Sanctuaries, “Special Needs,” and Service

Religious Leader Perceptions on Including Children with Disability

Bibliographic Data

ID22112206
AuthorsJared H Stewart-Ginsburg (0000-0001-5424-7189, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, corresponding author), Cynthia C Baughan (Anderson University - South Carolina), JaneDiane Smith (University of North Carolina at Charlotte), Belva C Collins (0000-0002-4011-8471, University of North Carolina at Charlotte)
Year2020
Volume24
Issue4
Pages413-430
Publication date2020-10-01
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Disability & Religion (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2331-2521 • E-ISSN: 2331-253X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/23312521.2020.1776188
OpenAlexW3035171793
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited31

Religion can play an important role in the life of a family of a child with a disability, but children with disabilities and their family members often reported they did not feel supported in religious environments. Families often indicated religious leaders were a factor that can change perception. This study investigated the experience, knowledge, and attitudes of faith community leaders on including children with disabilities and their families in religious organizations. Participants included clergy and staff members who serve in leadership capacities. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach including an online survey and focus group meetings. This article reports the quantitative results. Participants reported inclusive attitudes, but varying experience and minimal training in this area. Trends found in responses were explored and corroborated to examine relationships between data sets and the body of literature

Developmental psychology · Faith · Focus group · Perception · Sociology · Family and Disability Support Research · Marriage and Family Dynamics · Psychology · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Social Psychology

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