State of Disability
Disability Ministry in the Church
State of Disability Awareness
Key Metric
Total Number With a Disability
284,803
Almost 1 in 4 people in Charlotte are dealing with some form of disability. We can make sure they have a place to belong.
In Charlotte, over 284,000 of our neighbors live with a disability. The most common challenges—mobility, cognitive, and self-care difficulties—impact people across all age groups, especially adults 35+ and seniors. Nearly 67% of those with disabilities are not part of the labor force, and poverty disproportionately affects them, especially younger adults. Behind these numbers are individuals longing for connection, purpose, and opportunity. This is where our churches, businesses, and communities can lead with compassion and affirm the dignity and gifts of every person. Creating inclusive work environments, designing programs that foster belonging, or simply showing up in relationship—there’s room for everyone to be part of the solution.
By The Numbers
Helpful insight into some of the factors that affect the key metric and have an impact on this reality. Select an area on the map to view neighborhood-level stats.
Disabilities by Type
Hearing Difficulty
Vision Difficulty
Cognitive Difficulty
Ambulatory Difficulty
Self-care Difficulty
Independence Difficulty
Disabilities by Age
Less than 5
5 to 17
18 to 34
35 to 64
65 to 74
75 and over
Non-participation in the Labor Force
66.8%
Among people with a disability
23.7%
Among people without a disability
Poverty Levels of those with a Disability
18-64
65+
Stories and Local Context
Listen to and learn from the stories of people, churches and/or organizations experiencing or engaging this reality first hand.
Scripture Reflection
Scriptures we’ve collected to help you consider this reality through the lens of Christianity.
Psalm 139: 13-14
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful.
Prayer Topics
Suggestions to help you connect this reality to your prayers.
Pray for compassion
As you pray, find comfort in his compassion for his creation and how he leads all through life challenges. Fellowship with him. Know that he feels the hurt, disappointment and distance that the disabled feel because he is the God of those who suffer, hurt and are emotionally challenged.
Get Involved
Links to Books, Resources, Organizations and/or Opportunities that are engaging this topic well.
You can make immediate and eternal impact for people living with disability. Joni and Friends volunteers make 98% of our ministry programming happen! Join us to bring hands-on help and Gospel hope to people with disabilities, at home and across the globe. Find your opportunity to make a difference:
Offering One-to-One Friendship, Integrated Employment, and Leadership Development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in North Carolina.
Gravitate Queen City is a nonprofit organization located in Waxhaw, North Carolina. Our mission is to create an inclusive community and empower young adults with different abilities. We specialize in vocational training while baking all-natural dog treats for our furry friends.Disability Awareness Network
Connect your church to the Disability Awareness Network by reaching out to FORCLT at info@forcharlotte.org.