Entries by Ashley Belknap

Enfolding Families with Autism into Church
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Families impacted by autism often want the same things in church that your family wants—a place to belong and grow in Christ with friends who love them. Successfully enfolding these families is accomplished by creating an […]

Autism and Children’s Ministry
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Children’s ministry is often the first place we encounter families navigating life with autism. In the nursery you may find babies who cannot be soothed. With toddlers, you may notice […]

Church Websites That Reach Families with Disabilities
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In today’s digital age, your church’s website provides a front-door view into the heart of the congregation. Twenty years ago, families impacted by disability would have driven by your church […]

Educating Your Congregation on Disability Ministry
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There are many simple, ordinary ways to educate your congregation in disability ministry. We typically think of training and education as a formal process with a teacher. But greater understanding […]

Embracing Movement and Sound in Worship
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Each church has its own worship characteristics. For example: Music may be led by a choir, a praise team, or both. Instruments may (or may not) include an organ, piano, […]

Creating a Break Room to Support Worship
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Families living with many types of disability may benefit from a space to take a break when worship or sensory demands become too much. Break rooms are for temporary respite […]

Enfolding Children with Special Needs into VBS
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With a little preparation, your special-needs children can be active participants in Vacation Bible School! Here are a few tips to get you started: Begin small. If you have never […]

Hearing Accommodations in the Sanctuary
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Many of us take for granted being able to clearly hear the sermon during worship. There are likely to be individuals in your congregation who have mild to severe hearing […]