October 10, 2025 • 13 mins
We share simple tools—if-then and now-next—that lower anxiety, improve transitions, and open real access to worship and community for people with disabilities. The focus is practical, personal, and rooted in a vision of social and spiritual accessibility.
• the scale of disability and the church participation gap
• individual needs first, not one-size-fits-all
• social and spiritual accessibility beyond physical access
• who benefits from if-then and why
• visual supports, concise language, consistent use
• now-next for transitions and predictability
• choice within structure to build ownership
• measuring success by engagement and peace
• inclusion as a seat at the table in the church
For deeper dives into these topics and more, check out indispensable-people.com and visit Amazon to purchase the books The Indispensable Kid and Gospel Accessibility and Indispensable People
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:03):
Hi, my name is Tracy Coral and welcome to
Indispensable People.
I'm a wife, mom, teacher,pastor, and missionary, and I
believe that every person shouldhave the opportunity to know
Christ, grow in him, and servehim with the gifts that he is
given, no matter their ability.
Over 65 million Americans have adisability.
(00:24):
That's 25% of the population.
However, over 80% of them arenot inside the walls of our
church.
Let's dive into those hardtopics, biblical foundations,
perceptions, and world-changingideas.
(00:48):
Hey, hey, and welcome to thisepisode of Indispensable People.
Thank you for joining me, and Iam super excited to talk about
this topic, which is using somestrategies such as if then and
um some now next.
And we're gonna talk about howthat works, who that works with,
(01:11):
um, and what ways you can use itin your ministries, events, and
um just conversations to helpthose with different types of
disabilities um interact,understand expectations, um,
lower anxiety, and um just havethe best, highest impact.
(01:35):
And so um we'll discussdifferent types of various
disabilities that can benefitfrom these strategies.
And hopefully, I'm gonna sharesome practical tips for
implementation.
So before we dive into thesestrategies, it's really
important to recognize there arediverse needs of individuals
with disabilities.
(01:56):
The best way, and I say thisalmost every podcast, the best
way to know what thoseindividual needs are is to get
to know that person, to ask somekey questions, to um speak to
that that individual directly,and if needed, speak to their
parent or their caregiver.
(02:16):
Um, they can give you insightsthat um you may not know or
learn in the limited time thatwe get to spend with the
individuals at in a churchsetting.
And so um make sure that youthink about those things as you
serve the individuals becausenot one size fits all, not every
(02:38):
strategy works for every person.
And so we want to make sure thatwe are um doing the best for the
individual that we have in frontof us, not just using a strategy
for strategy's sake.
So um let's take a look intothese diverse needs, considering
(02:58):
that needs are not justphysical, right?
Um they go, we know thataccessibility in the church goes
beyond the physical.
And when we consideraccessibility, we want to think
about um the socialaccessibility and we want to
think about um the spiritualaccessibility and um make sure
(03:19):
that we take that intoconsideration as we're thinking
about the different individualsthat we serve.
And so um disabilities can bephysical, they can be cognitive,
they could be sensory, theycould be emotional.
Um, we can consider disabilitiesthat we often talk about, which
are autism, ADHD, Down syndrome,various learning disabilities.
(03:44):
Um, and we can also think aboutum hearing impairment, um visual
impairment, and some of those umdisabilities are not going to
apply to these strategies.
Individuals who are blind um ordeaf, visual visual impairments,
um hearing impairments ingeneral are not going to have a
high probability of a need forif-then strategies unless their
(04:09):
disability is coupled withanother.
Um, again, those with physicaldisabilities are going to be
less likely to need these typesof strategies unless it is um
there can be someone who has aphysical disability that also
has an intellectual disability.
Um, someone who is blind or deafcould also have um autism or
(04:34):
ADHD or, you know, somethingelse that would impact them.
But the likelihood that thoseindividuals would need these
strategies are minimal unlesstheir disability, again, is
coupled by another diagnosis.
So various learning disabilitiescan impact an individual's
ability to process information,predict outcomes, and manage
(04:58):
transitions.
So the if-then is a visualstrategy, and it is a behavioral
management tool that helpsindividuals understand cause and
effect relationships.
It's simple, but very powerful,and it provides clear
expectations and outcomes.
(05:20):
So, who are the people whobenefit from this if-then
strategy that's gonna help againunder help with understanding of
cause and effect?
So individuals with autism andADHD often benefit most from
this strategy as it helps themto focus on specific tasks and
understand the consequences oftheir actions.
(05:41):
It's useful for those um whoalso have intellectual
impairments and um orintellectual disabilities and
who may struggle with abstractthinking.
So, how do we use it?
What do we do with it?
So, first of all, we have visualaids.
We are gonna use pictures orsymbols alongside of a text to
illustrate if-then the if-thenrelationship.
(06:05):
So, for instance, if you listenquietly during a sermon, then
you can choose a story from theBible to read afterwards.
And we're gonna consistentlyapply the if-then strategy
across different churchactivities, and this will help
reinforce the strategy,reinforce the usage of it.
Um, and here's the thing (06:25):
you want to make sure that you keep
the language simple because thatis gonna help you to avoid
confusion.
So it's as simple as if this,then that.
And it helps that person knowwhat the expected behavior is
and then what the outcome ofthat expected behavior is.
(06:49):
Um, you want to keep it simple.
Um, a lot of times, so forinstance, I'm gonna give you an
example from when I wasteaching.
Um the iPads were brand new tobe used in school, and um, they
were very exciting for kids.
And um, this particular childwas highly motivated by um time
(07:12):
spent on the iPad.
And so he would haveexpectations.
So I only I taught first grade,so it's gonna sound like very
small expectations, but um, itwould, I would say if you
complete five math problems,then you can have two minutes of
iPad time.
So those were um highlymotivating things for him.
(07:36):
It was a non-preferred activitysometimes to a preferred
activity or a a non-preferredbehavior, or maybe not a
naturally um producing behaviorum to a an expected behavior and
then kind of um a preferredactivity that would follow it.
(08:00):
So that if-then strategy, again,cause and effect is is what's
going to help.
It's going to be concrete andyou want to keep it simple.
Another strategy is the now nextstrategy.
And the now next strategy is avisual and verbal cue that helps
individuals understand what theyare currently doing and what
(08:21):
they will do next.
Okay, so this method isparticularly useful for managing
transitions and reducinganxiety.
So who's gonna benefit fromthis?
The strategy is beneficial forindividuals with autism, Down
syndrome, and anxiety disorders.
It helps them predict what comesnext, and that can be comforting
(08:43):
and reduce a lot of stress.
And so, how do we implementthis?
Well, first we want to create avisual schedule using symbols or
pictures to depict now nextactivities.
For example, now we're gonnasing, we'll do worship, and next
we'll do the Bible study or theBible lesson or memoryverse or
(09:05):
whatever it is that you'reworking on in that moment.
Um repetition is gonna be key.
You're gonna use verbal cuesrepeatedly to reinforce
understanding.
For instance, now we arepraying, next we will have
snack.
Okay, obviously that's kind of akid's kidman kind of thing, but
(09:26):
um now you want to keep usingthat those words.
Now this, next, this.
Um, and we want to encouragethose individuals to participate
in helping to create um thoseschedules.
And here's the thing (09:42):
you're thinking, well, I create the
schedule, this is these are theactivities that we do, and um
providing an availability tohave some control within the use
of the strategy is going to onlymake the strategy more
successful.
So um, and like I the example Igave with the if then with the
(10:06):
iPad, um, like complete this,then then you have two minutes
of iPad time.
Two minutes is very, very short.
I can set a timer, um, they canparticipate it.
So it might not be somethingthat's in the typical schedule,
um, but it might help into thenext step of what's coming.
So let's talk about why thesestrategies work.
(10:28):
Both the if-then and the nownext strategies, they provide
structure and predictability,which is essential for
individuals who might feeloverwhelmed by sensory input in
unpredictable environments.
Um, using these strategies, um,we can help to break down
barriers of, you know, feelingoverwhelmed, overstimulated, um,
(10:52):
or anxious.
Um, we can take away some ofthose feelings and emotions,
which ultimately distract fromdiscipleship opportunities, um,
just pure worship, interaction,um, engagement with the Lord,
(11:12):
because um our brains are sofocused on the worry of what is
next.
So um we want to create a spacethat we have opportunities to
learn to grow to become morelike Jesus, and using the
(11:33):
if-then and now next strategycan help us to better serve
individuals with disabilities,making our ministries
accessible, not just physically,but socially and spiritually,
because we want everyone to havethe opportunity to know Christ,
to grow in him, and to serve himwith the gifts that he has
(11:55):
given.
Because we can talk aboutinclusion all day long.
And I love the idea ofinclusion, but there inclusion
to me is not just I get to be apart of whatever I want to be a
part of, but it's everyonehaving a seat at the table, a
(12:15):
seated place that God hadintended for each person to
participate in the full life ofthe church.
Do I know everything aboutdisability ministry?
Do I have all the answers?
Have I done everythingperfectly?
