Challenges Facing Muslims With Disabilities in the West
Author: Thomas C. Weiss
Published: 13 Dec 2015 - Updated: 17 Sep 2026
Publication Type: Informative
Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content
Synopsis
This article presents findings from a global study by the Muslim Social Research Network examining the experiences of Muslims with disabilities in the UK, US, and Canada. It highlights the significant barriers faced by this community, both within religious spaces and broader society, including physical inaccessibility, lack of inclusive educational resources, and social isolation. The article draws on real-life examples, such as Heather Albright and Misty Bradley, who describe being underestimated and excluded in mosques due to blindness, and Nicole Epps, whose daughter with cerebral palsy cannot access Islamic education because of inadequate accommodations. These stories underscore the pressing need for Muslim organizations to improve communication, foster inclusion, and provide accessible services. The information is authoritative and useful, authored by a researcher with expertise in disability studies and caregiving, and offers practical insights for community leaders, caregivers, and anyone seeking to address the challenges faced by disabled Muslims and their families..*
At a Glance
- 1 - Caregiver Yusuf Abdul-Qadir looks after his mother, who is losing her sight to glaucoma. He says praying at a mosque is hard when facilities are not user friendly and communities do not value the resources enough.
- 2 - Barriers commonly surface around holidays, congregational prayers, Islamic education, and general mosque visits. The article notes some mosques do promote inclusion and actively expect participation from disabled members.
- 3 - Misty Bradley asked her daughter's Islamic school to communicate by e-mail so she could use JAWS for Windows screen reading software. The request was ignored, and she missed special events as a result.
- 4 - Chess Conners has four children with disabilities, including one with autism and another with a physical condition affecting her legs. Like other parents, she found local Islamic schools were not equipped to teach children with special needs.
Topic Definition
- Muslims With Disabilities
Muslims with disabilities are members of the Islamic faith who live with physical, sensory, cognitive, or developmental conditions that can affect how they take part in religious and community life. The term covers a wide range of experiences, from blindness and low vision to cerebral palsy, autism, and physical impairments, along with the caregivers and families who support them. Within many Western communities, these individuals encounter barriers that go beyond the building itself, including inaccessible mosques, a shortage of inclusive Islamic education, poor communication practices, and simple lack of awareness among fellow worshippers and organization leaders. Understanding this group means recognizing both the practical obstacles they face - such as being directed to pray alone rather than in congregation - and the deeper need for faith-based organizations to treat accessibility and belonging as part of their core mission rather than an afterthought.
Overview
In today's world, people are increasingly facing various challenges, a number of which affect their well-being and lifestyles. Muslims with disabilities are at times faced with barriers within their own Muslim communities. Recently, the Muslim Social Research Network launched a global study to understand the needs of Muslims with disabilities within the U.K, U.S. and Canada. The findings will be used to educate Muslim organizations about the challenges their community members with disabilities face and provide recommendations concerning how to improve communication, services and inclusion.
Imagine being limited to going outdoors or interacting with others because you have a disability or impairment. Imagine being unable to obtain general education because the school or organization does not have the resources or staff required to teach people with disabilities. Imagine wanting to learn about your faith - to include how to pray and recite words from the verses of the Quran Al Kareem, yet there is no one to teach you because there is a lack of people who are willing to educate Muslims with disabilities. Imagine going to the masjid, only to be directed to pray in an isolated area, not in congregation, because the facility does not provide ease of access for people with disabilities who have medical equipment, or pets to aid them.
At times, the challenges for Muslims with disabilities are not due to structure, but due to a simple lack of awareness from other board members and patrons. We live in a world filled with imagination, yet we do not realize some of those thoughts might actually take place in our own communities.
A place of worship is usually thought of as being a kind, safe and a welcome home to anyone, to include people with disabilities. Sadly, this is not always the case. In fact - Muslims with disabilities, as well as their caregivers, tend to face challenges when trying to participate in:
- Holiday/special events
- Islamic educational programs
- Regular congregational prayers
- General visitations to the masjid
The struggles of people with disabilities also extend to gaining access, participating with, or obtaining resources from other Islamic organizations and centers. The world is not perfect and people with disabilities might face barriers at even non-religious facilities. As faith-based organizations missions; however, typically connect religion with improvement of society, it has become ever more important to understand The concerns and challenges of Muslims with disabilities within Muslim organizations.
