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March 20-21, 2026
Dallas, GA
Breakout Sessions 1
Take your time reading about each session and so you can customize your conference experience! You will be able to choose one (1) session from this group.
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.
Resources & Curriculum for Adults with Disabilities
Led by: Ryan Wolfe
Supporting adults with disabilities requires thoughtful, age-appropriate resources that foster spiritual growth, belonging, and purpose. In this practical session, Ryan Wolfe will introduce a range of tools and resources— including curriculum—designed to help churches disciple and support adults with disabilities in meaningful ways. Drawing from the work of Ability Ministry, attendees will explore adaptable teaching materials, faith-based resources, and flexible approaches that meet adults where they are while encouraging continued growth. This session will equip church leaders and volunteers with practical options to build engaging, sustainable adult ministries that honor dignity, promote connection, and support lifelong faith development.
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.