Honoring Autonomy in Inclusive Ministry

Jun 23, 2025

Has anyone ever talked to you about autonomy? It’s something I constantly teach and refresh my team on throughout the year—because it’s that important. 💡

Simply put, autonomy is a person’s right to make their own choices and have control over their actions. For our students with disabilities, honoring their autonomy means recognizing that they should have the same opportunities to make decisions as anyone else.

Imagine This...

A child in your Sunday school class is working on a craft, but they don’t want to use glue because they don’t like the sticky texture. Instead of offering an alternative—like tape—the teacher insists, grabbing the child’s hand and forcing them to press it onto the paper. The child pulls away, but the teacher holds their hand tighter, telling them, “It’s okay, just do it!”

Now, put yourself in that child’s shoes. How would you feel? Frustrated? Unheard? Maybe even anxious about coming back next week?

How would this shape the way they feel about their Sunday school teacher? Would they see them as safe and caring, or as someone who ignores their feelings?

How would this impact their view of church? Would it feel like a welcoming space, or somewhere they don’t have control over what happens to them?

Let’s Try That Again

Instead of forcing the child to use the glue, the teacher could offer alternatives: “That’s okay! Would you like to use tape instead so your hands don’t get sticky?” This small change allows the child to stay engaged in a way that respects their comfort level. By offering choices and respecting their preferences, the teacher creates a safe and supportive environment where the child feels heard and valued. ❤️

What Honoring Autonomy Does Look Like

✅ Allowing a student to take a break when they request one
✅ Letting go of a student’s hand when they pull away ✋
✅ Giving choices for how a student participates in a lesson 🎨📖
✅ Offering multiple ways to communicate (verbal, AAC, gestures, etc.) 🗣️
✅ Respecting a student’s personal space and sensory preferences
✅ Encouraging self-advocacy by listening to their needs and preferences

What Not Honoring Autonomy Looks Like

❌ Forcing a student to participate in an activity they’re uncomfortable with
❌ Holding a student’s hand to complete an activity when they pull away
❌ Ignoring a student’s request for a break because “we’re almost done”
❌ Pressuring a student to make eye contact or give a high five if they don’t want to

Why This Matters

When we honor autonomy, we show students that they are valued, respected, and capable of making choices. It builds trust, fosters confidence, and creates a ministry where every child feels safe and included. 💛