Owen Middleton has a dream for The Salvation Army

Celebrated annually on 3 December, International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) serves to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability around the globe. For Salvos, this day offers a unique opportunity to actively live out the message of the Gospel: that all are welcome, all are loved, and all have a place in the body of Christ. A substantial Christian calling that lends itself to a vision where earth better reflects God’s kingdom as it is in heaven.
BY HANNAH NAIM*
In sharing his lived experience of disability, Waverley Temple Salvationist Owen Middleton hopes that Salvos across the nation will approach IDPwD this year, and in years to come, with deeper intention, prayer and celebration.
An accident at a fun fair at nine years of age left Owen with an acquired brain injury, which rendered him blind. He also suffers from partial deafness.
When asked about the importance of disability inclusion, Owen replied, “In John 9, Jesus spat on the ground, made mud with saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. Go, he told him, wash in the pool of Siloam, so the man went and washed and came home seeing.
“This is just one example of Jesus looking out for people with disabilities. He showed us through his actions that this is important to him, so it needs to be important to us as his followers,” said Owen.
Just like everyone else, people with disabilities have a lot to offer. Their individual gifts, talents and strengths are integral to The Salvation Army’s mission and applicable to ministry development.
“Because of my disability (vision impairment), I have been able to help people. I’ve had opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have to minister and bring the word to people through my story,” said Owen.

One in every five Australians has a disability – a significant number that should be reflected across mission engagement and leadership opportunities.
“We could be seen by more people on the outside as a beacon to the community,” said Owen. “A light on the hill that will give everyone a chance. No matter who you are, you have a place within The Salvation Army.”
The question is, how should raising awareness, understanding and acceptance be approached so that genuine disability inclusion becomes embedded into the culture of The Salvation Army?
“Inclusion is not created overnight; however, the more disabled people there are within our corps or communities, the easier it gets.”
“Nine times out of 10, the best way to identify a person’s needs when it comes to inclusion is to speak to them. Listen to them and be guided by them.”
By joining forces with Owen and the Mission Resources team, the Intercultural and Disability Inclusion Team has developed a resource for those keen to explore ways to celebrate IDPwD within their local context.
The resource, which contains practical tips, biblical reflections, intergenerational content and more, has something for everyone. It equips teams across The Salvation Army with the tools to fruitfully celebrate IDPwD, embrace people with disabilities as Jesus intended and discern pathways for greater inclusion in the future.
*Hannah Naim is the Disability Inclusion Coordinator for the Mission Support Department
Resources
• The IDPwD resource is available now on MySalvos. Click here
• Watch a video of Owen’s story, click here
