Including People with DisabilitiesOne of the most recognized books when it comes to welcoming people with disabilities in churches has been “Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities” by Erik Carter. You can pick up a copy on Amazon if you haven’t had a chance to read it yet.

The description for the book states,

Bringing his practical ideas to life with anecdotes, quotes, and examples of successful strategies, Erik Carter helps readers

  • reflect on how welcoming their congregation is—and could be—for people with disabilities and their families
  • articulate and pursue a bold vision of inclusion throughout their congregation, community, city, or state
  • take steps to break down attitudinal, architectural, programmatic, and other barriers to inclusion
  • design appropriate, inclusive religious education programs for children, youth, and adults
  • learn how service providers can actively support the spiritual preferences, strengths, and needs of people with disabilities

To make inclusion work in any faith community, this how-to book gives readers workable strategies and photocopiable forms for identifying “indicators of welcome,” encouraging community outreach, and gathering important information about the support needs of people with disabilities and their families.

This year, seven years after the initial book release, a quick-reference guide for congregational use has been released. Check it out below!