Born to Belong
Many congregations care deeply about inclusion, but still find themselves stuck when it comes
to welcoming neurodivergent kids. Drawing on the Born to Belong framework, join us on Sunday, March 8 at 12:30pm in the Romer Room for this one-hour workshop will explore how children’s nervous systems, emotional needs, and ways of engaging with the world shape what their participation looks like—and how church environments can either support or work against it.
Participants will learn how to recognize common access needs, meet challenging moments with
compassion and confidence, and make small, meaningful adjustments to physical spaces,
programming resources, and classroom expectations so that all children can participate with
dignity and joy. Please pack a lunch. Light refreshments will be provided. Register here so we can make food arrangements.
Facilitator Bio
J.L. (Jen) Shattuck is an autistic, disabled UU religious educator and writer who has served UU
congregations in Massachusetts for the past 20 years. Drawing on decades of experience in
early learning and family ministry, she specializes in designing resources and workshops that
help churches better meet the needs of disabled and neurodivergent kids. Jen is the author of
The Tending Years, a book for those caring for preschool-age children, as well as a forthcoming
book on the history and impact of developmental milestones. She’s also the creator behind the
Ellery Churchmouse video series and the Born to Belong framework for multigeneration RE.