Introduction to disability
Rev Dr Kirk Patston on the thought-provoking and life-giving perspectives on disability found in the Bible.
What are the models of disability?
There are three main models of disability which characterise varying attitudes - Medical, Charity, and Social and Rights-Based.
What is disability inclusion?
Practical ways to welcome and include people with disabilities and their families in your Christian community or church.
What is a barrier?
A vital part of building disability-inclusive churches and Christian communities is identifying and removing barriers.
What is an impairment?
An impairment is a long-term condition affecting a person’s physical, sensory, psychosocial or intellectual functioning.
What is disability?
Disability is the interaction between impairments and barriers that impedes a person’s full participation in society on an equal basis.
Model behaviour
Lindsey Gale explains the two models of disability and calls for the removal of barriers discriminating against people with disabilities.
Pastoral care and people with intellectual disabilities
Pastoral care to people with intellectual disabilities requires a unique approach but is necessary for disability-inclusive churches.
Is my church building accessible?
A disability-inclusive church building means designing and building spaces that can be used by people with physical disabilities.
How can my church’s programs be more accessible?
Read about why church programs should be inclusive of people with disabilities and learn how to make programs more accessible.
How does my church think about disability?
Attitudes matter when it comes to disability inclusion. Regulations only go so far, making a meaningful difference needs a change of heart.
Video: Disability-inclusive Christian communities
A short video that explores what a disability-inclusive Christian community looks like using examples drawn from real life.
Video: Rethinking our values
A short video on rethinking our values and how we apply them to people with disabilities through the lens of Jesus's teachings.
Video: Understanding disability
A short video on understanding disability and why your church should be an inclusive and welcoming space for people with disabilities.
Video: Introduction to Luke14
A short video introduction to Luke14 - a CBM Australia initiative guiding churches to disability inclusion and beyond, creating spaces and communities built for belonging.
How can my church include people with sensory impairments?
Practical information and advice on how to make your church more accessible for people with sensory impairments.
How can my church include people with physical impairments?
Practical information and advice on how to make your church more accessible for people with physical impairments.
The parable of the great banquet (Luke 14:15–24)
Louise Gosbell argues that the combined parables of Luke14 emphasise the important place occupied by people with disabilities within the Jesus movement.
How can my church include people with intellectual impairments?
Practical information and advice on how to make your church more accessible for people with intellectual impairments.
How can our church include people with psychosocial impairments?
Practical information and advice on how to make your church more accessible for people with psychosocial impairments.
Is my church accessible?
Is your church disability-friendly? If you’re not sure, read on for our brief breakdown of accessibility in churches.