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Chantal Huinink shares practical steps to make churches more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. She highlights the importance of creating spaces where everyone can belong and participate fully. The post focuses on everyday actions that support inclusion and mutual support within faith communities.
Canadian legislation such as the Ontarians with Disabilities Act and various community-based initiatives foster increasing accessibility and involvement in Canadian society. In contrast, churches and other religious institutions are among some of the most resistant to promote accessibility. This is generally not motivated by malice or disrespect but rather a less formal attitude toward the law, the misconception of accessibility causing financial strain, a desire to maintain tradition, a lack of awareness or interaction with various populations or paralysis caused by being overwhelmed with various needs. Regardless of the reason behind it, such hesitancy sends the wrong message. The church should be leading in terms of accessibility because Jesus welcomed all. Furthermore, it is truly disheartening when places like the mall appear to be more welcoming to people of all abilities then ‘God’s house’
Learning from Christian Organisations
Thankfully, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (worship.calvin.edu) has been learning a lot about how Christian congregations can stretch to embrace the gifts of all God’s children across the spectrum of ability and disability, with thanks to the leadership of Barbara J. Newman and the CLC Network (based in Grand Rapids, Michigan) for their passion and wisdom. Resources that have already been developed are especially valuable as they are not strictly focused on physical or developmental adaptations but offer a variety of suggestions for various needs in various aspects of church life with room for customization to your unique faith community.
Developing Accessibility Gradually
Some people think of accessibility in all or nothing terms but there is nothing to suggest that it should not develop gradually. You may be more productive if you think of developing accessibility step-by-step. You can encourage members of your congregation by celebrating every improvement because while there may always be room to grow, each step may enrich someone’s experience of God through your community and accessibility will hopefully become part of your faith culture over time.
Everyone Can Help Include Others
CLC Network notes that “No matter what part you play in your congregation, you can help to widen the welcome in your congregation for persons at all levels of ability and disability.” It is also important to remember that most if not all accessibility adaptations including, but not limited to, large print materials, hearing devices, extra space, fidget tools etc. often benefit many with and without disabilities.
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Phil. 2:4).
About the Author:
Chantal Huinink:
Chantal Huinink holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Guelph; and a Masters of Divinity and Masters of Social Work from Martin Luther University College at Wilfrid Laurier. She is a Registered Social Worker of Ontario, the founder of Faith and Wheelpower Ministries, a motivational speaker, author, and social justice advocate. She worked with Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons) and Kids Ability for many years, providing counselling, mentorship, and spiritual care. She was elected to Waterloo Regional Council in 2022.
Recent Posts:
Chantal Huinink shares practical steps to make churches more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. She highlights the importance of creating spaces where everyone can belong and participate fully. The post focuses on everyday actions that support inclusion and mutual support within faith communities.
Canadian legislation such as the Ontarians with Disabilities Act and various community-based initiatives foster increasing accessibility and involvement in Canadian society. In contrast, churches and other religious institutions are among some of the most resistant to promote accessibility. This is generally not motivated by malice or disrespect but rather a less formal attitude toward the law, the misconception of accessibility causing financial strain, a desire to maintain tradition, a lack of awareness or interaction with various populations or paralysis caused by being overwhelmed with various needs. Regardless of the reason behind it, such hesitancy sends the wrong message. The church should be leading in terms of accessibility because Jesus welcomed all. Furthermore, it is truly disheartening when places like the mall appear to be more welcoming to people of all abilities then ‘God’s house’
Learning from Christian Organisations
Thankfully, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (worship.calvin.edu) has been learning a lot about how Christian congregations can stretch to embrace the gifts of all God’s children across the spectrum of ability and disability, with thanks to the leadership of Barbara J. Newman and the CLC Network (based in Grand Rapids, Michigan) for their passion and wisdom. Resources that have already been developed are especially valuable as they are not strictly focused on physical or developmental adaptations but offer a variety of suggestions for various needs in various aspects of church life with room for customization to your unique faith community.
Developing Accessibility Gradually
Some people think of accessibility in all or nothing terms but there is nothing to suggest that it should not develop gradually. You may be more productive if you think of developing accessibility step-by-step. You can encourage members of your congregation by celebrating every improvement because while there may always be room to grow, each step may enrich someone’s experience of God through your community and accessibility will hopefully become part of your faith culture over time.
Everyone Can Help Include Others
CLC Network notes that “No matter what part you play in your congregation, you can help to widen the welcome in your congregation for persons at all levels of ability and disability.” It is also important to remember that most if not all accessibility adaptations including, but not limited to, large print materials, hearing devices, extra space, fidget tools etc. often benefit many with and without disabilities.
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Phil. 2:4).
