The perceptions of persons with disabilities, primary caregivers and church leaders regarding barriers and facilitators to participation in a Methodist congregation

Abstract

Persistent obstacles prevent persons with disabilities from participation in community life, including church activities. This article presents the findings of a descriptive case study, documenting the perceptions of three distinct participant groups concerning barriers and facilitators to participation in their Christian congregation. From a systems perspective, the findings verified that factors in their congregation’s environment hinder, rather than enable, the participation of persons with disabilities. Necessary shifts in the conceptualization of disability that sustain exclusion, and the need to promote belonging and participation in the congregation, were indicated.