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?
When Access Becomes Discipleship: Communication
Ever felt left out by language? We map the path from isolation to inclusion with strategies for hearing, speech, visual, and mobility needs. Tune in, grab the checklist, and tell us: Where does your church need the most growth?
Breaking Down Labels
"A label is not defining. A label is a piece." Powerful reminder that disability diagnoses don't tell the whole story. Getting to know someone changes everything. How do you move beyond stereotypes?
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!