By Brent Lacy

One in four Americans has a disability. That means in a church of 65 people, statistically 16 of them are living with some form of disability.

And yet most small churches have no intentional plan for welcoming and including people with disabilities. Not because they do not care. Because they do not know where to start.

Here is where to start.

Why This Matters

Families with a disabled member are one of the most underserved populations in the American church. Many have tried attending church and found it unwelcoming, inaccessible, or simply unprepared for their family’s needs. They stopped coming. Not because they stopped believing. Because the church stopped making room for them.

A small church that intentionally welcomes people with disabilities will reach families that larger, more polished churches have failed to serve.

Start with Awareness

Before you build a program, build awareness. Talk to families in your congregation who have a disabled member. Ask them: “What would make this church more welcoming for your family? What barriers do you face?”

Their answers will tell you more than any curriculum or training program. And the act of asking communicates that you see them and you care.

Physical Accessibility

Start with the basics. Walk through your building with fresh eyes and ask: can someone in a wheelchair navigate this space? Can someone with low vision find their way around? Are there accessible restrooms?

Many small churches meet in older buildings that were not designed with accessibility in mind. You may not be able to fix everything. But you can fix what you can and communicate honestly about what you cannot.

Sensory Considerations

Many people with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, or anxiety find typical church services overwhelming. Loud music, unpredictable schedules, and crowded spaces can make participation impossible.

Simple accommodations that cost nothing:

• Provide a printed order of service so people know what to expect
• Designate a quiet room where families can watch the service without the sensory intensity
• Train greeters to be aware of sensory needs and offer accommodations proactively
• Avoid sudden loud sounds or unexpected changes to the service format

Buddy Programs

A buddy program pairs a trained volunteer with a child or adult with a disability to support their participation in church activities. The buddy is not a caregiver. They are a companion who helps the person participate in the same activities as everyone else.

A small church can start a buddy program with two or three trained volunteers. The training does not have to be elaborate. A 2-hour session covering disability awareness, communication strategies, and the specific needs of the individuals being served is enough to start.

Communicating That You Are Welcoming

Families with disabled members will not assume your church is welcoming. You have to tell them. And then you have to show them.

• Add a statement on your website: “We are committed to welcoming people of all abilities.”
• List specific accommodations you offer: accessible parking, quiet room, buddy program.
• Train your greeters to proactively ask: “Is there anything we can do to make your experience here better?”

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