accessibility And Neurodiversity

Creating a Welcoming Space for All

What is Neurodiversity?

Abiding Presence is already a welcoming and accepting congregation so we strive to build on the idea of “all are welcome” and give the congregation additional information and tools specifically to support neurodivergent individuals.

- Jen Saddington, Neurodiversity Team Member

Neurotypical brains are those that function in ways that most people are used to. Neurodiverse brains include those that do not fall under neurotypical. Examples of this include ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Tourette's syndrome. At Abiding Presence, we live out of our core value of “All Are Welcome” to create a community that honors and values all brains.

Neurodiverse Children & Youth Ministry

The Abiding Presence Children & Youth Ministry is dedicated to providing accommodations for neurodiverse kids and youth. Neurodiversity trainings are held for staff and volunteers that interact with children during Sunday School as well as Summer Camp. Our workshop model for Sunday School has naturally led to success for our neurodivergent kids as they are able to choose activities that are most interesting to them. We offer a range of topics that combine bible stories with fun activities — from soccer, to art, to Minecraft.

Our staff are always willing to meet with caretakers, youth, and children to ensure we can meet their needs.

Neurodiverse Adult Ministry

Abiding Presence is committed to ensuring worship can be enjoyed by all. We recognize that some neurodivergent individuals may prefer routine. During worship we have notes in the bulletin alongside a consistent symbol to indicate changes to the service routine or times that may be overwhelming for the sensory system — like noisy offering or spraying water for baptism celebrations. We also have fidgets prominently displayed for use by all.

Additionally, we have led Abiding Table sessions for adults highlighting neurodiversity. Resources from this can be found below.

Neurodiversity Ministry Team

I am thankful for the Abiding Fellows program because it gives me some job experience while helping the church. I like that I get to teach the kids through Minecraft which isn't something you get at most churches.

- Abiding Fellow with ASD

The Neurodiversity Ministry Team is for families/friends of individuals whose brains observe and navigate the world a little differently.  We support each other in navigating the joys and challenges of supporting our loved ones with diagnoses that include ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other disabilities.  We also support the whole church through discussions, trainings, accommodations and resources in continuing to be a welcoming church community to neurodiverse families. Team Leader: Nicole Z.

If you would like to get involved in this ministry, contact Pastor Keseley, Senior Pastor

FCPS Community Work Experience Partner

Abiding Presence works with two FCPS high schools (Lake Braddock and West Springfield) as a community work experience partner to provide prevocational training opportunities for special education students in a Work Awareness and Transition class. These students with developmental disabilities help the church by prepping materials for our children's program and helping with the food pantry. The church helps serve the special needs community by providing a place for them to work on their employment skills, as well as improving their social and life skills.

Building Accessibility

Abiding Presence values being physically accessible to all people. Here are the ways in which we maintain an accessible building —

  • Abiding Presence is a one-level building

  • Double doors to the Main Entrance, Sanctuary, and Bailey Hall

  • Flexible sanctuary seating to make space for wheelchairs in any row

  • ADA accessible bathrooms

Favorite Resources of the Neurodiversity Ministry Team

Adult Literature Resources