Like many Muslims - despite disability, Heather Albright would visit the masjid with the hope of learning about Islam, engaging others and performing her obligatory prayers in congregation. Instead, Heather often times found her experience to be stressful because she was bombarded with, 'off the wall,' questions concerning her blindness and ability to learn and be independent. In the same way, Misty Bradley, a single mother who is also blind, found that many underestimated her abilities due to her inability to see.
Misty stated:
"People didn't realize that blind people were capable of doing things on their own."
Although masjid patrons are friendly, they often make Muslims with disabilities and their caregivers feel ignored, as though they do not belong, or as though they are unable to move without assistance. It is important to note that this is not the case in all masjids as some actually promote inclusion and expect engagement of Muslims with disabilities in activities. Nonetheless, these experiences combined with the lack of resources to create, support and sustain the inclusion of Muslims with disabilities are relevant and should be addressed.
According to Yusuf Abdul-Qadir, who provides care for his senior mother who is losing her sight due to glaucoma, "going to pray at a masjid is hard particularly when they are not user friendly. I don't think we have the resources, not because they are unavailable to us but because we do not place enough value in it."
Misty's challenges associated with Islamic organizations and her disability affect how she is able to engage in her daughter's education. Islamic school teachers failed to adhere to her request for alternative communication methods. Her request to communicate and keep her informed through e-mail, so that she could use her JAWS for Windows software which enables screen reading the information to her, was ignored. The situation was troublesome as Misty was invested in her daughter's education – yet found herself missing special events because of a lack of communication.
Muslims with disabilities are not the only ones to bear the stress of the barriers they endure in their Muslim communities. Caregivers of Muslims with disabilities have witnessed similar obstacles. Nicole Epps has realized her Muslim community lacks the resources needed to provide her five year old daughter Sarah, who has spastic cerebral palsy, with an Islamic education. Sarah does not attend any type of Islamic school; not by choice, but rather because many Islamic schools, including weekend programs in North Carolina, do not accommodate students with disabilities or special needs. Nicole is not alone; Chess Conners has four children with some form of disability. Her oldest has autism, while another has a physical disability affecting her legs. As with Nicole, Chess found that the Islamic schools are not equipped to educate children with special needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)
What is the Muslim Social Research Network
It is an organization that launched a global study into the needs of Muslims with disabilities across the UK, US, and Canada. Its aim is to educate Islamic organizations and recommend ways to improve communication, services, and inclusion.
What is a masjid
Masjid is the Arabic word for mosque, the place where Muslims gather for congregational prayer and worship. It often serves as a center for education, community events, and religious learning.
What does JAWS for Windows software do
JAWS is a screen reading program that converts on screen text into speech or braille output. It allows people who are blind or have low vision to read digital information and use a computer independently.
How can a mosque become more accessible to disabled worshippers
Practical steps include step free entrances, accessible restrooms, space for wheelchairs and service animals, and seating that allows people to pray in congregation. Training staff and volunteers to communicate respectfully also makes a large difference.
Does Islam encourage the inclusion of people with disabilities
Islamic teaching broadly emphasizes compassion, dignity, and care for every member of the community. Many advocates argue that welcoming people with disabilities reflects these core values rather than conflicting with them.
How can Islamic schools accommodate students with special needs
Schools can offer trained teachers, adapted lesson materials, and individualized support plans for students with disabilities. Accessible communication with parents, such as email for those using screen readers, also helps families stay involved.
What support exists for caregivers of disabled Muslims
Support can include respite services, community networks, and organizations that connect families facing similar challenges. Many caregivers also benefit from mosques that offer flexible, welcoming spaces for the people they care for.
How can service animals be accommodated in places of worship
Communities can set clear, welcoming policies that allow guide dogs and other service animals to accompany worshippers. Educating members about the role of these animals helps reduce misunderstanding and exclusion.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: The challenges described in this article remind us that true inclusion requires more than good intentions - it demands practical changes, open communication, and a willingness to value every member of the community. Faith-based organizations, in particular, have a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead by example, ensuring that places of worship and learning become genuinely welcoming for all, regardless of ability. By acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by Muslims with disabilities, these communities can move towards a more equitable and welcoming environment for all members.*
Author Credentials: Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a CNA Thomas has providing care for people with all forms of disabilities. Explore Thomas' complete biography for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.
* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.