Announcing our Inaugural Conference emerging from our vision to honour the lives of people with disabilities - exploring the intellectual disability theology for life, service, community and society - welcoming academics and professionals, church leaders and people involved in disability ministry, families and carers living in the context of disability

Theme - Honour the Indispensible
Keynote Speaker - Jeff McNair

Jeff McNair is a Professor of Special Education at Calfornia Baptist University where he has worked for 26 years.  He directs the Education Specialist Program in Moderate to Severe Disabilities and the entirely online MA Program in Disability Studies.  He also works for the Joni and Friends Christian Institute on Disability, serving as Director of the Policy Center, which includes the role of Senior Editor of the Journal of the Christian Institute on Disability.  

He has authored many articles and several books, travels widely and speaks at conferences and training events on a range of disability issues in society, education and Christian ministry.   With his wife, Kathi, he has been personally involved in ministry to and with adults with intellectual disabilities at their local church for nearly 40 years.

Other speakers include:

Ian Dickson is the Director of Tiō. Ian has a background in pastoral ministry and theological education. He teaches, supervises, writes and speaks on intellectual disability, theology and the church.
Jill Harshaw has passionate interest in intellectual disability and theology which has developed over many years and represents an integration of both her academic background and her personal experience as the mother of a woman who has profound and complex intellectual disabilities.
Paul Coulter has a long association with Prospects, primarily as a leader and teacher in their Lisburn (Causeway) ministry group and as a member of their NI Regional Development Group.
Ivan Bankhead worked as a Clinical Psychologist working with adults and children who have intellectual disabilities. His Master of Theology explores the history of intellectual disability and the Church.
Rachael Mackarel worked with adults with disabilities as a Support Worker for over 6 years.  She completed her Master of Theology researching on the subject of intellectual disability and the use of the Bible.  Rachael and her Team pioneered theology courses for people with intellectual disabilities.
Donna Jennings is a qualified teacher and is passionate about building church in community.  Her entry into the world of disability came with her son's diagnosis of Autism and the challenges of his severe learning disability.

Format

3 plenary sessions and a choice to attend 2 of the 4 workshops, plus other opportunities to hear from other organisations working in the field of disability.  
Full conference ticket also includes BBQ, refreshments and lunch.
All main sessions are signed.  Several workshops will include signing.

Programme

Click here to view the programme. (updated 31st May 2016)

Venue

All events are held on campus, free carparking is available.

Accommodation

Limited self-catered hostel accommodation is available on campus from £16 per night, please contact the college for further details. 
Beechlawn House Hotel is within walking distance to the campus.
Ramada Plaza, Shaws Bridge, Belfast is within 10 minutes drive to the campus www.ramadaplazabelfast.com
A list of approved Guesthouses is available from visit-belfast.com/stay-in-belfast/accommodation
For more information on getting to the college see www.belfastbiblecollege.com/contact

When

Friday, 10 June 2016 at 18:45 - Saturday, 11 June 2016 at 15:45 

Where

Belfast Bible College - Glenburn Road South Dunmurry BT17 9JP GB - View Map

Book Here