Encountering Disability

Three days of community building

Floating Flowers, Ink and Fabric Paint by Sharon L, a Friendship Community resident.

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.

Click here to register for any or all of the events!

Program Overview

Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 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 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, which are able to cater to different needs, sensitivities and abilities. Participants are welcome to attend both the morning AND afternoon if they wish, and 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 AM - 12:00 PM
Afternoon Session 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Sunday, November 2 | At Saint James, After the 10:30 AM Mass – A saint for our times: Vasser 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, 2025 at Millersville University
Disability, Medicine, Public Policy & Community Care

Morning Session 10 - 11:45 AM | Encountering Disability in Community Health
Keynote by Marissa Brown, Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disability Studies

Afternoon Session 1:30 - 3:30 PM | Encountering Disability in Public Health
Keynote by Michael Gamel-McCormick, policy consultant, Washington, DC and Medicaid adviser for Senate Finance Committee and Association of University Centers for Disabilities