First Impressions

You have heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This is unequivocally true in all sectors of life, including disability ministry.

Do you know where most families affected by disability get their first impression of your church?

Online! Does your disability ministry have an online presence? If not, you may have some work to do. Many families will never show up in person if they are not impressed or at minimum informed about your ministry by what they read online. Here is a list of things to include on your church website.

• Disability Ministry is easy to find on the church website
• Programs: Descriptions, Times, Locations Listed
• Events: Descriptions, Times, Locations Listed
• Staff Member’s Name, Picture, and Contact Information
• Walkthrough Video
• Social Story

After families have seen you online having an in-person visit is much more likely. The next thing to consider is your church campus. Is it fully accessible? If not, it will communicate a message that is not consistent with your heart. If you are not sure if your church campus is accessible download our church campus accessibility checklist.

Now you are well on your way to making a great first impression!

What’s next?

• Be sure your staff and volunteers are background checked, trained, and easily identifiable.
• Have family welcome gift bags available
• Have generic sensory bags available
• Offer to make custom sensory boxes
• Post visual schedules

Want to go the extra mile?

Below are two different things you can offer for families before they ever show up.

• Offer pre-registration & specific information gathering. If you are not sure what type of information to gather? Download our information sheets for children, teens, and adults.
• Family tour & meet the staff opportunities