Ah, summer. It's finally here (at least where I am in the South).

For a lot of families, summer feels like freedom. No school, no schedule, unlimited time with friends, camps, etc. For families affected by disability, summer might not feel so free.

A lack of structure, change in routine, and potentially smaller social circle can make summer feel very difficult or lonely for these families.

How can the church support families during the summer months?

Summer can be crazy for churches, especially for children's and youth ministries. In last week's email, we covered how to churches can support families during VBS. Today we will think through a few other summer events and opportunities where your ministry can be thoughtful in including families impacted by disability.

Invite Families

Many churches have special events during the summer. Movie nights, pool days, cookouts--if you can think of a summer activity, a church in your community is probably hosting its own version of one.

If your church is planning any of these events, don't forget about the families served by your special needs ministry! Be sure to include them on the invitation for these events.

Be Ready to Receive Families

As we have said many times, always be ready for families impacted by disability to attend your events! The steps I mentioned last week regarding VBS hold true here, too!

Include questions about disability in any event registration.
- This can be as simple as adding a question such as, “Are there any disabilities or special needs we should be aware of?” and then following up with the family.
Train your people
- Provide a short but helpful training for volunteers and staff about how to support individuals with disabilities.
- We love these training videos from Overcomer Ministries!

Consider Hosting a Respite

Summer can be a stressful time for some families. A practical way your church can serve families impacted by disability in your church and your community is through hosting a respite.

If you've never attended or hosted a respite, it can be similar to other events your church has hosted for kids or teens. This is a time that parents can drop their child/teen/adult (depending on your resources) off for an event at church and go have some time to themselves.

Many churches use a buddy system at respites to make sure every participant is safe and gets the attention they deserve. Respite can be as simple as a couple hours of stations for playing games, watching a movie, doing a craft, and hearing a Bible story.

This is an excellent way to give parents a break, spend some time together or with their other children, or just get some rest. I once had a mom at a respite tell me she was going to take a nap for the two hours we were playing with her son! What a blessing!

Check in on Families

You would be shocked how much a phone call or a text message from a ministry leader or volunteer can mean to our friends with disabilities. And it takes just a few minutes out of your day!

If you have some extra time to give, invite a family out for ice cream or a meet them at the playground in the park. That little extra step could go a really long way.