Special Needs Ministry

We exist so that our brothers and sisters with special needs can know God, live on purpose, and go change the world. We do this by removing social and physical barriers so that everyone at Red Rocks Austin can make Heaven more crowded.

Service Times

Red Rocks Kids:
Saturdays at 4PM
Sundays at 10:15AM
Sundays at 12PM

Red Rocks Youth:
Wednesdays at 7PM

The Special Needs Ministry supports are available for the services listed above. If there are any special circumstances that make it impossible for you to attend one of these services, and you need support from our ministry at another service time, please email stefani@redrockschurch.com to discuss possible accommodations.

New Here?

Please RSVP for your first visit. This helps us to plan and guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience. Click here to RSVP.

Want to Serve?

Interested in serving as a volunteer Buddy? Your next step is to attend Welcome Party which takes place every Saturday at 5:30 pm and Sunday at 11:45 am. Please click here to register. Already attended Welcome Party? Click here!

What to Expect

  • A sensory room adapted to specific needs
  • Engaging curriculum and activities
  • Trained and background-checked volunteer “Buddies”
What to Expect at Red Rocks Kids

In Red Rocks Kids, children with special needs can be paired one-on-one with a trained volunteer Buddy who will join them in either an inclusion-based or specialized environment.

For those who prefer to remain in their age-appropriate classroom, we will provide a Buddy volunteer to accompany them and support them as necessary.

We also have a sensory-friendly room that has been adapted specifically for children who could benefit from a less-stimulating environment. In our Sensory Room, children are paired with a Buddy volunteer and will have the opportunity to participate in all regular ministry activities. In this room, however, the activities and environment will be modified as necessary to meet each individual need (e.g., lower volume, designated times for movement breaks, visual schedules and timers, dim lighting, etc.).

Some children prefer a hybrid model and benefit from spending time in both environments. In this case, the child’s Buddy will remain with them at all times and move between their age-appropriate classroom and the Sensory Room as necessary.

 

What to Expect at Red Rocks Youth

In Red Rocks Youth, students with special needs (6th – 12th grade) can be paired one-on-one with a trained volunteer Buddy. We gather every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. and enjoy relatable messages for teenagers, engaging activities, and authentic community. Students with special needs can join their peers with the support of their Buddy for all regular ministry activities or utilize our sensory-friendly room that has been adapted specifically for those who could benefit from a less-stimulating environment.

Sensory Room Sneek Peek

Special Needs Ministry Lead

Hello, my name is Stefani Matott! My passion is removing social and physical barriers to help people of all abilities know God, live on purpose, and go change the world. It is an honor to partner with your family in this mission, and I look forward to meeting you if I haven’t already! If you have any questions or would just love to connect please reach out to me at stefani@redrockschurch.com.

 

FAQs

If my child has attended Red Rocks Kids or Red Rocks Youth before, do I still need to complete an intake form?

Yes! Completing an intake form specifically for the Special Needs Ministry includes a couple of extra steps. These extra steps help us learn your child’s needs, know how we can best serve your family, and create the safest environment for your child during service.

Do I need to RSVP each week?

Yes! It is our goal in the Red Rocks Special Needs Ministry to ensure that your family has the best experience possible while attending one of our services. After your first visit, you will receive an email each week from our Special Needs Ministry Lead with a link to RSVP for which service you plan to attend. By doing this, we are able to schedule our volunteer Buddies and plan our services accordingly. Thank you for your help with this!

Already attended Welcome Party but want to serve with Special Needs?

Please go to https://my.redrockschurch.com/wpgetinvolved to sign up to be a Buddy.

What types of special needs do you accommodate?

Our ministry is dedicated to serving all of the families in our church and community. We believe that individuals of all abilities are seen as being created in God’s image–worthy of dignity and respect–and as indispensable parts of the Body of Christ. We have resources for all areas of special needs, in addition to trained staff and volunteers. We are ready to welcome and create the best church experience for all!

How do I locate a Sensory Room?

Conenct with one of our volunteers with a Red Rocks Church badge and they will walk you to Red Rocks Kids.

What does being a Buddy mean?

Our volunteer Buddies have been background checked and have received specific training to prepare them to support an individual with special needs. Buddies are held to a high standard and go above and beyond to adhere to all safety, confidentiality, and regular ministry policies. Our team of Buddies are passionate about serving alongside this incredible population and do so with excellence.

My child does not have a specific diagnosis but would benefit from the support of a Buddy. What is my next step?

We are so excited to partner with your family! Please fill out our intake form HERE. Our ministry lead will reach out to discuss your situation further so that your child can be best supported.

I’m a parent of a child with special needs. What resources do you have available?

We currently have a group available for parents of children with special needs. If you would like more information, or to get involved, please contact Stefani Matott at stefani@redrockschurch.com. You can also reach out with any additional questions or specific requests!

I am looking for a sensory friendly church service. What resources do you have available?

If you or your loved-one would benefit from a sensory-friendly environment during one of our weekend services, please find someone with a staff or volunteer badge who can show you to our Sensory-Friendly space. There, you will find dim lighting, noise-canceling headphones, lower volume, and a few sensory items.