Community and belonging are central to many faith and spiritual traditions. Yet, people with disabilities face many barriers to access and inclusion. Addressing these barriers acts as a catalyst not just for participation, but for true belonging. Shifting the conversation from “can people with disabilities attend our worship services?” to “who is missing from our gatherings, and what would it take to make everyone feel seen, heard, and valued here?” demonstrates how accessibility can move beyond welcoming to create genuine belonging.
When people think about accessibility, physical features such as ramps, elevators, and accessible seating often come to mind. While these are critical, it’s important to recognize that not all disabilities are visible or physical. Expanding our understanding of accessibility and disability allows faith and spiritual organizations to better meet the full needs of disabled individuals. [continue reading…]
Language has the power to shape how we see each other. The words we use to talk about disability influence how people feel, how they are treated, and how fully they are included in our communities.
Welcoming disabled individuals into leadership brings fresh perspectives, challenges stereotypes, and deepens the sense of belonging for all. When leadership is truly inclusive, faith communities become more compassionate, equitable, and reflective of the diverse people they serve.
As we begin the spring season, we recognize several important religious observances happening across different faiths. Embracing and accommodating these events within our faith communities fosters inclusivity and respect for all traditions. It’s essential that we create spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, can fully engage in these celebrations. 
Accessibility is not just a checklist to tick off; it is an ongoing commitment to ensuring that all members, from every background and belief, feel truly valued and embraced. Every individual, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to fully engage in worship, rituals, traditions, and community life. Creating and nurturing an accessible faith community is a profound testament to the power of inclusion, the depth of belonging, and the strength of our shared humanity.
We are happy to announce the launch of our pilot project Raising Awareness and Advancing Disability Inclusion in the Christian Community, made possible by a generous Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW), Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.
Every year on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan (April 22 on the Gregorian calendar this year) Jewish people celebrate Passover. We gather at homes and synagogues for the first of two seders. The Haggadah includes the order of the rituals, blessings, songs, and readings. It even tells when to eat the seder meal.
