Accessibility Isn’t a Cost. It’s a Growth Strategy for Faith Communities.

When leaders in faith communities think about accessibility, they often see it as an expense — another line item competing with programs, building upkeep, and outreach. But what if accessibility wasn’t just a cost? What if it was a growth strategy?

Research shows that one in four adults in the United States lives with a disability (CDC, 2023). At the same time, congregations are aging: the median age of regular attendees is rising, and younger families often expect inclusion as a non-negotiable value (Pew Research Center, 2021). These two realities mean accessibility is no longer optional. It’s the key to retention, growth, and sustainability in faith communities.

Retention: Keeping Long-Time Members Connected

Older members are often the most consistent givers and volunteers in congregations. Yet vision changes, hearing loss, and mobility barriers create real obstacles to participation. If bulletins are printed in small type, sermons aren’t captioned, or aisles are too narrow for walkers, these members quietly disengage.
AARP notes that nearly 90% of older adults want to remain engaged in community life, but accessibility barriers often prevent it (AARP, 2022). When congregations fail to address these needs, they lose not only attendance but also the financial and volunteer support of their most loyal base.

Accessibility measures like large-print materials, hearing loop systems, and flexible seating are simple, affordable, and directly impact whether long-time members remain active.

Growth: Attracting Younger Families

Younger generations, Millennials and Gen Z, view inclusion as central to community values. A 2020 Barna Group study found that 70% of Millennials say they are more likely to connect with organizations that demonstrate inclusivity in practice, not just words (Barna, 2020).

Faith communities that model accessibility send a clear message: we live what we preach. That message resonates not only with families raising children with disabilities but also with those seeking communities that embody fairness and equity.

Accessibility, then, isn’t just about serving current members; it’s about expanding reach and appeal.

Funding: Accessibility Attracts Investment

Foundations, government agencies, and corporate partners prioritize accessibility and inclusion in funding decisions. The Lilly Endowment, one of the largest funders of faith initiatives, has explicitly called for proposals that demonstrate inclusion and accessibility as part of sustainability strategies (Lilly Endowment, 2023).

Faith communities with accessibility plans are more competitive for grants and more attractive to external partners. Accessibility is increasingly a marker of credibility and accountability in the eyes of funders.

Risk Management: Avoiding Liability and Chaos

Ignoring accessibility doesn’t just hurt people — it creates risk. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to most places of worship’s programs, events, and schools, even if sanctuary spaces are exempt. Liability claims, reputational damage, and even insurance challenges can result from failing to plan for inclusion (ADA National Network, 2022).

Proactive accessibility measures reduce risk and prevent the chaos of last-minute accommodations — scrambling for interpreters, reprinting bulletins, or reorganizing space.

Accessibility Is an Investment, Not a Cost

Every dollar spent on accessibility has a return: higher retention, stronger growth, more competitive funding, and reduced legal risk.

At AccessForge, we created a FREE Accessibility Scorecard to help congregations measure where they stand today. In January 2026, we’re launching a new course, Belonging By Design™
Leadership Training For Accessible Faith Communities, that equips staff and leaders with practical steps to make accessibility part of daily operations.

Accessibility isn’t about compliance. It’s about compassion and it’s also about sustainability.

Citations

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023). Disability Impacts All of Us. 
• Pew Research Center (2021). Faith Among Americans in Decline.
• AARP (2022). Survey on Older Adults and Community Engagement.
• Barna Group (2020). Trends on Inclusivity and Millennials.
• Lilly Endowment (2023). Grantmaking Priorities.
• ADA National Network (2022). Places of Worship and the ADA.