Inclusive Church

It’s one of those universal truths that it is hard for special needs families to be a part of their faith communities. But there are a number of things, some pretty conventional and some maybe not so much, that will go a long way to helping special needs families feel more included and supported in their church family.

1. If a family can’t make it to church take church to them. Arrange to visit and worship with a family that can’t always make it out to regular gatherings. If there are medically fragile people in the home make sure everyone who visits is in good health before they visit.
2. Invite special needs families to events, official functions, playdates, even a simple walk around the block or over for a cup of coffee. Even if the answer has to be no the inclusive act of extending the invitation in the first place, especially for the more mundane things, helps to communicate to a family a sense of inclusion and connectedness.
3. Host a date night. Arrange for some entertaining childcare and a nice quiet meal for the caregivers. Even families without special needs to consider would appreciate this kind of thoughtful gesture from their church.
4. When you’re done giving the caregivers a bit of a break host a family fun night so that everyone can all have fun together. Arrange for activities that accommodate the unique circumstances of the special needs families. The things that make it hard for these families to take part in corporate worship probably make it hard for them to take part in ordinary family activities as well.
5. Do a little homework. Ask families about their specific situation but it is good to bring some general background knowledge to the table as well. Sometimes a family is so consumed with the basics that they don’t have the time or energy for something fancy like, “How can we include your family in church services.”
6. Contact the specialized staff in the schools in your neighborhood to learn about how they meet the needs of special needs students. Speech therapists, occupational therapists, and special education teachers are a good resource for learning about different types of accommodations that can be made in a community setting.
7. Take the initiative to incorporate tips from special educators, speech therapists, and occupational therapists into religious instruction for children and adults. Don’t expect parents or caregivers to do all of the work. Meet them halfway with careful and creative thinking.
8. Work with special needs support groups to help develop supports that will allow special needs families to be more connected to their faith community.
9. Host parenting classes or support groups for parents or caregivers aimed specifically at equipping them, practically and emotionally, for the very important jobs they do.
10. Help educate the rest of the congregation about the special needs in their midst and ways to accommodate them.