Bible study, as we know it today, slowly took shape over thousands of years. The innate desire to review scripture and understand God’s word has ancient roots, and the practice of bible study developed in stages through the ages. Early on, studying the bible was something only Theologian’s and leaders of the faith did to provide context to sermons and pastoral services. Back then access was marginal to the masses because of low literacy, bibles were handwritten and expensive and they were originally written in Latin. Today, Bible study is accessible to nearly everyone through the Church, Sunday school, digital and audio bibles, apps, online studies or curriculum based lessons, and in-person groups. However, individuals with disabilities still struggle with finding bible study materials that adhere to their learning styles and needs.
Every Wednesday evening, something incredibly special happens that I never take for granted. I visit my son and his four roommates, all of them with varying disabilities, and we study the Bible together. It is the highlight and most important thing I do each week. It’s truly a blessing.
For too long, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been overlooked when talk of faith takes place. If they were given the opportunity to be present in faith spaces, they weren’t meaningful included or weren’t truly provided access. Adaptive Bible study changes that.
So, what exactly is an adaptive Bible study?
An adaptive Bible study is a structured approach to teaching the Gospel. While staying true to Scripture, it is intentionally designed so that every participant — regardless of communication style, reading level, or cognitive ability — can be engaged and participate fully. That means:
- Lessons are written in clear, accessible segments with visual supports.
- AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) picture supports are built in the lesson narrative.
- Every learner is presumed competent — capable of encountering God's Word and responding to its central message, in their own way.
- All lessons and artistry are age appropriate, designed for teens and adults.
- Materials are multisensory — engaging sight, touch, and movement alongside words.
Why is this important?
It is important because faith is about our relationship with God. It’s not about cognitive achievement. And every single one of us — speaking or nonspeaking, disability or not — is made in the image of God. Studying the Gospel, fellowship at church, and worship is our inherent right, as God’s children. Because of this, we should all have access to learn, praise and worship the Lord with others.
The families and caregivers of adults with disabilities that I work with are not asking for a simplified version of the Gospel. They are asking for an accessible curriculum that is, first and most importantly, content designed for adults with disabilities. Too often families and self-advocates state that learning content meant for adults with disabilities is created at pre-school and elementary levels. They offer no true information that meets their curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Families and self-advocates want a bridge that helps them access materials and support that make it possible for the people they love to cross over into full participation.
That is exactly what Faith Made Accessible™ is built to provide. At Sensory Friends, we created a curriculum that provides ten-page bible study lessons that are rich with scripture, and narratives that are easy to read but still age appropriate. The “I Can” cards provide a tactile opportunity that helps learners to identify and relate to the narratives central message. There is a scripture page that helps facilitators to have a meaningful discussion with their learners about the message. The illustrations are not just stick figures or cartoons; they’re designed to be relevant to the lesson details. They both capture and challenge the imagination of all learners. All lessons equip families and caregivers to be facilitators with the tools they need to teach and bond with their learners and loved ones while discussing God’s word.
I get to enjoy sharing the lessons created by Faith Made Accessible™ each Wednesday at my son’s group home. At the end of each study, my son, Richie. leads us all into the Lord’s prayer. It is a gift to see these young men engage in fellowship and learn the Gospel.
The lessons are affordable and accessible, which was part of God’s calling and instruction. We chose to heed God’s call.
Because everyone belongs at the table. Especially His.
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