Creating a truly welcoming KidMin means opening our doors—and our hearts—to every child, including those with disabilities. Yet sometimes, well-meaning volunteers and church leaders hold misconceptions that can unintentionally create barriers for families.

Let's examine common myths and discover the beautiful realities that can transform how we welcome and serve every child.

Myth #1: Children with disabilities will disrupt the classroom and distract other kids

Reality: With simple accommodations and understanding, children with disabilities can be successfully included in regular KidMin activities. Often, their presence teaches other kids valuable lessons about kindness, patience, and acceptance. Many typical children become natural helpers and advocates, developing empathy that will serve them throughout their lives.

Disruptions usually happen when children feel overwhelmed or misunderstood, not because of their disability. Clear expectations, visual schedules, and having extra volunteers available often prevent challenges before they occur.

Myth #2: We need special training or expertise to serve children with disabilities

Reality: While some training is helpful, the most important requirement is simply being a friend. Children with disabilities need the same thing all children need—someone who sees them, values them, and enjoys spending time with them. Beyond friendship, the most important qualities are a loving heart, flexibility, and willingness to learn.
Most accommodations involve simple modifications like providing fidget tools, offering visual instructions alongside verbal ones, or having a quiet corner available. Parents are usually your best resource—they know their child's needs and what works at home.

Myth #3: Children with intellectual disabilities can't understand Bible stories or spiritual concepts

Reality: Children with intellectual disabilities can absolutely learn about God's love, though they may need information presented in concrete, visual, and repetitive ways. Many grasp fundamental truths about God's love and Jesus' care better than we expect. Their understanding might be expressed differently, but their capacity for faith is very real.

Simple language, hands-on activities, pictures, and repetition help all children learn better. When we adapt our teaching methods, every child benefits from clearer, more engaging instruction.

Myth #4: Parents of children with disabilities are overprotective and difficult to work with

Reality: Parents have often experienced rejection or misunderstanding in other settings, making them cautious about new environments. What may appear as overprotectiveness is usually the result of having to advocate constantly for their child's needs. When they see genuine acceptance and competent care, these parents often become your most grateful and supportive ministry partners.

Taking time to listen to their concerns, asking specific questions about their child's needs, and following through on accommodations builds trust quickly.

Myth #5: Including children with disabilities requires expensive equipment and resources

Reality: Most successful inclusion strategies cost very little. Visual schedules, sensory toys, quiet spaces, and alternative seating are simple, affordable accommodations. Even printing instructions with pictures makes a huge difference.

The most valuable resource is having extra volunteers for one-on-one support when needed. This human resource is far more important than expensive equipment.

Myth #6: Children with disabilities should be in separate, specialized programs

Reality: While some children benefit from specialized support, most can be successfully included in regular KidMin with appropriate accommodations. Separate programs, while well-intentioned, can isolate families and prevent children from forming natural friendships with their peers. The goal is inclusion with support, not segregation.

When children with and without disabilities worship, learn, and play together from an early age, they develop natural friendships and understanding that lasts into adulthood.

Practical Steps for Welcoming Every Child

Understanding these realities helps us create environments where every child can experience God's love.

Before they arrive: Connect with parents to understand their child's specific needs and successful strategies. Prepare volunteers with basic information about accommodations needed.

Create predictable environments: Use visual schedules, establish clear routines, and prepare children for transitions. This helps all children feel secure and succeed.

Train volunteers in basic inclusion: Focus on person-first language, patience, flexibility, and seeing each child as a unique individual with gifts to offer.

Celebrate every child's contributions: Children with disabilities often demonstrate qualities like persistence, joy, and unconditional love that inspire everyone around them.

Building God's Kingdom Together

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This invitation includes every child—those with disabilities, their siblings, and their families, who are often exhausted from seeking acceptance.

When we welcome children with disabilities into our KidMin, we don't just serve them—we discover that our entire ministry is enriched. These children teach us about perseverance, celebrate small victories with contagious joy, and often display Christ-like love in ways that humble and inspire us.

Every child deserves to know they are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Your KidMin can be where this truth becomes real for families who may have struggled to find acceptance.

The question isn't whether we're equipped to serve children with disabilities—it's whether we're willing to open our hearts and learn. When we start with love and add flexibility, amazing ministry happens.

Stephen “Doc” Hunsley, M.D. is the Executive Director and founder of SOAR Special Needs in Lenexa, Kansas. SOAR (Special Opportunities, Abilities, and Relationships) serves over 1200 individuals with special needs through regular respite events and a Special Needs Day Camp. Doc is currently assisting over 600 churches locally, nationally, and globally in starting a Disability Ministry. Doc also organizes the Wonderfully Made Conference held annually every October in Kansas City. Doc is a USAF veteran and a retired pediatrician while his wife, Kay, continues practicing pediatrics. They are proud parents to three beautiful children: Luke, Mark, and Sarah. The Hunsley’s middle child, Mark, is presently running the halls of heaven. During Mark’s five-year earthly stay, he gave his family the opportunity to learn from and love a child with autism. You can follow SOAR on Facebook or Connect with Doc on Twitter: @DocHunsley SOARSpecialNeeds.org.