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Removing Barriers, Creating Communities of Belonging.
January 2025
I will make you as a light for the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.
Isaiah 49:6
Glorious Epiphany to you,
As people with disabilities “check out” our church websites and consider visiting, they often wonder what their welcome will be. Having information potential visitors can find on your church website is helpful. This can serve as a first step for informing others what services and options are available. Ability Ministry has a Church Campus Accessibility Checklist you can use as a starting point.
People tend to initially think of physical accessibility, but it is helpful to include sensory aspects of your worship service and educational environments. Providing large print Bibles and amplified sound can be helpful for people with low vision and diminished hearing. Make note of quiet areas parents and individuals can use if needed for someone on the autism spectrum or someone experiencing anxiety or overstimulation. Let people know if you use incense.
If you can arrange for a mentor to accompany a child or youth, let folks know who to contact regarding a meeting to determine agreeable accommodations to meet the needs appropriately. Share your current resources. You can add more resources as needs arise. By posting something on the church website and with other church handouts, shows you are attentive to these needs. Here’s a sample from my church.
Jody Farmer has said: “We can’t do everything, but we can each do something!”
Welcoming people with disabilities, can start by sharing your current resources. It helps families and individuals know who to contact and what to expect when they visit.
Let folks know “Everyone Welcome” does in fact include people with disabilities.
May God’s light and love shine through you this Epiphany!
Deacon Kathy Ayres
AcLN Director
Connecting People and Sharing Resources
to support the church's ministry
with and by people with disabilities.
Behold, the LORD our God has shown us his glory and greatness.
Deuteronomy 5:24
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