Many congregations have ministries to disabled people and some have pastors in charge of outreach.
Campaigns are under way to increase awareness of disability and to create churches that are more accessible. Access does not mean that churches must undertake extensive renovations, according to Ginny Thornburgh, director of NOD 's religion program. Churches are also being encouraged to provide ministries for disabled people. One of the 1998 awards went to Phoenix First Assembly of God, which has separate wheelchair, handicapped, and nursing home ministries. By Mary Cagney.