Digital Welcome: What Church Websites Say About Disability, Accessibility, and Supports

Churches have a theological call to invite and welcome the participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of congregational life. This study examined the websites of 190 U.S. churches with an expressed commitment to disability ministry to address two questions: How do churches convey their accessibility features, program offerings, and support to the broader community? What language communicates their commitment to welcoming members with disabilities? These churches described a wide variety of disability-related accommodations and support, particularly in relation to worship services and formal programming for people with disabilities. They rarely described offerings related to disability awareness and education, pastoral care, and service opportunities for people with disabilities. Our findings have implications for local congregations, denominations, and seminaries committed to welcoming disabled parishioners and their families.