Accessibility for All: Practical Tools for Congregations

Accessibility and Inclusion: Disability Ministries Updates, Fall 2025

ELCA Disability Ministries has released its Fall 2025 updates, including a free Nov. 17 webinar on creating accessible church spaces on a budget. You’ll also find a recap from the Churchwide Assembly, reflections on mental health and disability, new teaching tools, and upcoming awareness events. Learn how your congregation can take faithful, practical steps toward greater inclusion and hospitality. Read the full newsletter here.

Every congregation is called to be a place where all people feel welcome, included, and valued. Accessibility is not optional—it is central to our call to be the body of Christ together. This fall, ELCA Disability Ministries is offering a number of ways for congregations to grow in hospitality and inclusion.

Free Webinar – Creating Accessible Spaces on a Budget

On Monday, November 17, at 7:00 p.m. Central time, join a practical and inspiring webinar: Creating Accessible Spaces on a Budget. This session will help churches identify affordable strategies to improve physical, sensory, and digital accessibility. You’ll learn:

  • Low-cost improvements that make a big impact

  • How to prioritize accessibility changes

  • Ways to engage your congregation in accessibility efforts

No major renovation budget is required—just creative, faithful steps forward. Register here:https://forms.office.com/r/QYdvsAUJT6.

Reflections from the Churchwide Assembly

In this month’s feature, the Rev. Mack Patrick of the Disability Ministries advisory team shares a recap and reflection from the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, highlighting how the church is addressing disability inclusion at every level.

Mental Health and Disability

Meet John Christensen, project officer for mental health advocacy at the World Council of Churches. In his work with the Ecumenical Disability Advocates’ Network, he lifts up the vital connection between mental health and disability ministry.

Featured Resources

  • A tactile (Braille) map of Old Testament lands from the National Braille Press.

  • Teaching tools for youth ministry and Sunday school: Sensory Sunday School: How the Church Can Do More for Special Needs Families, 7 Tips for Welcoming and Teaching Children With Autism, and Neurodiversity in the Classroom.

Mark Your Calendar

  • September: Deaf Awareness Month and Suicide Prevention Month

  • October: National Disability Employment Awareness Month

  • Jan. 30–Feb. 2, 2026: ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza in St. Louis, Mo.

As followers of Christ, we are called to “welcome one another, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7). By taking steps toward accessibility, no matter how small, congregations embody this welcome and share the good news of God’s love with all.

Leader Resources, ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment