Encountering Disability
Three days of community building
Floating Flowers, Ink and Fabric Paint by Sharon L, a Friendship Community artist.
November 1 - 3, 2025
Encountering Disability is a series of events over three days focused on community health and public policy as well as community inclusion and spirituality. On the Saturday and Sunday, the events will focus on community-based arts & contemplative inclusion by showcasing mind-body-spirit connections on the beautiful historic campus of Saint James Church in Lancaster, PA. On Monday, a study day with national and local experts in disability rights and health care needs at Millersville University will focus on understanding the changing social and public policy landscape for those living with disabilities and all who support them in family and community settings. Across the three days, participants will explore the intersection of disability, literature, contemplative practice, medicine and the arts.
These events will honor the life and work of Vassar Miller (1924–1998), a Pulitzer-nominated poet, theologian, and disability rights advocate whose voice was amplified by academics at Millersville University and pastoral care pioneers at Hershey Medical Center. We will honor her legacy as we forge new partnerships for community-based service, advocacy and inclusion using academic, contemplative, and artistic lenses.
Program Overview
Saturday, November 1, 2025 | Saint James
Disability, the Arts and Contemplative Practice
A family-friendly, intergenerational day of contemplative experiences, including a labyrinth, movement, poetry, music, sound, and art. There will also be a curated exhibition from the Friendship Community's Heart Gallery and other exhibitors to help us all recognize the gifts we bring that contribute to building community and inclusion together.
The day is divided into morning and afternoon sessions to allow for flexible participation in a variety of experience stations available at different times, catering to various needs, sensitivities, and abilities. Participants are welcome to attend both the morning AND afternoon if they wish; a bring-your-own-lunch space is available, along with many good local restaurants and café options within a couple of blocks of the Saint James campus.
Morning Session
9:00 – 9:45 AM | Opening Gathering: Join us for a time of prayer, poetry and music to begin the day.
Workshop Session 1 (10:00 – 10:45 AM) – Choose One
- Labyrinth Walk – Parish House Forum Room
- Chair Yoga – Chapel
- Sound Healing – Sanctuary
Workshop Session 2 (11:00 – 11:45 AM) – Choose One
- Labyrinth Walk – Parish House Forum Room
- Art Creation with Scott Wright – Chapel
- United Disabilities Services Presentation – Sanctuary
Lunch Break (11:45 AM – 1:00 PM)
Afternoon Session
1:15 – 1:45 PM | Midday Gathering; Prayer, poetry, and music as we re-center for the afternoon.
Workshop Session 1 (2:00 – 2:45 PM) – Choose One
- Labyrinth Walk – Forum Room
- Chair Yoga – Chapel
- Sound Healing – Sanctuary
Workshop Session 2 (3:00 – 3:45 PM) – Choose One
- Labyrinth Walk – Parish House Forum Room
- Art Creation with Scott Wright – Chapel
- Lancaster Arc Presentation – Sanctuary
Sunday, November 2 | 11:45 AM | Parish House Forum Room
A Saint for Our Times: Vassar Miller and the Poetry of Disability
A brunch lecture by The Rev. Canon Dr. Judith Maltby following the 10:30 AM worship. $10 contribution at the door appreciated.
Monday, November 3 | Millersville University in the lower level of the Student Memorial Center
Disability, Medicine, Public Policy & Community Health
Morning Session 10 - 11:45 AM | Encountering Disability in Community Health
Keynote by Marisa Brown, Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disability Studies
Afternoon Session 1:30 - 3:30 PM | Encountering Disability and Public Health Policy
Keynote by Michael Gamel-McCormick, PhD, policy consultant and former academic and administrator and chief disability policy director for Sens. Tom Harkin and Bob Casey. Instrumental in his role on the US Senate Health, Education and Labor Committee and the Special Committee on Aging, and most recently, the US Senate Finance Committee.
All sessions and displays will be in the lower level of the Student Memorial Center.
Click here to download a campus map.
Encountering Disability Event Registration
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