In a world caught up in perfection, there is a difficulty understanding and accepting that inclusion is and should be the norm in schools, communities, and yes, in our churches. Some argue that there are many definitions,opinions or versions as to what “inclusion” is. But, inclusion by definition is simply ” the state of being included”, but in more detail, it is “the idea that all people be freely and an openly accommodated without restrictions or limitations of any kind.” Tough definition for some to swallow–but I feel Jesus agrees with this definition. Inclusion is also described as “the practice of ensuring that all people feel they belong, are engaged and connected. ”
Inclusion is about valuing all individuals. It is about giving equal access and opportunities to all and removing any discrimination or barriers to direct access that all other individuals have in that environment.
If someone has a wheelchair, we have to accommodate them by providing ramps, elevators etc. It is not a choice but a law.
If someone has an intellectual disability, we need to provide adapted curriculum and teaching materials at their level for their learning success.
If someone has a developmental disability with behavior issues, we need to provide the support and programming for them to be successful in regular activities, and not limit their participation according to others standards or opinions.
I realize for some, some of these types of inclusion into the church are much easier than others, but one is not more important than the other. They are all a part of God’s plan to include ALL in the body of the church.
Research over the last 30 years in our schools has proven that segregation and inclusion have very different outcomes for those with disabilities included in these different approaches. It is abundantly clear, that those with disabilities included with their regular peers have higher success, better skills, and higher graduation rates.
Devita Parnell at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Georgia writes about a special choir presentation by boys with severe emotional disabilities and tells how everyone was deeply touched in worship–the day of their presentation—- and that many churches would not have allowed these students the ability to participate in worship because of their inability to sit and appropriately participate in group activities. A favorite quote from this article is the following.
” It is the church’s role to provide a safe place for people with disabilities and their families so they can receive acceptance and support.It is a place where they are looked at with love and grace, instead of shame and embarrassment. Reciprocally, these obstacles that exclude people with disabilities also prevent the “rest of us” from a great blessing. The barriers the four friends faced in the Mark 2 story not only stood in the way of one man’s healing, but they also hindered the worship of the entire crowd. It was not until the barriers where overcome, that both the man and the crowd were transformed. ”
Transformed by the work of Jesus once the barriers were removed. Think about it.
But it wasn’t easy for the friends to get past the barriers, and to them, they seemed almost impossible when they first looked at them. But they didn’t give up because of their love for their friend. And the crowds, they were incredibly unaware. Unaware of the powerful work of God they would witness once the barriers were removed and Jesus could use this individual with a disability for the growth and spiritual development of others in the crowd who, themselves, frankly probably thought, they would be the ones providing witness for this disabled man, or would not have noticed his needs at all.
Let’s all take a deep breathe. Look at the needs and the supports that WE need to provide for the success of a student or adult with disabilities. Let’s use ideas and recommendations from family who know them so well, and from professionals who work with them, who can share the best approaches for behavior and learning— making spiritual growth and progress possible for these individuals in our churches.
In closing, I would like to share a quote from Colin Newton:
“We know it can be hard work, but the job has to be to figure it all out, not justifying whether or not to begin or continue to include someone. We dream a dream of inclusion..full inclusion..where the answer to who we include becomes..
ALL means ALL.
Belonging...No boundaries..Just hope and love 