Characteristics of inclusive faith communities: a preliminary survey of inclusive practices in the United States.
BACKGROUND
Although participation in faith communities is important to many individuals with disabilities, few studies have examined differences between communities that are more (versus less) inclusive. This study investigated characteristics of faith communities in the United States related to greater inclusion.


METHODS
Participants were 160 respondents to an anonymous survey about inclusion. Survey items grouped together to form three inclusion-related outcomes: the degree to which faith communities welcome and include individuals with disabilities; the roles and contributions of congregants with disabilities; and physical accessibility.


RESULTS
Across these outcomes, more inclusive communities (i) featured faith leaders who were more committed to inclusion; (ii) used educational resources to address disability-related issues; (iii) portrayed people with disabilities positively in their religious teachings; (iv) had stronger ties to disability organizations; and (v) had a stronger orientation towards promoting social justice.


CONCLUSIONS
These five characteristics have important implications for promoting inclusion in faith communities.
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. megan.m.griffin@vanderbilt.edu
Megan M
MM
Griffin
Lydia W
LW
Kane
Courtney
C
Taylor
Susan H
SH
Francis
Robert M
RM
Hodapp
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012067:Religion; D014481:United States