Navigating the Early Days of a Diagnosis: A Personal Reflection
“Why did this happen?” “Can I do this forever?” We sit with the hardest questions at the onset of disability and map a path from crisis care to true belonging.
Navigating the Intersection of Marriage and Disability
Love shouldn’t require choosing between marriage and basic support. We unpack consent, benefits, and real caregiving in disability relationships and what churches can actually do.
For the Whole Family Impacted by Disability
84% of autistic kids are less likely to attend church. What would change if we started with welcome and worth, not programs? Hear practical steps: buddies, access, caregiver support. Listen now and tell us: what’s one barrier you can remove this week?
Intentional Environment from the Start
Most churches say they’re disability-friendly. Most families disagree. We break down how to close that gap with prayer, smart assessment, and small wins that last.
Building Trust
Parents remember two things: how you protect their story and how you plan after hard moments. We break down confidentiality, safety, and strength-based communication. Ready to rebuild trust one step at a time?
Church for All
We unpack why “inclusion” isn’t enough and how real access changes everything. Hear practical steps to move beyond pity to purpose.
Embracing Clarity in Communication: A Journey Towards Understanding
Tired of conversations that miss the mark? We unpack autism and literal language, show why clarity beats hints, and share simple steps that lower anxiety.
Embracing Wiggle Seats: A Path to Inclusive Learning
Think wiggle seats are gimmicks? We break down the science, the pitfalls, and the faith-centered why behind sensory tools that boost focus and dignity. Hit play, then share: what strategy has actually helped your kids engage?
Creating a Welcoming Church Environment for Individuals with Disabilities
Ready to serve every image-bearer, not just the easy ones? Learn how to start small, build the right team, and make accessibility spiritual, social, and physical. What barrier will you tackle first?
Teens with Disabilities in Church
Youth rooms are loud, chaotic, and holy. We share simple ways to reduce overload, train peers, and use floater buddies so every teen can worship and serve. Ready to build an inclusive youth ministry that lasts? What barrier do you see most?
Building Trust in Disability Ministry
Parents remember two things: how you protect their story and how you plan after hard moments. We break down confidentiality, safety, and strength-based communication. Ready to rebuild trust one step at a time? Listen now—what’s your biggest barrier?
Building an Inclusive Community in Faith
Hot take: disability ministry isn’t a side room—it’s the engine room. We lay out a both-and model that honors gifts, not labels. Ready to rethink silos, buddies, and leadership? Tune in and share your next step! What stood out to you most?
Predictable Words, Powerful Connection
Ever hear someone quote a movie in a tense moment and wonder why? Autistic scripting can be real communication and a path to connection. Learn how to listen, respond, and support. What line have you heard that meant more than it seemed?
From Labels To Stories: Seeing The Whole Person
Kids are curious. The real question: how do we guide their questions so they honor the person, not the label? Find practical scripts, mindset shifts, and faith-centered tips to build inclusion.
Stop Saying “Let Us Know” And Start Showing Up
Ready to make the gospel accessible in real, measurable ways? Start by bearing one anothers burdens.
Accessibility Is Discipleship
Noise-canceling headphones on a wall hook can be an act of love. We share practical steps for sensory bags, mobile carts, and affordable sensory rooms that make the gospel accessible. What’s the first item you’d stock?
When Understanding Starts With Being Understood
If the lights buzz and the heart is heavy, learning stalls. We break down sensory fixes, emotional tools, and the “simple, concrete, repeat” method for teaching God’s Word.
Answering Hard Faith Questions About Disability With Honesty And Care
“Why did God make me this way?” We face the toughest questions families ask about disability and faith—starting with listening, then Scripture, then hope.
Preparing a Team for Disability Ministry
Most churches think they’re disability-friendly. Most families disagree. Discover how to recruit, train, and protect volunteers while truly welcoming every family.
Guiding Faith with Compliance
“Legal minimums” won’t make your church accessible. Learn how to move from ADA exemptions to real inclusion, handle meltdowns with dignity, and write policies that protect everyone.
About the Blog
The world has gone from an isolating perspective of people with disabilities to a celebration of disabilities. In years past, it is unlikely to have regular interaction with someone with a disability. Today, statistics show that almost 1 in 5 people are impacted by disability. Over 60 million Americans have a disability. Yet, over 80% of those people do not attend church.
Thankfully, we’ve come so far in our treatment of people with disabilities, but we’ve not fully arrived. In the almost 10 years I have been in disability ministry, the statistics changed from 90% to a little over 80% of people with disabilities not attending church. The world has taken significant, not perfect, but significant steps, like television shows, campaigns, and inclusion in our schools and sports.
The world looks like it’s doing a better job, and to some degree it is, but we’re nowhere near where we need to be. Especially the church. The over 80% of people with disabilities not attending church is unacceptable! It’s time for our churches to make big strides. The church must become the most welcoming, valuing, and inclusive place for individuals with disabilities and their families.
The future is bright because pastors, leaders, churches, and volunteers are stepping out and standing up to make sure all of the parts of the body of Christ are included in His church. Not enough, not perfectly, but we are seeing a shift, and the pastors and leaders recognize the need.
God created his people for fellowship. He created us to know Him and love Him through a relationship with Him. Beyond the ultimate goal of being in a relationship with God, the scriptures are endless regarding the benefits, promises, and commands of fellowshipping with one another. No one was meant to live alone. We were meant for community. So let’s keep the conversation going so that we can work together towards the goal of a fully accessible church. Physically accessible, socially accessible, and spiritually accessible. So that every person can have the opportunity to know Christ, grow in Him, and serve Him with the gifts He has given.
Everyone wants a how-to, step-by-step instruction booklet. Parents want it for raising children. A handbook on teenagers would be fantastic! A written job description gives direction to a new employee. However, the fix of a quick read from the endless books, pamphlets, or descriptions that exist to inform us on the how-to of any topic will never outdo the entirety of the Bible. The scriptures should always be your first resource. But after that, I have some resources for you! Recently, I have written a book about my personal experience as a parent, titled “The Indispensable Kid” as well as a ministry how-to book, titled “Gospel Accessibility and Indispensable People: Disability Ministry, Foundations, Relationships, Programs, Strategies, and Co-laboring in Christ.” Click the link to order yours today!