NR Access
Including every ability. Building belonging.
At New River Fellowship, our conviction is that there is a place for everyone, and that everyone has gifts to bring to the body of Christ.
Your First Visit
What to expect as a family
On arrival at New River Fellowship, each family is welcomed by a caring member of the NR Access team, who explains the supports available and helps find the right environment for their loved one. Because every person is different, we start by getting to know the individual: what they enjoy and are good at, how they communicate, their preferences, their sensory needs and the support they need in order to take part.
Each person is made in the image of God, carries unique gifts and deserves to be known, loved and fully included in the life of our community.
Arrive and check in
First-time families begin at the NR Access Check Station, located in the courtyard, where a team member helps with any paperwork and answers questions.
Meet the team
An NR Access team member gets to know your loved one:
- What they enjoy and are good at
- How they communicate
- Sensory needs
- Relevant medical information
- The support they need
Choose the best fit
Together we work out which environment and supports suit your family member best:
- Joining an age-appropriate class
- Buddy support
- Sensory accommodations
- A modified environment
Accommodations and Support
Taking part with comfort and purpose
NR Access offers accommodations so that each individual can take part with comfort and purpose. Supports available may include:
One-to-One Buddy Support
An individual can be matched with a trained volunteer who offers extra help in ministry environments. A buddy may help with joining activities, communicating, moving between activities, making social connections, managing sensory needs and staying safe.
Communication Support
We welcome people who communicate in every way, whether nonverbal, with a communication device, through gestures or with visual systems.
Sensory Support
Sensory-friendly options are available for anyone who needs a quieter setting or sensory tools, including a sensory room, a quiet area, sensory tools and activities, and somewhere to settle before returning to the group.
Modified Curriculum
Bible lessons and activities can be adapted to suit a range of learning styles and ways of communicating. Possible adaptations include visual aids, hands-on tasks, simpler concepts, learning through the senses and other ways of communicating.
Common Questions
What families ask us
How do I sign up for NR Access?
Start with the NR Access registration and intake form, which lets our team get to know your loved one ahead of the first visit. Email [email protected] and we will send it to you.
Am I able to stay with my family member?
To keep children safe in our Kids and Tots areas, every volunteer completes a thorough background check and a safety training video. For that reason, parents are not permitted in these areas unless an NR Access team member escorts them in an emergency or to change a child who cannot use the restroom.
My family member is nonverbal or uses a communication device. Is that okay?
Absolutely. People of every communication style are welcome. Our team partners with each family to learn how their loved one communicates best and what support helps most.
How does the buddy system work?
A buddy is a trained volunteer matched with one individual to give extra support during ministry activities. The buddy encourages participation, lends a hand where needed and builds a genuine relationship.
What about medications, allergies and toileting?
During registration, families give us the medical and care details our team needs to support each individual well.
Which age groups does NR Access support?
At present, NR Access supports children and teenagers.
What if my loved one is having a difficult day?
If extra support becomes necessary, our team will reach out to the parent or caregiver using the contact details given at registration.
Contact
Shelbee Greensweight, NR Access Director
For questions, to register or to ask for support.