One of the biggest challenges in disability ministry is learning to communicate effectively with people who are nonverbal. However, this is not something to fear. There are many ways to communicate successfully using nonverbal methods, such as the ones we have previously explained here. It should come as no surprise that Jesus models this for […]
God is not silent on the topic of disability, nor should the Church be! The Bible teaches us much about the theology of disability. There are many stories featuring people with disabilities. Below you will find ten of the more significant passages and their takeaways. 1. The Paralyzed Man Lowered Through the Roof (Mark 2:1-12) […]
Student Ministries play a crucial role in the spiritual and personal development of teenagers. It’s essential for churches to create environments where all teens, including those with disabilities, feel welcomed and included. Here are some ways to make that happen: Create a Culture of Acceptance Start by fostering a culture where all students feel accepted, […]
Including leaders with disabilities in church leadership and worship services brings profound benefits to the entire congregation. Here are some key advantages: 1. Reflects the Diversity of God’s Kingdom: When individuals with disabilities take on leadership roles, it visibly reflects the diverse nature of God’s creation. It shows that everyone, regardless of ability, is valued […]
Supporting children with special needs who exhibit aggressive behaviors in a church setting can be challenging, but with the right strategies, these children can thrive in a safe and inclusive environment. Here are ten effective ways to help them succeed while ensuring safety for all. 1. Develop Individualized Plans Work with the child’s parents or […]
Effective communication with nonspeaking people requires creativity, patience, and empathy. Whether due to a developmental condition, physical impairment, or other factors, nonspeaking individuals often find alternative ways to connect. Here are ten strategies to facilitate meaningful communication: 1. Use Visual Aids Visual communication tools like picture boards, flashcards, or apps with symbols and images can […]
It can be overwhelming to decide where to begin with disability ministry curriculum. What series do I start with? Should I plan it out for an entire year or is there a better way? What happens during holidays? We discuss our recommendations on how to get started and longer-term planning for your curriculum. Listen to […]
Why Our Vans Are Mission Critical: We put thousands of miles on our vans every year to provide transportation for our residents. Ability Ministry advocates for the disability community and spreads the news that God has given everyone abilities. Working provides our residents with a sense of responsibility, opportunity, builds self-esteem and allows our residents […]
I almost threw up in my local red bullseye store last week. I wasn’t sick, but the sight of employees in red polos and khaki pants erecting school supply displays full of notebooks, pencils, lunch boxes and backpacks with all manner of designs made my stomach hurt. There’s the classic Christmas Creep, where stores begin […]
Grace Dudley with Beyond Ministry in Winchester, VA recently put together an excellent training resource. Here are her thoughts on the material: “This training is catered toward people who want to be a peer/buddy or teacher within the classroom. I will be leading the training, and it will be predominately in-person, lecture-style. There are a […]
Because Jesus' table is accessible for everyone...
We desire to see the Church make room for all people affected by disability. To fully participate. To fully partner. To fully lead.
We exist to equip and empower the 25% of the population with a disability, their families, and their churches to become who God has created them to be.