025: More Inclusive Spaces for Kids with Disabilities (Part 1)

Creating an inclusive space requires us to think intentionally about our environments, language, resources, leadership, and the culture we're creating for every kid and family. In this two-part episode of Kids Ministry Answers, we’re tackling a question about how to create more inclusive ministry environments for kids with disabilities and their families. So we asked Nicole Woods and Jena Kitchen to join us to share strategies, tools, and perspective shifts that can help ministries create cultures where every kid and family can truly belong.

QUESTION:
“How can we create a more inclusive ministry for kids with disabilities and their families?”

ANSWER: 
In this episode, we’ll talk about how to...

1. Evaluate your ministry’s current culture and identify barriers that may keep kids with disabilities and their families from fully belonging
2. Create more accessible environments using practical tools, visuals, sensory supports, and adapted resources
3. Listen to and learn from people with disabilities and their families instead of making assumptions about what inclusion should look like
4. Move beyond individual accommodations toward a ministry culture where disability inclusion shapes your environments, practices, and leadership

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Resources Mentioned:

• Talk Tiles
• Sensory bottles
• Joni and Friends — 5 Stages of Culture Change
• Boardmaker
• Free adapted memory verses, books, and visuals
• Amy Julia Becker — How Disability Changed What Easter Means to My Family
• Radiate Social Impact Consulting Resources - use the code "KMA-includes" for 20% off  
  • Personal Reflection Prompts
  • Organizational Checklist Tool for Disability Inclusion
  • Disability Rights & Disability Justice Overview
  • Disability Inclusion Training Modules

Creators and Guests

Host

Jason Sivewright

Jason Sivewright is the Creative Lead at Stuff You Can Use and Co-Pastor of Engage South KC in Kansas City, Missouri. He also owns his own LLC called Sweet Boy Books with which he writes and publishes children's books. If you'd like to chat with Jason about worship arts, writing, speaking, creating, or his dog, “Tyrannosaurus Cubby Rex,” reach out! He would love to connect with you!

Host

Linda Moon

Dr. Linda Moon is the Executive Director of Curriculum at Stuff You Can Use, Associate Pastor and Director of Education at her church in La Cañada, California, and hosts the podcast Calling Water. She holds master’s degrees in Cross-Cultural Studies and Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California.

Producer

Caitlyn Smelser

Caitlyn Smelser is the Executive Assistant at Stuff You Can Use and former youth pastor. On any given day you'll find her out for a run, hiking with her dog, Gus, or paddle-boarding on the lake. If you'd like to chat with Caitlyn about where to find the best hiking trails or how to make a perfect french macaron, she'd love to connect with you!

What is Kids Ministry Answers?

You ask the questions, and we help you find the answers. Kids Ministry Answers is hosted by Dr. Linda Moon and Jason Sivewright from Stuff You Can Use! Every episode features a question about kids ministry submitted by ministry leaders, kids pastors, and volunteers! Got a question about leading your kids ministry or training volunteers? Visit kma.show to send it in — your question might be featured in an upcoming episode!