Disability Ministry Do’s and Don’ts

20 Disability Ministry Do’s

1. Do treat people with disabilities as image-bearers of God.
2. Do ask before helping. Respect autonomy.
3. Do build authentic relationships, not just programs.
4. Do use person-first or identity-first language as preferred by the individual.
5. Do ensure physical accessibility—ramps, restrooms, parking.
6. Do train your volunteers well. Consistency matters.
7. Do listen to the disability community. Their voice is essential.
8. Do communicate clearly—visually, verbally, and through repetition.
9. Do adapt lessons to multiple learning styles.
10. Do prepare for sensory sensitivities. Have calm spaces.
11. Do celebrate spiritual growth at every level.
12. Do include people with disabilities in leadership roles.
13. Do ask families what they need—then actually follow through.
14. Do create an inclusive culture, not just a separate program.
15. Do advocate for accessibility in church events and retreats.
16. Do think long-term. Relationships, not quick fixes.
17. Do welcome behaviors that may look different. Grace first.
18. Do stay consistent—trust is built over time.
19. Do empower and disciple, not just entertain.
20. Do preach the Gospel clearly and lovingly to all abilities.

 20 Disability Ministry Don’ts

1. Don’t treat people with disabilities like charity cases.
2. Don’t assume everyone with a disability is the same.
3. Don’t use baby talk or talk down to adults.
4. Don’t exclude individuals from worship or sacraments.
5. Don’t build a ministry without listening to those it serves.
6. Don’t keep people with disabilities hidden in separate rooms forever.
7. Don’t treat behavior as rebellion without seeking to understand it.
8. Don’t assume nonverbal means unable to understand.
9. Don’t rely solely on volunteers with no training.
10. Don’t neglect emergency plans for safety and accessibility.
11. Don’t forget to plan for siblings and caregivers too.
12. Don’t invite people to church only to ignore them when they arrive.
13. Don’t push away families because of “disruptions.”
14. Don’t make inclusion optional—it’s a Gospel issue.
15. Don’t use disability as a sermon illustration without permission.
16. Don’t see disability ministry as a “nice extra.”
17. Don’t overpromise and underdeliver to families desperate for help.
18. Don’t wait for the “perfect” setup to get started.
19. Don’t ignore the spiritual needs of individuals with disabilities.
20. Don’t assume Jesus isn’t already working in their lives.