What is a disability?

A disability is any condition that limits a person’s ability to engage in or fully participate in typical activities. 

70% of disabilities are invisible. You may not be able to tell from appearance alone that a person needs support. That is why it is important to share which accommodations may help.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

For more than thirty years, Darin has turned what could have disqualified him into the message that's shaped leaders, families, and students across the country.

Common Accommodations

  • Some people find worship services overwhelming because of noise, emotional expression, crowds or lights. Things that can help are sensory supports such as noise-reducing headphones, earplugs, sensory rooms, or quiet spaces where you can take a break and return when you're ready.

  • Many churches provide sensory-friendly accommodations such as headphones, earplugs, or access to a sensory room. These tools can help make worship services more comfortable and accessible.

  • Social situations can be challenging for many people. Church leaders and volunteers can help by introducing you to others, providing structured opportunities to connect. Smaller settings, such as ladies or men’s groups or a life group, can also help you connect with others.

  • Absolutely. Our services are filled with movement! When things are calmer, many people focus and participate better when they can move. Fidgets, busy bags, flexible seating options, or designated movement-friendly spaces can help you stay engaged during services.

  • Busy bags contain items that help individuals stay regulated and focused during worship. These tools can include sensory toys, tactile objects, coloring materials, or other quiet activities.

  • A fidget can help some people stay calm, focused, and engaged during worship or teaching. Hand movements provide sensory input that may reduce restlessness, improve attention, and help with emotional regulation. For many individuals, a simple fidget can make it easier to participate in church activities without becoming overwhelmed. There are many types of fidgets, and not everyone enjoys the same type so churches often have a few different types available.

  • If service is just too much or you need to leave because of a medical condition, many churches provide quiet rooms, family rooms, or other safe spaces where you can continue listening or watching the service (via a feed or a monitor). Take a break when you need to. This can help you reset and then rejoin when you are feeling calmer.

  • Masking is when a person hides or suppresses their natural behaviors, challenges, or support needs in order to fit in with others. Someone may force eye contact, copy social behaviors, hide sensory discomfort, or avoid asking for accommodations. While masking can help a person blend in, it often requires significant mental and emotional effort. Over time, masking can lead to stress, anxiety, exhaustion, or burnout. At ABLE Ministry, we believe people should be able to participate in church as their authentic selves without feeling pressured to hide who they are.

  • You're not alone. Many people experience challenges with reading due to dyslexia, visual processing differences, or other learning disabilities. Accessible options may include dyslexia-friendly Bibles, large-print Bibles, audio Bibles, Bible apps with read-aloud features, video-based Bible lessons, and other formats designed to support different learning styles.

  • Unexpected changes can be stressful. Visual schedules or agendas that explain what happens next, church calendars, social stories that explain how events will unfold, service outlines, and advance communication about changes can help reduce anxiety and increase predictability.

  • A visual schedule uses words, pictures, or symbols to show what will happen during a service, class, or event. Knowing what to expect can help individuals feel more comfortable and confident.

  • ABLE Ministry encourages churches to work with individuals and families to identify accommodations that remove barriers and create opportunities for full participation in worship, discipleship, fellowship, and ministry. Every person deserves the opportunity to belong and grow in their faith.

    For youth and children, a Spiritual Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is a 15-question form that helps churches have a conversation about what a person needs for support so they can fully participate in church life and get to know Jesus.