| An elderly woman calls in desperation. Her plea, "I have no access to the Bible. The only thing that I can use is my landline phone." A caregiver, serving adults with intellectual disabilities says, “I am wanting to bring them to a church that can accommodate them.” Another person calls, “I’m trying to find a church that provides transportation, so I can continue to worship and fellowship with other believers.” | | | | | Over the years, we have received a number of calls like these... people, desperately searching to find a church equipped to meet their needs. Some inquiries include negative past experiences such as difficulties fitting in, feeling unwelcome, or even a lack of value placed on the individual or family, by the church. Even if you don't have a special needs ministry in your church or organization, the statistics show that you likely connect with someone impacted by disability. Roughly 65 million Americans have a disability, that's 15-20% of your local community. | | | | How can you help make the Gospel accessible? | | The FREE Disability Friendly Church Survey is a resource for anyone interested in serving those with disabilities, not just churches. Whether you are already educated in Disability Ministry or looking to learn more about volunteering with or beginning a new disability ministry within your church, we believe you will find this survey a helpful guide in meeting the needs of those in the disability community. Special needs ministry is not a ministry that fits in a box with a pretty bow. It boils down to people, loving people, right where they’re at. 65 million people in America have a disability. Over 85% are not coming to church. Change happens when we find ways to say: | We can help. You are welcome here! | |
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