Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

From Barriers to Belonging for People with Disabilities: Promising Pathways Toward Inclusive Ministry

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Religion, Disability, and Interpersonal Violence

Abstract

Faith communities are called to be places of hospitality, reciprocity, and belonging. Yet many congregations still struggle to welcome and weave people with disabilities and their families deeply into all aspects of community life. This chapter addresses promising pathways through which congregations might make movements to invite and support the full participation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Six areas of emphasis are explored—reflecting, inviting, preparing, participating, serving, and belonging. Avenues for future research in this emerging area of scholarship are described, along with recommendations for congregations interested in investing more deeply in this area of ministry.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Amado, A. N., Boice, C., Degrande, M., & Hutcheson, S. (2013). BeFrienders: Impact of a social ministry program on relationships for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). Journal of Religion, Disability, and Health, 17, 1–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities & The Arc. (2010). Spirituality: A joint position statement of AAIDD and the arc. Washington, DC: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, R. C. (2003). Infusing the graduate theological curriculum with education about disability: Addressing the human experience of disability in the theological context. Theological Education, 39, 131–153.

    Google Scholar 

  • Annandale, N. H., & Carter, E. W. (2014). Disability and theological education: A North American study. Theological Education, 48, 83–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ault, M. (2010). Inclusion of religion and spirituality in the special education literature. The Journal of Special Education, 44, 176–189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ault, M. J., Collins, B. C., & Carter, E. W. (2013a). Congregational participation and supports for children and adults with disabilities: Parent perceptions. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 51, 48–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ault, M. J., Collins, B. C., & Carter, E. W. (2013b). Factors associated with participation in faith communities for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Journal of Religion, Disability, and Health, 17, 184–211.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baldwin, P. J., Evans, J., Etherington, N., Nichols, M., & Wright, N. (2015). Youth with disabilities talk about spirituality: A qualitative descriptive study. The Qualitative Report, 20, 941–958.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biggs, E. E., & Carter, E. W. (2016). Quality of life for transition-age youth with autism or intellectual disability. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46, 190–204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boehm, T. L., Carter, E. W., & Taylor, J. L. (2015). Family quality of life during the transition to adulthood for individuals with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorders. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 120, 395–411.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Braddock, D., Hemp, R., Rizzolo, M. C., Tanis, E. S., Haffer, L., & Wu, J. (2015). The state of the states in intellectual and developmental disabilities: Emerging from the great recession. Washington, DC: American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brault, M. W. (2012). Americans with disabilities: 2010. Washington, DC: U.S. Census Bureau.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brock, B., & Swinton, J. (Eds.). (2012). Disability in the Christian tradition: A reader. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J., & Isaacs, D. (2005). The world cafĂ©: Shaping our futures through conversations that matter. San Francisco, CA: Barrett-Koehler.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brucker, D. L. (2015). Social capital, employment, and labor force participation among persons with disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 43, 17–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Butterworth, J., Winsor, J., Smith, F. A., Migliore, A., Domin, D., … Hall, A. C. (2015). State data: The national report on employment services and outcomes 2014. Boston, MA: Institute on Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carter, E. W. (2007). Including people with disabilities in faith communities: A guide for service providers, families, and congregations. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carter, E. W. (2011). After the benediction: Walking alongside people with significant disabilities and their families in faith and life. Journal of Religion, Disability, and Health, 15, 395–413.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carter, E. W. (2015). Dimensions of belonging: Listening to and learning from families. Presentation at the 40th annual TASH conference, Portland, OR.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carter, E. W. (2013). Supporting inclusion and flourishing in the religious and spiritual lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inclusion, 1, 64–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carter, E. W. (2016). A place of belonging: Research at the intersection of faith and disability. Review & Expositor, 113, 167–180.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carter, E. W., Biggs, E. E., & Boehm, T. L. (2016). Being present versus having a presence: Dimensions of belonging for young people with disabilities and their families. Christian Education Journal, 13, 127–146.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carter, E. W., Boehm, T. L., Annandale, N. H., & Taylor, C. (2016). Supporting congregational inclusion for children and youth with disabilities and their families. Exceptional Children, 82, 372–389.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carter, E. W., Bottema-Beutel, K., & Brock, M. E. (2014). Social interactions and friendships. In M. Agran, F. Brown, C. Hughes, C. Quirk, & D. Ryndak (Eds.), Equity and full participation for individuals with severe disabilities: A vision for the future (pp. 197–216). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carter, E. W., Bumble, J. L., Griffin, B., & Curcio, M. (2017). Community conversations on faith and disability: Identifying new practices, postures, and partners for congregations. Pastoral psychology. Advance online publication. 

