Faith Communities Are Leaving People Behind. Accessibility Can Change It.

Walk into almost any house of worship on a weekend, and you’ll find a welcoming spirit. Greeters at the door. Smiling faces. A bulletin handed to every person who enters.

But look closer, and you’ll also see what’s missing.

The bulletin print is so small that older members quietly set it aside. The livestream has no captions, making it impossible for those who are deaf or hard of hearing to follow along. The aisles are too narrow for walkers or wheelchairs, forcing people to sit off to the side or not come at all.

These may sound like small inconveniences. But for aging adults and people with disabilities, they are barriers to belonging. They are reminders that while faith communities intend to be welcoming, the reality often falls short.

The Disconnect Between Intention and Inclusion

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four U.S. adults lives with a disability. At the same time, faith communities across the country are aging. Vision loss, hearing changes, and mobility challenges are all normal parts of the aging process.

Despite this, less than 15% of congregations have any kind of accessibility strategy. That gap means millions of people who want to connect with their community of faith encounter barriers instead. They may be present physically but excluded from the full experience.

And exclusion takes a toll. Research consistently shows that belonging to a community — whether a congregation, a club, or a neighborhood group — strengthens emotional health, reduces depression, and increases resilience. When accessibility isn’t addressed, people don’t just miss a service. They miss connection, purpose, and support.

The Human Cost

I know this not just from research but from lived experience. My mother loved attending worship services. It was part of her rhythm, her anchor, her way of staying connected. But as her vision and mobility changed, participation became harder. Bulletins were impossible to read. Aisles too narrow. Signage confusing.

Eventually, what had been a source of strength became a source of frustration. And that story isn’t unique. Families across the country share similar experiences of watching their loved ones slowly drift away from something they once cherished — not because they lost interest, but because the community wasn’t accessible.

The human cost of inaccessibility is isolation. And isolation has consequences for both individuals and communities.

Solutions Are Simpler Than We Think

Here’s the hopeful part: accessibility is achievable. It doesn’t require millions of dollars or years of planning. Some of the most impactful changes are also the most affordable:

• Captions on livestreams so everyone can follow along. 
• Large-print or digital bulletins for older adults.
• Wider aisles to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
• Clear signage and wayfinding so newcomers don’t feel lost.
• Volunteer training to welcome people of all abilities.

Each of these steps sends a clear message: You belong here.

And when people feel they belong, they show up. They participate. They give back. Accessibility doesn’t just benefit individuals with disabilities — it strengthens entire communities.

A Timely Opportunity for Change

That’s why at AccessForge, we’ve created a FREE Accessibility Scorecard. It’s a quick, practical tool that helps staff and leaders see where their congregation stands today. It highlights strengths, identifies gaps, and offers actionable steps to improve.

In January 2026, we’ll take it a step further with the launch of a new course designed for faith-based staff and leaders. The course provides hands-on training to remove barriers, build inclusive practices, and create communities where everyone can thrive.

Why This Matters Beyond Worship

For people with disabilities and their families, accessibility is about more than attending services. It’s about being able to connect, build relationships, and find purpose in community.

Faith communities are often central gathering points in towns and neighborhoods. They are where people meet, share meals, volunteer, and care for one another. When these spaces are inaccessible, people miss not only spiritual connection but also social support networks that are critical for health and wellness.
Making faith spaces more accessible is not just an internal issue. It’s a public health issue. It’s a community wellness issue. And it’s one that can be addressed with small but meaningful steps.

A Call to Action

Accessibility is not an add-on or a nice-to-have. It’s essential. It determines whether people can show up fully, whether they can connect, and whether they feel like they belong.
So here’s the call:

• If you’re part of a faith community, take five minutes to download the FREE Accessibility Scorecard today. See where your space stands.
• If you’re a leader, prepare to take the next step with our course, Belonging By Design: Leadership Training for Accessible Faith Communities, launching in January 2026. It’s designed to help staff and volunteers implement affordable, practical changes that make a big difference.

Communities that embrace accessibility are not only more inclusive — they are healthier, stronger, and better connected.

Closing Thought

Faith communities often say they want to welcome everyone. Accessibility is how they prove it.
By taking steps now, leaders can ensure that aging adults, people with disabilities, and families are not just present but fully included. Accessibility can transform isolation into belonging, frustration into participation, and intention into action.

Because accessibility isn’t about ramps or captions alone. It’s about dignity. It’s about connection. And most of all, it’s about belonging.