Cutting Through the Discomfort Around Special Needs

Did you know that some of the most marginalized people in Western society are people with disabilities?

In addition to the disadvantages that people with disabilities experience, their families often experience isolation and stress. Some mothers of adolescents and adults with autism have chronic stress levels comparable to that of combat foot soldiers.

That’s why we are passionate about living out Proverbs 31:18 (NLT):

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.

Proverbs 31:18 NLT

God calls us to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced. For over three decades, BACC has been advocating for people with special needs, launching inclusive programs like E-Sports, E-Life, and Spiritual Resource Ministry. These programs are now models for other churches and organizations.

On a recent episode of This Grit & Grace Life podcast, our executive minister, Russ Ewell, and lead women’s ministry leader, Gail Ewell, shared their personal journey of raising children with special needs and how our church’s mission to make God known and do good has had a profound impact.

Changing lives through inclusion

Programs like E-Life and E-Sports don’t just help those with special needs—they also educate our community, breaking down misconceptions that can lead to isolation.

“Every time you educate someone,” Russ shares on the podcast, “they walk away treating others differently. Instead of staring, they interact—and that’s what changes the world.”

The idea that we can change someone’s life simply by how we treat them reflects the heart of Jesus’s teachings. He consistently noticed and interacted with people who were often forgotten or excluded by society (see John 5:1-9, Matthew 8:1-3, and Luke 5:18-26).

Jesus calls each of us to follow his example:

Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. [35] Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

John 13:34-35 NLT

Inclusion benefits everyone

Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ’s body… each needs all the others.

Romans 12:4 TLB

Inclusion strengthens everyone—both those with special needs and the neurotypical. By respecting and understanding one another’s differences, we become something greater together than we could ever be alone. We see this in God’s design of the church, as described in Romans 12:4 and many other passages.

As Gail says, “You can only benefit from inclusion. You don’t get hurt.”

As you listen to this episode, ask yourself: How can I treat people a little differently today? What impact could I make simply by being kind?

Listen to the full episode.