    Google Scholar 

  • Carter, E. W., Endress, T., Gustafson, J., Shouse, J., Taylor, C., … Allen, W. (2016). Putting faith to work: A guide for congregations and communities on connecting job seekers with disabilities to meaningful work. Nashville, TN: Collaborative on Faith and Disability. Available at: www.faithanddisability.org

    Google Scholar 

  • Carter, E. W., Kleinert, H. L., LoBianco, T. F., Sheppard-Jones, K. A., Butler, L. N., & Tyree, M. S. (2015). Congregational participation of a national sample of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 53, 381–393.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Claes, C., Van Hove, G., Vandevelde, S., van Loon, J., & Schalock, R. L. (2010). Person-centered planning: Analysis of research and effectiveness. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 48, 432–453.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Collins, B. C., & Ault, M. J. (2010). Including persons with disabilities in the religious community: Program models implemented by two churches. Journal of Religion, Disability, and Health, 14, 113–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Floding, M. (2012). Lessons from Friendship House. Faith and Leadership. Available at www.friendshiphousepartners.org

  • Gaventa, W., & Carter, E. W. (2012). Spirituality: From rights to relationships. TASH Connections, 38(1), 5–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gaventa, W. C. (2016). Preaching disability: The whole of Christ’s body in word and practice. Review and Expositor, 113, 225–242.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gillum, R. F., & Trulear, H. D. (2008). Mobility limitation and frequency of attendance at religious services in American women and men. Journal of Religion, Disability & Health, 11, 51–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilson, C. B., Bethune, L., Carter, E. W., & McMillan, E. (in press). Informing and equipping parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hewitt, A., Heller, T., & Butterworth, J. (2015). Introduction to the special issue: National goals 2015. Inclusion, 3, 201–204.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holland, J., Gilger, P., & Gaunt, T. P. (2016). Disabilities in parishes across the United States: How parishes across the United States accommodate and service people with disabilities. Washington, DC: Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koenig, H. G., King, D. E., & Carson, V. B. (2012). Handbook of religion and health (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • LaRocque, M., & Eigenbrood, R. (2005). Community access: A survey of congregational accessibility for people with disabilities. Journal of Religion, Disability and Health, 9, 55–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leichty, P. (2013). Congregational accessibility survey. Goshen, IN: Congregational Accessibility Network.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lim, H. S., & Lee, J. W. (2007). Parenting stress and depression among mothers of children with mental retardation in South Korea: An examination of moderating and mediating effects of social support. Pacific Science Review, 9, 150–159.

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu, E. X., Carter, E. W., Boehm, T. L., Annandale, N., & Taylor, C. (2014). In their own words: The place of faith in the lives of young people with intellectual disability and autism. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 52, 388–404.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McNair, J., & Smith, H. K. (2000). Church attendance of adults with developmental disabilities. Education and Training in Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, 35, 222–225.

    Google Scholar 

  • Minton, C. A., & Dodder, R. A. (2003). Participation in religious services by people with developmental disabilities. Mental Retardation, 41, 430–439.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moss, C., & Schipper, J. (Eds.). (2011). Disability studies and biblical literature. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Core Indicators. (2015). Adult consumer survey: 2013–2014 final report. Cambridge, MA: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Organization on Disability. (2004). 2004 NOD/Harris survey of Americans with disabilities. Washington, DC: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Organization on Disability. (2010). Kessler Foundation/NOD survey of Americans with disabilities. Washington, DC: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Newman, B. (2016). Everyone welcome: An introduction to the Together series. Retrieved from http://www.togethersmallgroups.org

  • O’Hanlon, E. E. (2013). Religion and disability: The experiences of families of children with special needs. Journal of Religion, Disability, and Health, 17, 42–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Orsmond, G. I., Krauss, M. W., & Seltzer, M. M. (2004). Peer relationships and social and recreational activities among adolescents and adults with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34, 245–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, E. A., & Vogel, N. A. (2003). Accessible faith: A technical guide for accessibility in houses of worship. Chicago, IL: The Retirement Research Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Petrina, N., Carter, M., & Stephenson, J. (2014). The nature of friendship in children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 8, 111–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poston, D. J., & Turnbull, A. P. (2004). Role of spirituality and religion in family quality of life for families of children with disabilities. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 39, 95–108.

