A Therapeutic Welcome: Mental Health within the Reality Ministries Disability Community

Abstract

Abstract Discrimination and exclusion have been associated with mental health issues for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This mixed-methods study examines the impact of Reality Ministries (RM), a Christian community center open to all abilities and faiths, on participants’ views toward disability and mental health. Semi-structured interviews were administered to 32 RM community members. Results associate participation in RM with greater disability acceptance, lower loneliness, higher self-esteem and mental wellbeing, more and closer friendships, and higher participation in personally meaningful activities. Findings support the importance of a community of belonging for the wellbeing of people with and without disabilities.