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30.01.2022 | Original Paper

Addressing Accessibility Within the Church: Perspectives of People with Disabilities

verfasst von: Erik W. Carter, Michael Tuttle, Emilee Spann, Charis Ling, Tiffany B. Jones

Erschienen in: Journal of Religion and Health | Ausgabe 4/2023

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Abstract

People with disabilities often lack full access to corporate worship and participation in their faith communities. Yet many church leaders experience uncertainty about the steps they should take to remove barriers and widen the welcome for members of their community who are impacted by disability. This study examined the recommendations of people with disabilities regarding how churches should pursue greater accessibility. We interviewed 37 Christians who were members of a local church in Tennessee and who experienced various disabilities (i.e., visual impairments, intellectual disability, autism, physical disabilities, hearing impairments). Their guidance coalesced around nine primary actions: advocating, reflecting, asking, researching, equipping, embracing, proacting, including, and praying. We address key implications for churches striving to be inclusive of people with and without disabilities, as well as offer recommendations for future research.

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Titel: Addressing Accessibility Within the Church: Perspectives of People with Disabilities
verfasst von: Erik W. Carter
Michael Tuttle
Emilee Spann
Charis Ling
Tiffany B. Jones
Publikationsdatum: 30.01.2022
Verlag: Springer US
Erschienen in: Journal of Religion and Health / Ausgabe 4/2023
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Elektronische ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-022-01508-6

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