DONATE

Transforming Churches to Embrace All Abilities

Inclusive Pathways equips churches to create vibrant, inclusive communities where individuals with disabilities and their families thrive. Our program focuses on four key areas to ensure your church becomes a place where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered.

Belonging Is Biblical

Buddy Ministry Development
  • Train buddies in evidence-based support and relationship-building techniques
  • Integrate buddies into all ministries (ages 0-100)
  • Emphasize peer support, especially in middle and high school settings
  • Use structured intake forms to understand communication styles, sensory needs, and support preferences
  • Implement personalized support for each participant
  • Provide intentional transition plans as participants move between ministry stages


Volunteer Training & Support
  • Conduct training on disability etiquette, trauma-informed care, and inclusive practices
  • Provide specialized guidance for spiritual milestones (e.g., baptism, communion)
  • Offer ongoing volunteer support, mentorship, and refreshers
  • Include training on crisis de-escalation, assistive communication, and universal design


Pathways to Inclusion

Family Support Systems
  • Establish peer-led support groups and a church-wide care network
  • Provide respite care resources and practical support tools
  • Guide families through faith milestones for their children with IDD/DD
  • Marriage care resources 
  • Offer “Faith at Home” discipleship kits with visuals and sensory-friendly resources
  • Support siblings through recognition, inclusion, and care


Curriculum & Worship Adaptation
  • Equip ministry staff to adapt lessons using multi-sensory, accessible teaching strategies
  • Provide visual schedules, social stories, and sensory-friendly materials
  • Ensure access to communication tools (e.g., AAC devices, picture boards)
  • Adapt faith rituals (e.g., baptism, communion) using visual and sensory support


Accessibility & Space Design
  • Design classrooms and worship environments with mobility, sensory, and communication needs in mind
  • Include quiet spaces, visual cues, flexible seating, and accessible restrooms
  • Assess and adapt all ministry spaces—including playgrounds, lobbies, and off-site events—for universal accessibility
  • Use clear signage and neurodiverse-friendly wayfinding tools


Culture of Belonging
  • Teach disability theology to staff, volunteers, and the broader church
  • Create visible roles for individuals with IDD/DD in worship, service, and leadership
  • Build inclusive language, values, and stories into the church’s discipleship culture
Leadership & Integration
  • Equip ministry leaders and pastors to champion disability inclusion from the top down
  • Ensure disability ministry is integrated across all age groups and departments
  • Collaborate across teams for fully inclusive events, retreats, and programs


Safety, Evaluation & Growth
  • Implement individualized safety plans, handbooks, including emergency protocols and elopement response
  • Partner with local first responders for disability-aware training
  • Establish regular feedback loops with families and volunteers
  • Track growth through relational, spiritual, and engagement-based benchmarks

Why Choose
Inclusive Pathways?

  • Expert guidance from experienced disability ministry professionals.
  • Comprehensive, practical solutions tailored to your church's specific needs.
  • Ongoing support to ensure long-term success and sustainability.
  • Proven strategies that have transformed churches across the country.

Our Approach

Evaluate
We assess your church's current inclusivity and identify areas for improvement.

Customize
We develop a tailored strategy based on your unique needs and resources.

Implement
We guide you through the implementation process, providing ongoing support.

Sustain
We help you create lasting change and a culture of continuous improvement.

Evaluate
We assess your church's current inclusivity and identify areas for improvement.

Customize
We develop a tailored strategy based on your unique needs and resources.

Implement
We guide you through the implementation process, providing ongoing support.

Sustain
We help you create lasting change and a culture of continuous improvement.

Why Choose Inclusive Pathways?

Families affected by disability feel truly welcome and supported.
Volunteers are confident and empowered to serve all individuals.
Your programs and curriculum are accessible to everyone.
Youth are actively engaged in supporting their peers with disabilities.
Each member of your disability ministry receives personalized care and support.

Imagine a church where: