Indispensable People

Send us a text

We explore how God uses our brokenness to display His grace, challenging cultural narratives that equate value with ability. The gospel flips worldly expectations upside down, revealing that weakness is precisely where God's strength becomes most evident.

• Over 65 million Americans have disabilities (25% of population), yet 80% aren't in church
• The world measures worth through ability and sel...

Send us a text

Siblings of people with disabilities navigate complex emotional terrain while developing extraordinary character strengths through their family experiences. Over 4 million Americans are brothers and sisters of people with developmental disabilities, forming a significant yet often overlooked population.

• The sibling relationship when disability is involved can be described as "ambivalence" - a heig...

Send us a text

Spiritual development is essential for believers with disabilities, requiring intentional discipleship processes that adapt strategies while maintaining the same goal of becoming more Christ-like. Tracy explores how churches can create environments where every person has the opportunity to know Christ, grow in Him, and serve Him with their unique gifts, regardless of ability.

• Over 65 million Americans have ...

Send us a text

Examining the biblical framework for disability ministry reveals that God expects meaningful inclusion and empowerment of all believers in the church community regardless of ability. Scripture commands us to recognize that every person is created in God's image with gifts to contribute to the body of Christ.

• 25% of Americans have disabilities, yet 80% aren't in our churches
• The Bible teaches...

Send us a text

Communication barriers often prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in church, despite making up 25% of the population. We must transform our perceptions and practices to ensure the gospel is accessible to everyone through effective, respectful communication.

• Communication requires more from the listener than the speaker
• Poor speaking can be overcome by good listening but inattentiv...

Send us a text

Understanding the complexities of disability within faith communities requires honest conversation and a rejection of pity. Exploring tough questions, like the presence of disabilities in heaven, prompts us to consider how we honor the worth and identity of those we serve. 

• The importance of hard conversations in faith contexts 
• Compassion as a critical element in disability ministry 
• Setting ap...

Send us a text

This episode explores the profound impact of love languages in the context of special needs, focusing on how tailored expressions of love can strengthen relationships between caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Understanding and adapting to unique love languages fosters emotional security, enhancing connection and empathy. 

• Exploring love languages and their relevance to families with disabilities...

Send us a text

This episode emphasizes the importance of teaching children and teens about inclusion and understanding of disabilities. We explore strategies for fostering empathy and compassion within church communities while highlighting the need for a collective effort to create inclusive spaces for all.

• Importance of teaching inclusion to kids and teens 
• Initiatives that promote disability awareness 
• Incor...

Send us a text

The episode explores the complex realities of autism through the lens of faith and understanding, emphasizing the importance of seeing beyond labels and embracing the whole person. Conversations on brokenness, parenting, masking, and personal identity illustrate the journey toward self-acceptance while fostering compassion in our communities.

• The idea of autism as more than just a label 
• Challenging t...

Send us a text

Creating an inclusive church environment is essential for families impacted by disabilities. The episode highlights the emotional, social, and financial challenges these families face and shares practical strategies for churches to foster intentional inclusivity through accessibility, programming, and community engagement.

• Exploring the challenges faced by families with disabled members 
• Higher rates ...

Send us a text

This episode dives into the critical need for sensory accommodations in churches, focusing on the creation of sensory rooms to enhance inclusivity for congregation members with sensory sensitivities. We discuss the impact of sensory overload, considerations for environmental adjustments, and practical strategies for fostering a welcoming worship experience.

• Importance of understanding sensory needs in churc...

Send us a text

This episode emphasizes the importance of visual aids in creating an inclusive environment within the church for individuals with disabilities. By discussing practical tools such as visual schedules, large print resources, and Braille materials, we explore how these adaptations can enhance accessibility and engagement for all congregants.

• Importance of visual aids for enhancing church inclusivity 
• Ben...

Send us a text

Imagine a world where traditional expectations of attentiveness are flipped on their head. Join me, Tracie Corll, as I share personal stories and insights into the transformative impact of fidget tools for individuals with ADHD and autism. Through heartfelt anecdotes, I'll take you on a journey through spaces like my church, where embracing unique needs redefines what it means to respect and be attentive. Discove...

Send us a text

Imagine a world where every church has a quiet refuge designed to help individuals manage their emotions and sensory overload. In this dynamic episode of Indispensable People, I, Tracie Corll, recount a humorous tale from my preschool teaching days, where a strategic self-imposed timeout turned chaos into calm. This personal story sets the stage for a deeper conversation on the importance of creating calm-down corners...

Send us a text

What happens when the tranquility of a weekend morning clashes with the chaos of getting a family, especially one with disabilities, ready for church? Join me, Tracy Corll, as I share a personal journey through the Sunday morning challenges that many families face. From wrestling with ADHD and sensory sensitivities to overcoming the physical barriers that come with disabilities, we explore the intricate dance of morni...

Send us a text

Discover how to transform your church into a more inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals with disabilities. Learn actionable strategies that are both practical and cost-effective, like integrating frequent breaks, utilizing fidget tools such as stress balls, and embracing flexible seating and standing options. These small yet impactful changes can make a significant difference, allowing everyone to partic...

Send us a text

Can understanding the intricacies of human behavior transform your church community? Join me, Tracie Corll, as we embark on an enlightening journey through the complex functions of challenging behaviors within ministry settings. We promise you'll gain valuable insights into sensory, escape, and attention-seeking behaviors, learning how to create more inclusive and supportive environments for everyone involved. Di...

Send us a text

Managing transitions for individuals with special needs can be a daunting task, especially within church settings. Have you ever wondered how to make these transitions smoother and less anxiety-inducing? Join me, Tracie Corll, as we promise to equip you with effective strategies to create a predictable environment using visual supports, advanced notice, and transition objects. These tools are designed to foster a sens...

Send us a text

Imagine creating a place of worship where everyone—regardless of their challenges with attention—can thrive and connect meaningfully. What if doodling during a sermon or taking a body break were not seen as distractions but as vital tools for engagement? Join me, Tracie Corll as I explore innovative strategies to foster an inclusive environment in church ministries, especially for those navigating ADHD or other attent...