parents of children with disabilities carry a sacred and significant role in shaping the faith of their families—but they cannot do it alone. This session focuses on the importance of intentionally discipling special needs parents so they are equipped to grow in their own relationship with Jesus and confidently lead the spiritual life of their home. Elizabeth Newman will challenge churches to rethink family discipleship, recognizing that one hour a week is not enough to counter the many influences families face. Attendees will learn why providing childcare, parent-focused Bible studies, and intentional discipleship opportunities is essential for strengthening families and empowering parents to disciple their children daily. This session equips churches to invest in parents as the primary spiritual leaders God has called them to be.

Created on Purpose, for a Purpose: Cultivating Belonging & Identity

Led by: Hannah Speiller

People with disabilities are not an afterthought in God’s design—they are created on purpose, for a purpose, and called to belong fully in the body of Christ. In this hope-filled and practical session, Hannah Speiller will help church leaders understand how to create intentional small groups where adults with disabilities can discover their identity, grow spiritually, and experience authentic community. Drawing from principles that emphasize belonging, discipleship, and purpose, attendees will learn how to design environments that move beyond attendance to meaningful connection. This session equips churches to create spaces where adults with disabilities are known, valued, and empowered to live out who God created them to be.

Creating Adult Programming for People With Disabilities

Led by: Sylvia Cook

Adult ministry programming plays a vital role in helping individuals with disabilities grow in faith, purpose, and community. In this practical session, Sylvia Cook will share clear, actionable strategies for structuring Sunday programming that is engaging, consistent, and spiritually meaningful for adults with disabilities. Attendees will also learn from the model of Together We Belong at West Ridge Church, where adults are not only learning about Jesus but are being discipled and equipped to serve as local missionaries in their community. This session will equip church leaders with vision and tools to move adult programming beyond attendance—toward discipleship, purpose, and impact.

Special Needs Ministry for Smaller Churches

Led by: Sandra Peoples

You don’t need a large staff, budget, or building to create a meaningful and effective special needs ministry. In this encouraging and practical session, Sandra Peoples will equip leaders from smaller churches with realistic strategies for serving individuals with disabilities and their families using the resources they already have. Attendees will learn how to start small, build sustainable systems, engage volunteers, and create welcoming environments without becoming overwhelmed. This session offers hope-filled guidance and practical next steps, reminding churches of every size that disability inclusion is not about doing everything—but about faithfully doing something.

BREAKOUT SESSION 4

Facility Tour: Designing Inclusive & Supportive Spaces

Led by: TBD

Five Tips for Getting Church Leadership on Board

Led by: Steve Chatman

Gaining support from church leadership is often one of the biggest hurdles in launching or growing a special needs ministry. In this focused and practical session, Steve Chatman will share five proven tips for effectively engaging pastors and church leaders in the vision for disability inclusion. Attendees will learn how to communicate the why, align disability ministry with the church’s mission, address common concerns, and build trust through clear strategy and measurable impact. This session equips ministry leaders with practical tools to move conversations forward and invite leadership to champion inclusion with confidence and clarity.

Managing Difficult Behavior in Ministry Settings

Led by: Steven Culver & Kent Wright

Challenging behaviors can feel overwhelming for volunteers and leaders—but with the right understanding and tools, they can be navigated with confidence and compassion. In this practical breakout session, Kent Wright and Steven Culver will equip attendees with realistic strategies for responding to difficult behaviors in church environments. Participants will learn how to identify underlying needs, reduce triggers, implement proactive supports, and respond calmly and effectively when challenges arise. This session helps churches create safer, more supportive environments that honor dignity, protect volunteers, and allow individuals with disabilities to remain meaningfully included in the life of the church.

Ministering to the Whole Family: Caring Beyond the Individual

Led by: Hollie Feathers

Disability impacts the entire family—not just the individual—and effective ministry must reflect that reality. In this thoughtful and practical session, Hollie Feathers will highlight the importance of intentionally caring for every member of the family, including siblings, married couples, single parents, and grandparents. Attendees will gain insight into the unique needs each role carries and learn how churches can create supportive rhythms, targeted programs, and meaningful connections that strengthen families as a whole. This session equips churches to move beyond isolated support and toward holistic ministry that fosters resilience, unity, and long-term spiritual health for the entire family.

Reaching the Deaf Community: Creating Accessible & Inclusive Church Environments

Led by: Dr. LaJuan Bradford & Kaylen Purks

Reaching the Deaf community requires more than accommodations—it requires understanding, relationship, and intentional inclusion. In this informative and practical session, Dr. LaJuan Bradford of Lee University will help church leaders and volunteers better understand Deaf culture and the unique spiritual and relational needs of the Deaf community. Attendees will learn practical strategies for improving accessibility, building authentic connections, and creating worship and ministry environments where Deaf individuals and families can fully participate and belong. This session equips churches to move beyond awareness toward meaningful engagement and faithful inclusion of the Deaf community.

Inclusion in Youth Ministry: Creating Spaces Where Every Student Belongs

Led by: Jillian Palmiotto, Wes Lutes, and Ken Chatham

Youth ministry is a critical season for belonging, identity, and spiritual formation—and inclusion during these years matters deeply. In this collaborative session, Jillian Palmiotto, Wes Lutes, and Ken Chatham will equip youth pastors and volunteers with practical strategies for including students with special needs and disabilities in middle and high school ministry. Attendees will learn how to partner with families, support volunteers, adapt programming, and balance inclusion with individualized supports when needed. This session offers both pastoral perspective and hands-on guidance to help churches build youth ministries where every student is welcomed, valued, and invited to grow in their faith alongside their peers.

Event Planning & Community Partnership: Extending the Reach of Disability Ministry

Led by: Dr. Steve Hunsley

Well-planned events and strong community partnerships can open powerful doors for connection, outreach, and trust with families impacted by disability. In this practical and vision-driven session, Dr. Steve Hunsley will share why intentional event planning—such as special needs proms, respite events, and inclusive camps—plays a vital role in extending the church’s impact beyond Sunday mornings. Attendees will learn how to create memorable, life-giving experiences for families. This session equips churches to use events as a bridge to community engagement, long-term relationships, and meaningful ministry growth.