Special needs ministry policies: Questions worth answering
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This post is part of a series I'm writing about special needs ministry policies. I'll be sharing ours in full once they're finalized, and I'll also provide links to those of a few other special needs ministries as well. Here's a list of the other topics I've already addressed in the series:
I asked at the end of my first post in this series if anyone had any policy-related questions. Tammy responded with a great list, which I'll begin answering on Monday. I know, though, that answers to some of these question vary among churches, so my responses will only provide insights from me; while I know about the practices at several other churches, I've only served in special needs ministry at Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC, so my suggestions may be influenced by my own setting. Because of that, I would love to give you the opportunity to consider some of her questions, respond to them, and/or add some of your own questions in the comments.
Here's the list, taken from the comments section of this post:
- Your special needs ministry policies are worthless if they only live on the shelf.
- Special needs ministry policies: Start with the WHY
- Special needs ministry policies: HOW do you identify individuals who might need support?
- Special needs ministry policies: HOW do you define roles?
I asked at the end of my first post in this series if anyone had any policy-related questions. Tammy responded with a great list, which I'll begin answering on Monday. I know, though, that answers to some of these question vary among churches, so my responses will only provide insights from me; while I know about the practices at several other churches, I've only served in special needs ministry at Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC, so my suggestions may be influenced by my own setting. Because of that, I would love to give you the opportunity to consider some of her questions, respond to them, and/or add some of your own questions in the comments.
Here's the list, taken from the comments section of this post:
how are age groups decided for classes of people w/intellectual disabilities?Choose a question, and leave a comment with an answer! Or leave a comment with one or more questions you'd like to add to the list. On Monday, I'll begin posting my answers.
what if a teen w/a preschool level of functioning & sensory processing difficulty cannot handle the loud music of the youth program? Should the other youth have to have thier music volume lowered? should the teen attend a younger aged class? should the teen be moved outside the classroom where it is quieter?wants to attend a grade school, or pre-school class?
what if an adult w/low level physical & intellectual abilities wants to come and we don't have an adult spec. needs class? (they don't fit in with children or youth or adults).
Should a child or youth be allowed to push someone in a wheelchair? aren't there liability issues?
Should a non-verbal child be included in AWANAs where the main goal to reciting memorized Bible verses?
How many people w/disabilities are needed before a class should be set up for them? is it ok to have 1 class for all ages?
AT what age is a person too old to attend a younger class of typical kids?
how do we determine if the person should be included in a regular class or needs a special class & what if there isn't a special class for an individual's age group?
Is it unfair to expect accommodation for an adult when there are no other adults requesting it?
what if the person vocalizes loudly during a church service or is distracting by their movements or other appearances? should they be required to go to the 'baby room', 'tv room'?
should people who have difficulty articulating, carry a tune, and/or are non-verbal be allowed to join the choir?
should youth w/special needs be allowed to participate in youth trips? what about liability & extra assistance/supervision?