I've absolutely not.
(12:35):
But we are gonna continue thisconversation so that people of
all abilities can have theopportunity to know Christ, grow
in him, and serve him with thegifts that he has given them.
For deeper dives into thesetopics and more, check out
indispensablepeople.com andvisit Amazon to purchase the
(12:57):
books The Indispensable Kid andGospel Accessibility and the
Indispensable People.
Hi, my name is Tracy Coral and welcome to
Indispensable People.
I'm a wife, mom, teacher,pastor, and missionary, and I
believe that every person shouldhave the opportunity to know
Christ, grow in him, and servehim with the gifts that he is
given, no matter their ability.
Over 65 million Americans have adisability.
(00:24):
That's 25% of the population.
However, over 80% of them arenot inside the walls of our
church.
Let's dive into those hardtopics, biblical foundations,
perceptions, and world-changingideas.
(00:48):
Hey, hey, and welcome to thisepisode of Indispensable People.
Thank you for joining me, and Iam super excited to talk about
this topic, which is using somestrategies such as if then and
um some now next.
And we're gonna talk about howthat works, who that works with,
(01:11):
um, and what ways you can use itin your ministries, events, and
um just conversations to helpthose with different types of
disabilities um interact,understand expectations, um,
lower anxiety, and um just havethe best, highest impact.
(01:35):
And so um we'll discussdifferent types of various
disabilities that can benefitfrom these strategies.
And hopefully, I'm gonna sharesome practical tips for
implementation.
So before we dive into thesestrategies, it's really
important to recognize there arediverse needs of individuals
with disabilities.
(01:56):
The best way, and I say thisalmost every podcast, the best
way to know what thoseindividual needs are is to get
to know that person, to ask somekey questions, to um speak to
that that individual directly,and if needed, speak to their
parent or their caregiver.
(02:16):
Um, they can give you insightsthat um you may not know or
learn in the limited time thatwe get to spend with the
individuals at in a churchsetting.
And so um make sure that youthink about those things as you
serve the individuals becausenot one size fits all, not every
(02:38):
strategy works for every person.
And so we want to make sure thatwe are um doing the best for the
individual that we have in frontof us, not just using a strategy
for strategy's sake.
So um let's take a look intothese diverse needs, considering
(02:58):
that needs are not justphysical, right?
Um they go, we know thataccessibility in the church goes
beyond the physical.
And when we consideraccessibility, we want to think
about um the socialaccessibility and we want to
think about um the spiritualaccessibility and um make sure
(03:19):
that we take that intoconsideration as we're thinking
about the different individualsthat we serve.
And so um disabilities can bephysical, they can be cognitive,
they could be sensory, theycould be emotional.
Um, we can consider disabilitiesthat we often talk about, which
are autism, ADHD, Down syndrome,various learning disabilities.
(03:44):
Um, and we can also think aboutum hearing impairment, um visual
impairment, and some of those umdisabilities are not going to
apply to these strategies.
Individuals who are blind um ordeaf, visual visual impairments,
um hearing impairments ingeneral are not going to have a
high probability of a need forif-then strategies unless their
(04:09):
disability is coupled withanother.
Um, again, those with physicaldisabilities are going to be
less likely to need these typesof strategies unless it is um
there can be someone who has aphysical disability that also
has an intellectual disability.
Um, someone who is blind or deafcould also have um autism or
(04:34):
ADHD or, you know, somethingelse that would impact them.
But the likelihood that thoseindividuals would need these
strategies are minimal unlesstheir disability, again, is
coupled by another diagnosis.
So various learning disabilitiescan impact an individual's
ability to process information,predict outcomes, and manage
(04:58):
transitions.
So the if-then is a visualstrategy, and it is a behavioral
management tool that helpsindividuals understand cause and
effect relationships.
It's simple, but very powerful,and it provides clear
expectations and outcomes.
(05:20):
So, who are the people whobenefit from this if-then
strategy that's gonna help againunder help with understanding of
cause and effect?
So individuals with autism andADHD often benefit most from
this strategy as it helps themto focus on specific tasks and
understand the consequences oftheir actions.
(05:41):
It's useful for those um whoalso have intellectual
impairments and um orintellectual disabilities and
who may struggle with abstractthinking.
So, how do we use it?
What do we do with it?
So, first of all, we have visualaids.
We are gonna use pictures orsymbols alongside of a text to
illustrate if-then the if-thenrelationship.
(06:05):
So, for instance, if you listenquietly during a sermon, then
you can choose a story from theBible to read afterwards.
