Every Student Belongs: Make Catholic Liturgy More Accessible.
The issue
Every Student Deserves to Belong
Making Catholic Liturgy More Accessible for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Catholic schools are communities built on the belief that every person is created in the image of God (Imago Dei) and possesses inherent human dignity. However, for some students with intellectual disabilities, simply being physically present at a school liturgy does not always mean they are able to participate in a meaningful way.
Liturgies can involve long periods of sitting and listening, complex language, unfamiliar rituals and expectations around communication and behaviour. These barriers may make it difficult for some students with intellectual disabilities to understand what is happening, communicate their responses, remain engaged, or actively contribute to the celebration.
Inclusion should mean more than simply being present.
A truly inclusive Catholic community should provide opportunities for students to participate in ways that are meaningful and appropriate to their individual needs. This may include:
- visual supports to explain prayers, readings and the order of Mass
- simplified or accessible language
- opportunities for movement and sensory regulation
- alternative ways to communicate responses
- shorter or adapted liturgical experiences where appropriate
- resources that help students understand and engage with their faith.
Accessibility is not about changing the value or importance of Catholic tradition. Instead, it is about removing barriers that prevent members of the community from participating fully.
If Catholic education recognises the dignity and value of every student, then every student should have the opportunity not only to attend, but to participate, connect and belong within their faith community.
Our Call for Change
We believe Catholic schools should continue strengthening accessibility within liturgical celebrations so that students with intellectual disabilities are supported to participate in ways that are meaningful to them.
Every student deserves more than a place in the room. Every student deserves the opportunity to belong.
6
The issue
Every Student Deserves to Belong
Making Catholic Liturgy More Accessible for Students with Intellectual Disabilities
Catholic schools are communities built on the belief that every person is created in the image of God (Imago Dei) and possesses inherent human dignity. However, for some students with intellectual disabilities, simply being physically present at a school liturgy does not always mean they are able to participate in a meaningful way.
Liturgies can involve long periods of sitting and listening, complex language, unfamiliar rituals and expectations around communication and behaviour. These barriers may make it difficult for some students with intellectual disabilities to understand what is happening, communicate their responses, remain engaged, or actively contribute to the celebration.
Inclusion should mean more than simply being present.
A truly inclusive Catholic community should provide opportunities for students to participate in ways that are meaningful and appropriate to their individual needs. This may include:
- visual supports to explain prayers, readings and the order of Mass
- simplified or accessible language
- opportunities for movement and sensory regulation
- alternative ways to communicate responses
- shorter or adapted liturgical experiences where appropriate
- resources that help students understand and engage with their faith.
Accessibility is not about changing the value or importance of Catholic tradition. Instead, it is about removing barriers that prevent members of the community from participating fully.
If Catholic education recognises the dignity and value of every student, then every student should have the opportunity not only to attend, but to participate, connect and belong within their faith community.
Our Call for Change
We believe Catholic schools should continue strengthening accessibility within liturgical celebrations so that students with intellectual disabilities are supported to participate in ways that are meaningful to them.
Every student deserves more than a place in the room. Every student deserves the opportunity to belong.
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Petition created on 11 September 2026