Able Life

At Living Word, we believe every person is created by God with unique strengths, needs, and ways of learning.

Able Life is our special needs ministry for children, students, and young adults with disabilities or additional needs. We provide individualized support and accessible environments where individuals can learn about Jesus, build relationships, participate in church, and grow in their faith.

Serving individuals up to age 30.

Able Life serves children, students, and young adults who may benefit from additional support when participating in a typical church classroom or worship environment.

This includes individuals with:

• Autism or autism spectrum disorder
• ADHD
• Developmental disabilities
• Intellectual disabilities
• Sensory sensitivities
• Other disabilities or learning needs

We know that no two people are exactly alike. That's why our goal isn't to create a one-size-fits-all experience. We work to understand each individual and provide the level of support they need to participate, learn, and feel at home.

Able Life combines accessible Bible teaching, individualized support, and sensory-friendly spaces to help each person participate in a way that works for them.

Our Able Life environment includes spaces and activities designed to give learners opportunities to move, regulate, process, and re-engage when needed.

Some individuals participate in Able Life for the entire service. Others participate in their age-level environment with additional support.

Participate with their age group.

Children and students participate in their age-level Kid Life or Student Life classroom with the support provided to the group.

Best for: Individuals who can participate successfully in a typical age-level classroom environment.

Participate with their age group—with a little extra support.

A Sidekick provides individualized support while a child or student participates in their age-level Kid Life or Student Life class.

Best for: Individuals who benefit from additional one-on-one support but can participate in their age-level environment.

Learn about Sidekicks →

Participate in a specialized environment.

Individuals participate in the Able Life classroom for the service with an individualized plan designed around their needs.

Best for: Individuals who need more significant or consistent individualized support to participate in church.

Unsure which option is right for your child?

That's okay. We'd love to talk with you, learn more about your child's needs, and help you determine which environment may be the best fit.

Able Life is designed to help individuals experience the church community—not simply receive care while their families attend worship.
Depending on the individual's needs, a Sunday may include:

Take part in worship, activities, relationships, and the life of the church in a way that works for the individual.

When someone needs a break, quiet space, movement, or time to process, our environment allows for flexibility.

Some children and students can thrive in their age-level Kid Life or Student Life classroom with a little additional support.

That's where Able Life Sidekicks come in.

A Sidekick is a trained volunteer who provides individualized support to a child or student while they participate in their age-level class.

They may help with transitions, communication, sensory needs, activities, or simply provide a familiar, caring presence that helps a child participate with their peers.

Choosing a church for your child or family member can come with a lot of questions. We'd love to help.

Cassie Stroman, Able Life Director, can talk with you about your individual's needs, answer questions about our environments, and help you determine the best way to get connected.

We ask first-time participants to register in advance so our ministry team can learn more about the individual and prepare the best experience possible.

Whether your child participates in Kid Life, receives additional support from a Sidekick, or spends their Sunday in Able Life, our desire is the same:

To help every person encounter Jesus and experience belonging in the church community.