And we're gonna consistentlyapply the if-then strategy
across different churchactivities, and this will help
reinforce the strategy,reinforce the usage of it.
Um, and here's the thing (06:25):
you want to make sure that you keep
the language simple because thatis gonna help you to avoid
confusion.
So it's as simple as if this,then that.
And it helps that person knowwhat the expected behavior is
and then what the outcome ofthat expected behavior is.
(06:49):
Um, you want to keep it simple.
Um, a lot of times, so forinstance, I'm gonna give you an
example from when I wasteaching.
Um the iPads were brand new tobe used in school, and um, they
were very exciting for kids.
And um, this particular childwas highly motivated by um time
(07:12):
spent on the iPad.
And so he would haveexpectations.
So I only I taught first grade,so it's gonna sound like very
small expectations, but um, itwould, I would say if you
complete five math problems,then you can have two minutes of
iPad time.
So those were um highlymotivating things for him.
(07:36):
It was a non-preferred activitysometimes to a preferred
activity or a a non-preferredbehavior, or maybe not a
naturally um producing behaviorum to a an expected behavior and
then kind of um a preferredactivity that would follow it.
(08:00):
So that if-then strategy, again,cause and effect is is what's
going to help.
It's going to be concrete andyou want to keep it simple.
Another strategy is the now nextstrategy.
And the now next strategy is avisual and verbal cue that helps
individuals understand what theyare currently doing and what
(08:21):
they will do next.
Okay, so this method isparticularly useful for managing
transitions and reducinganxiety.
So who's gonna benefit fromthis?
The strategy is beneficial forindividuals with autism, Down
syndrome, and anxiety disorders.
It helps them predict what comesnext, and that can be comforting
(08:43):
and reduce a lot of stress.
And so, how do we implementthis?
Well, first we want to create avisual schedule using symbols or
pictures to depict now nextactivities.
For example, now we're gonnasing, we'll do worship, and next
we'll do the Bible study or theBible lesson or memoryverse or
(09:05):
whatever it is that you'reworking on in that moment.
Um repetition is gonna be key.
You're gonna use verbal cuesrepeatedly to reinforce
understanding.
For instance, now we arepraying, next we will have
snack.
Okay, obviously that's kind of akid's kidman kind of thing, but
(09:26):
um now you want to keep usingthat those words.
Now this, next, this.
Um, and we want to encouragethose individuals to participate
in helping to create um thoseschedules.
And here's the thing (09:42):
you're thinking, well, I create the
schedule, this is these are theactivities that we do, and um
providing an availability tohave some control within the use
of the strategy is going to onlymake the strategy more
successful.
So um, and like I the example Igave with the if then with the
(10:06):
iPad, um, like complete this,then then you have two minutes
of iPad time.
Two minutes is very, very short.
I can set a timer, um, they canparticipate it.
So it might not be somethingthat's in the typical schedule,
um, but it might help into thenext step of what's coming.
So let's talk about why thesestrategies work.
(10:28):
Both the if-then and the nownext strategies, they provide
structure and predictability,which is essential for
individuals who might feeloverwhelmed by sensory input in
unpredictable environments.
Um, using these strategies, um,we can help to break down
barriers of, you know, feelingoverwhelmed, overstimulated, um,
(10:52):
or anxious.
Um, we can take away some ofthose feelings and emotions,
which ultimately distract fromdiscipleship opportunities, um,
just pure worship, interaction,um, engagement with the Lord,
(11:12):
because um our brains are sofocused on the worry of what is
next.
So um we want to create a spacethat we have opportunities to
learn to grow to become morelike Jesus, and using the
(11:33):
if-then and now next strategycan help us to better serve
individuals with disabilities,making our ministries
accessible, not just physically,but socially and spiritually,
because we want everyone to havethe opportunity to know Christ,
to grow in him, and to serve himwith the gifts that he has
(11:55):
given.
Because we can talk aboutinclusion all day long.
And I love the idea ofinclusion, but there inclusion
to me is not just I get to be apart of whatever I want to be a
part of, but it's everyonehaving a seat at the table, a
(12:15):
seated place that God hadintended for each person to
participate in the full life ofthe church.
Do I know everything aboutdisability ministry?
Do I have all the answers?
Have I done everythingperfectly?
I've absolutely not.
(12:35):
But we are gonna continue thisconversation so that people of
all abilities can have theopportunity to know Christ, grow
in him, and serve him with thegifts that he has given them.
For deeper dives into thesetopics and more, check out
indispensablepeople.com andvisit Amazon to purchase the
(12:57):
books The Indispensable Kid andGospel Accessibility and the
Indispensable People.
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