Disability Concerns

With universal design as our model, what preparation steps and options can we plant within our children’s ministries, recognizing that God creates children with great variation? Here are some ideas. 

I was almost born. Actually, I was five months old and in my mother’s tummy. My mother had a test done and when the results came in, a nurse called the house and asked my parents, “So, when will you terminate this pregnancy?”

Children both amaze and inspire me to be a better person. As I see Christ in them, I know God has placed them in my ministry not only to learn as students, but to teach as well.

The kids who collaborated to write and star in this "Dear Teacher" video represent students with various learning disabilities. They wanted to share with educators how their brain works and offer simple ways teachers can help. 

From all outward appearances, Blake is a typical kindergarten boy. However, Blake has a sensory processing disorder. Almost daily Blake fights battles that are invisible to others.

This webinar explores the issues of depression and suicide particular to youth and how we as a church can be equipped to be effectively helpful and supportive.

What has your church done to train your children and youth leaders to engage kids with disabilities in church ministries?

Youth ministry leaders often struggle with how to include high school age participants who have autism; developmental disabilities; or physical, visual, hearing, or intellectual impairments. In the United States, starting a Young Life Capernaum group can be an excellent option.

Leaders from a local church, from Joni and Friends, and from CLC Network discuss tools and resources for engaging all children and youth, including those with autism; developmental disabilities; and physical, visual, hearing, and intellectual impairments, fully in the life of the congregation.

Ministry programs and lessons with children and youth can get derailed by the challenging behaviors of just one participant. In this lively video presentation, author and special educator Barbara Newman describes a way to respectfully redirect participants who are having a hard time staying focused.

It’s summertime! That means school is out and your church is most likely working on its summer programming. Your church can take a few simple steps so that every child will feel welcomed and included in your summer activities.