Date of Award
5-2026
Culminating Project Type
Thesis
Styleguide
apa
Degree Name
Special Education: M.S.
Department
Special Education
College
School of Education
First Advisor
Brian Valentini
Second Advisor
Bradley Kaffar
Third Advisor
Jody Illies
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Keywords and Subject Headings
intellectual disabilities and developmental disorders (IDD), church inclusion, faith-based accessibility, inclusive ministry, barriers to participation
Abstract
Despite theological focus on community and belonging, people with intellectual disabilities and developmental disorders (IDD) face significant barriers to fully participating in faith-based settings. This study aimed to identify strategies currently used within Vineyard USA church affiliates to increase accessibility and enhance true inclusion, and to analyze attitudinal, programmatic, and structural barriers faced by individuals with IDD and their families that limit participation in faith-based settings. A survey was conducted among 11 Vineyard USA church staff, leaders, and congregation members to address the following four research questions: staff perceptions, strategies currently in use, barriers to fully participating in faith-based settings, and recommendations for improvement. Although the surveyed findings showed very strong positive attitudes towards inclusion, such as welcoming families and including ministry roles, there were significant gaps in structural supports. Physical accessibility was the strongest area of implementation, while relational, programmatic, and communication supports were the weakest. Based on Allman’s framework for the Sociology of Social Inclusion and person-centered care practice, the study concludes that churches need to shift their practice from a charitable response to a systematic approach to true inclusion. Seven key strategies are proposed to help churches close the gap between their theological understanding and practice. Key words: intellectual disabilities and developmental disorders (IDD), church inclusion, faith-based accessibility, inclusive ministry, barriers to participation.
Recommended Citation
Kroll, Samantha, "An Exploration of Strategies to Implement for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disorders to Increase Church Accessibility and Inclusion" (2026). Culminating Projects in Special Education. 246.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/sped_etds/246
Comments/Acknowledgements
First and foremost, I give thanks to God, whose guidance and grace made this work possible. This thesis would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my husband, Ben, and the encouragement of my three daughters, Ellie, Madison, and Lillian. Thank you for sacrificing so that I may have the opportunity to grow, learn, and achieve this milestone. I want to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Valentini, Dr. Illies, and Dr. Kaffar for their patience, knowledge, leadership, and dedication.