Disability and Belonging in an Inclusive Christian Faith Community

Abstract

Abstract The voices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are underrepresented in research examining their participation in faith communities. This qualitative case study examined the participation of people with ASD (autism spectrum disorder, a type of IDD) in one intentionally inclusive Christian faith community with a primary focus on the perceptions of faith community members with disabilities. This community was unique in its theological stance toward inclusion and in the steps the community had already taken to be inclusive. We conducted two types of interviews (in-depth individual and PhotoVoice) with people with severe and moderate disabilities who were active in the community to explore their perceptions of participation and belonging in the community. We supported interview data with field observations and a document review. We prioritized the voices of people with disabilities by using in-vivo coding strategies based on their words and used thematic analysis across data sources. Three primary themes emerged from this analysis including: Leadership, relationships, and traditions and routines. The implications of this study include suggestions to support authentic participation of people with IDD in faith community settings, implications for research with people with IDD in these settings.