b'Seven Ways Your How to welcomeChurch Can Love Children With children withSpecial Needs*special needs 1 Be sure the parking, entryways, aisles and seating of the church to your club accommodate wheelchairs.2 Greet families and simply ask if there is anything you might do to assist them.Awana is for every child. By adapting your3 Have a meal program for ministry to include children with special needs,families that have children your church can be a welcoming space forwith special needs.families who feel left out of Christian community.Assign a special needs 4 assistant volunteer to afford children with Studies have shown that children with chronic conditions foundspecial needs the regular attendance at religious services was generally associatedopportunity to enjoy the with improved mental and emotional health, higher self-esteemmainstream classroomsand overall well-being. Families of special-needs children alsoor services.benefitted, showing increased social support, as well as increased mental and physical health. 5 Offer a family worship setting outside of theFor many churches, it comes down to confidence; leaders worrymain auditorium.they dont have the knowledge or volunteer support to help children with special needs. The result is often turning away6 Make available an children and families who are hungry for the Gospel.individual class designed for children with special Fortunately, its not difficult to serve all the kids in your club. Theneeds during at least one Awana Special Needs Guide and Pocket Guides (on page 81)service per weekprovide helpful tips and best practices for overcoming barriers that might stand in your way. Start smalland remember: God always7 Hold a Parents Night Out provides for His children. to give parents a much-needed break.*originally written by by Rachel WojoProduct Questions: 866.292.6227Find Your Local Missionary:Interactive catalog: partnercare@awana.orgawana.org/find-us-missionaryawana.org/catalogs 77'