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En Español
Crucifix, main aisle of parish

Sensory Friendly Liturgies

Sensory friendly services are designed to be more accessible for persons with disabilities. These services consider sensory sensitivities and challenges, such as those experienced by persons with autism or sensory processing disorders. The environment is designed to minimize sensory overload by considering lighting, sound, and other triggers. Visual aids, simplified language, and extended response times may also be incorporated to promote participation.

Benefits of Sensory-Friendly Liturgies:

  • Create a welcoming space for persons with disabilities to fully participate in the faith community.
  • Foster a sense of belonging and promote spiritual growth and emotional well-being.
  • Allow families to worship together without worrying about potential disruptions.
  • Reflect the Catholic Church's values of compassion, love, and respect for all persons.
  • Showcase the parish's commitment to embracing belonging for all.
  • Attract more individuals and families seeking a supportive religious environment.
  • Strengthen the parish's sense of community and foster growth in attendance.

If you have held such a service and want to share a story or news article about it please click here.

Learn More

NCPD Course Sensory Friendly Masses Also available in Spanish.

 

NCPD Course Sensory Friendly Mass - Advanced

 

NCPD Booklet Sensory Friendly Adoration Guidebook

 

 

Examples of Sensory Friendly Masses

Related Disability or Ministry: 
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Program Type: 
Liturgy
Resource Type: 
General, Universal Design Through Access
Language of resource: 
English
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National Catholic
Partnership on Disability

Advancing the Meaningful Participation
of Persons with Disabilities in Church and Society

Contact us: 415 Michigan Avenue, N.E., Suite 95
Washington, D.C. 20017-4501; ncpd@ncpd.org; (771) 203-4477

NCPD is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit corporation.
EIN: 52-1262317

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