    Google Scholar 

  • Preheim-Bartel, D., Burkholder, T. J., Christophel, L. A., & Guth, C. J. (2015). Circles of love: Stories of congregations caring for people with disabilities. Harrisonburg, VA: Herald Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. (2016). Strengthening an inclusive pathway for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Washington, DC: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rainer, T. S. (2003). The unchurched next door. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, T. E. (2008). Vulnerable communion: A theology of disability and hospitality. Ada, MI: Brazos Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richardson, E. W., & Stoneman, Z. (2015). The road to membership: The role of resilience on seeking and maintaining membership in a faith community for families of children with disabilities. Journal of Religion & Disability, 19, 312–339.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogan, P., & Rinne, S. (2011). National call for organizational change from sheltered to integrated employment. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 49, 248–260.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryndak, D., Reardon, R., Benner, S., & Ward, T. (2007). Transitioning to and sustaining district-wide inclusive services: A 7-year study of a district’s ongoing journey and its accompanying complexities. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 32, 228–246.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salkas, K., Magana, S., Marques, I., & Mirza, M. (2016). Spirituality in Latino families of children with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Family Social Work, 19, 38–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schumm, D. Y., & Stoltzfus, M. (Eds.). (2016). Disability and world religions: An introduction. Waco, TX: Baylor Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scior, K., & Werner, S. (Eds.). (2016). Intellectual disability and stigma: Stepping out from the margins. London, UK: Palgrave McMillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shogren, K. A., & Rye, M. S. (2005). Religion and individuals with intellectual disabilities: An exploratory study of self-reported perspectives. Journal of Religion, Disability and Health, 9, 29–53.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siperstein, G. N., Norins, J., & Mohler, A. (2007). Social acceptance and attitude change: Fifty years of research. In J. W. Jacobson, J. A. Mulick, & J. Rojahn (Eds.), Handbook of intellectual and developmental disabilities (pp. 133–154). New York, NY: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Slocum, V. (2016). Recommendations for including people with intellectual disabilities in faith communities. Christian Education Journal, 13, 109–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Speraw, S. (2006). Spiritual experiences of parents and caregivers who have children with disabilities or special needs. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 27, 213–220.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swinton, J. (2012). From inclusion to belonging: A practical theology of community, disability, and humanness. Journal of Religion, Disability, & Health, 16, 172–190.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tada, J. E., Bundy, S., McReynolds, K., & Verbal, P. (2014). Beyond suffering: A Christian perspective on disability ministry. Agoura Hills, CA: Joni and Friends.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, S., Hatton, C., Shah, R., Stansfield, J., & Rahim, N. (2004). Religious expression amongst adults with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 17, 161–171.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • United Methodist Committee on Disability Ministries. (2013). Annual accessibility audit for United Methodist Churches. Spokane, WA: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vander Plaats, D. (2016). There is no asterisk: Changing attitudes about disabilities through the 5 stages. Chicago, IL: Elim Christian Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vierkant, K. E., Hollingsworth, H., & Stark, S. L. (2006). Accessible worship: The receptivity of religious buildings in St. Louis. Disability Studies Quarterly, 26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vogel, J., Polloway, E. A., & Smith, J. A. (2006). Inclusion of people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities in communities of faith. Mental Retardation, 44, 100–111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wagner, M., Cadwallader, T. W., Garza, N., & Cameto, R. (2004). Social activities of youth with disabilities. NLTS2 Data Brief, 3(1), 1–4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong, Q. (2005). Disability and American families: 2000. Washington, DC: U.S. Census Bureau.

    Google Scholar 

  • Woolever, C., & Bruce, D. (2010). A field guide to U.S. congregations (2nd ed.). Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yong, A. (2011). The Bible, disability, and the church: A new vision for the people of God. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Special Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA

    Erik W. Carter

Authors
  1. Erik W. Carter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Erik W. Carter .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

    Andy J. Johnson

  2. Department of Psychology, Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

    J. Ruth Nelson

  3. Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    Emily M. Lund

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Carter, E.W. (2017). From Barriers to Belonging for People with Disabilities: Promising Pathways Toward Inclusive Ministry. In: Johnson, A., Nelson, J., Lund, E. (eds) Religion, Disability, and Interpersonal Violence. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56901-7_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56901-7_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-56900-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-56901-7

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation