
Church Resources
Welcome one another. Romans 15:7 (NRSVUE)
Accessibility Resources for Faith Communities
Tips from Local Churches and Links to Additional Qualified Sources



Additional Faith-Based Accessibility Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we start?
And when is the work done?
The answer may surprise you!
Watch this video [coming soon!] for encouragement on both sides of this question.
Remember, we are here to support you. You are doing good work!

Can KenCrest help my congregation shift our mindset?
We would be happy to have someone from KenCrest come speak about the importance of inclusive communities and/or share about the work we do in the tri-state area.
We can also connect you with other churches who have started this work for peer support.
Connect with us to make a plan!
What is an Accessibility Audit? And where can my congregation find one?
An accessibility audit is a comprehensive evaluation of how well a given set of resources provide accommodations for people with disabilities. Churches can complete this audit by exploring their own building, print material, programming, and congregational culture.
Several major Protestant denominations have created audits specifically for churches and congregations:
- Universal Church Accessibility Audit (created by the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA)
- United Methodist Church (UMC) Accessibility Audit (including this guidance for completing the UMC audit)
- United Church of Christ (UCC) Accessibility Audit
- Presbyterian Church of the USA (PCUSA) Accessibility Audit
Are there books about disability inclusion within the church?
The books in the list below would be appropriate for individuals to read or for a book club or discussion group to read together.
My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church by Amy Kenny, a disabled scholar-practitioner, writer, and advocate who serves as the inaugural director of the Disability Cultural Center. (bio)
Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion by Lamar Hardwick, a pastor diagnosed with autism at 36 who worked with his church to create a space in which he and the church could thrive. (more info)
Disability and the Way of Jesus: Holistic Healing in the Gospels and the Church by Bethany McKinney Fox, a pastor, speaker, writer, consultant, and certified coach who started an ability-inclusive church where people with and without intellectual and other disabilities could lead and participate together. (bio)
Vulnerable Communion: A Theology of Disability and Hospitality by Thomas E. Reynolds, an Associate Professor of Theology at Emmanuel College who is committed to an interdisciplinary and relational vision of theology. His teaching and research explore a range of topics related to Christian engagements with difference in a global context. (bio)
Are there children's books that show disability inclusion within the church?
Christian Picture Books That Feature Inclusion:
Secular Picture Books That Feature Inclusion:
- When Charley Met Emma
- Awesomely Emma: A Charley and Emma Story
- My Brain Is Magic: A Sensory-Seeking Celebration
- The ABCs of Inclusion - A Picture Book About Disabilities
[Note: The 2023 first edition is being updated, new version available Fall 2025. You can sign up to be notified when pre-orders open here or purchase the first edition here.]
Does your faith community have any success stories, tips, or resources that we can share on this page? Let us know!
The Power of Prayer
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)
Prayer is an important source of support for KenCrest's mission. You can lift up the needs of those we serve and the direct service providers who support them by praying for both spiritual and physical strength as well as hope for these communities. You can also pray for wisdom and discernment for policy makers working with legislation impacting people with disabilities, children, and working families.
We appreciate any prayers you and your congregation lift up on our behalf.