Disability ministries often start in children’s ministry, meeting the needs of the children already attending the church. The hope is the ministry will grow not only to reach new families, but to make everything you church does accessible to these families. We can visualize where they are now and where we want them to be:
- In the lobby or at home – waiting
- In a classroom – learning
- In the worship service – worshiping
- In homes – fellowshiping
- In the community – serving
Our churches can provide these opportunities for special needs families like they provide them for everyone else! If you’re ready to take more steps toward accessibility and inclusion, check out these resources:
- Why the Home Group Model Is Hard for Special-Needs Families and How to Make It Easier
- How special needs inclusion changes the culture of the church
- Shining a Light on the Struggles of Shadow Siblings (what churches can do to help)
- How Churches Can Support Struggling Adoptive Families
- Tips for Communicating with Special-Needs Parents
- Family Care Plan
- Creating ISPs (Individualized Spiritual Plans!) for Students with Special Needs, Learning Disabilities, and Behavioral Diagnoses
- Key Ministry podcast episode: 018: The Evolution of a Disability Ministry Leadership Position from Volunteer, to Part Time, to Full Time with Sandra Peoples
For more resources, check out the All Access Disability Ministry Conference! In 2023, all the sessions were virtual. Use code “Sandra” to get $20 off the ticket price.