Disability, Faith and Flourishing

A new initiative is supporting churches in creating more welcoming and accessible experiences for people with autism. Erik W. Carter, Ph.D., the Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities in the School of Education and executive director of the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities (BCDD), is helping launch an interdisciplinary initiative on disability, faith and flourishing.

Carter and his colleagues will be offering training for ministry leaders, creating practical resources for churches and developing new ministry partnerships to help churches widen their welcome so that people with disabilities and their families have opportunities to participate fully and meaningfully in the life of their church.

“Autistic people are indispensable members of the body. Like anyone else, their gifts and friendship are needed within our faith communities,” Carter said. “Sometimes, however, where or how we gather can inadvertently exclude people. We should instead adopt attitudes and actions that lead to greater inclusion and belonging.”

Some steps that churches can take:

• Recognize that one in five people residing in your community experience some type of disability. One in 36 children are autistic. Be ready to welcome and support their presence before they ever arrive.
• Identify barriers that might keep people from participating in worship services, religious education, service activities and fellowship events. Gather a team to reflect on your current practices and implement needed changes.
• Ask people about the supports and opportunities that will enable their full participation. Avoid assumptions and embrace a posture of gracious flexibility.
• Affirm that every person is made in the image of God and is of immeasurable value.
• Educate staff, ministry leaders and volunteers about autism and the ways your faith community can demonstrate hospitality and support. 
• Commit to encouraging inclusion in all aspects of the church. For example, autistic children often benefit from having adapted activities, sensory supports or buddy systems.
• Prioritize relationships over programs. Encourage connections between Sundays so that new friendships can develop and deepen.
• Find ways that people with disabilities can share their gifts and serve others through the church.