The Harold H. Wilke Fund

The United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries has designated a fund to honor the life and ministry of Harold H. Wilke, devoted minister, disability advocate and pioneer.

Dr. Wilke’s exemplary ministry within the UCC and the world forged a path for leaders with disabilities to emerge. Donations to the UCC DM continue to support his legacy so that leaders with disabilities continue to rise in our midst.

A UCC minister, the first chair of the UCC DM (then the National Committee for Persons with Disabilities), a member of the U.S. Council for the Year of Disabled Persons and a founding board member of both the National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.) and its international arm, the World Committee on Disability —

Dr. Wilke was noted for his unique role in delivering the blessing at the White House signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. Following the signing, President George H.W. Bush passed the signing pen to Rev. Wilke, who accepted it with his foot — because he was born without arms.

Rev. Wilke focused on his own abilities, rather than his disability. He had a distinguished career in four areas of service: the Church, rehabilitation medicine, teaching, and government. Ordained as a minister of the United Church of Christ, he served on the faculty at Union Theological Seminary in New York, the UCC national staff, and directed The Healing Community, which promotes awareness about access to a life of faith.

He published numerous books and articles, including Creating the Caring Congregation and Angels on My Shoulders among others for congregations moving to integrate persons with disabilities into the life and service of faith communities.

Donations to the Wilke Fund may be sent to:

Michelle Hintz
Local Church Ministries – UCC DM Wilke Fund
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland Ohio 44115-1100