Supporting those with Disabilities in Church; There Is Room for You

In Episode 34 of So Let’s Be Friends, Charlotte shares a special conversation recorded from a Primary leadership training about what inclusion can look like for children with disabilities in the Church. Anna shares lessons learned from more than 20 years of raising children with disabilities, along with real experiences from Primary, FSY, supporting the community and Church life. She talks about looking beyond a diagnosis, recognizing barriers, asking instead of assuming, adapting when needed, and giving children meaningful opportunities to participate and serve. Charlotte shares personal stories from her childhood about being nonverbal, being moved without being spoken to, and advocating for the opportunity to grow with her peers. Caroline also shares her experience at FSY and what happened when someone asked her what she actually needed instead of assuming. At the heart of the conversation is a simple message: Inclusion isn’t just making sure someone is in the room. It’s making sure they know they belong in the room. 💛 Her message is simple and powerful: Ask. Listen. Adapt. Invite. Advocate. This episode is a reminder that children with disabilities are not simply people who need help. They are children of God with talents, desires, voices, and something meaningful to contribute. ⸻ 💛 Charlotte’s Quote “Don’t decide for me what I can understand, what I can do, or where I belong. Ask me. Give me a chance.” — Charlotte ⸻ ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode \* Seeing the person before the disability \* Why we should ask instead of assume \* How small changes can remove barriers to participation \* Why accessibility is about more than simply getting through the door \* Lessons from Harrison and Caroline’s experiences at FSY \* Why children with disabilities need opportunities to grow, serve, and contribute \* How Charlotte experienced being included—and what she wishes Church leaders understood \* Supporting parents instead of making them advocate alone \* Creating belonging, not just accommodation If you are a parent, Church leader, teacher, friend, or someone who wants to better understand inclusion and disability, Charlotte hopes this episode will remind you to see the person before the disability and to look for the barriers that can be changed. There is room for every one of us. And every one of us has something to give 💛 ⸻ 🌐 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, YouTube, Iheart Radio and more! For more about our mission, inclusion, and how we support people and families of all abilities: www.merrillbudz.org 🎵 Music written and performed by Kalicia Merrill So let’s be friends! 💛