Special Needs

At Idlewild, we desire to include each person in the life of the church. Our Special Needs Ministry provides an appropriate and supportive environment for the individual impacted by a disability or special needs, while other family members attend worship service, Bible Fellowship groups or serve in the church. Because of the unique nature of each individual we serve, we ask all new participants in the program to complete a questionnaire and meet with the Special Needs Ministry leader before attending the program.

Sunday Morning Classes

9:15: Adults and older teens meet at 9:15 for prayer, Bible study and fellowship. Many of these students attend the worship service during the next session.
11:00: Our group participates in the music portion of the worship service, then returns to the Suite and divides into two classes: Elementary and Teens/Young Adults. Age-appropriate Bible teaching and activities are offered in each group.
Double Session: For those students needing care for both sessions while family attends Bible Fellowship and Worship, respite is available for the additional time.

Our Preschool, Children’s Ministry, and Student Ministry all welcome students with varying abilities. Because each situation is unique, you are encouraged to call in advance so that together we can work toward the best setting for each student. We also invite you to visit on a quiet weekday so that Sunday morning can be smoother for your student.

Schedule a get-to-know-you visit

Buddy Break - Children's Respite

Buddy Break provides a safe place for VIPs and their siblings to have fun while their caregivers get a break.
VIPs are kids with disabilities or special needs. Buddy Break is for VIP children ages 2-16 and their elementary aged siblings.
Buddies are volunteers at least 14 years old, have completed Buddy Training 101 and are paired up with a VIP or sibling for the day. Adult Volunteers are background checked.

Want to enroll your VIP for Buddy Break?

FIRST create an account at buddybreak.org and complete the VIP enrollment. Please specify Region FL:WEST
THEN sign up your kiddo for the next event at Idlewild. Registration links for open events are located below. Idlewild hosts Buddy Break from 10 am till 1 pm on these dates.
ALSO print and bring these two forms with you the first time.

Space is limited so Idlewild registration is required for each event.

The Branch - Adult Respite

The Branch is a ministry of friendship and respite for adults with disabilities or special needs.
We gather on scheduled Friday evenings for themed activities, devotions and fun.

Click here for our schedule.

IBC Champions - Adaptive Sports

Players of all ages and abilities participate in Spring and Fall Softball in a special division of the Idlewild Recreation Outreach. Champions Field is specially designed to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. The Idlewild Champions Division is open to players from the community as well as to church members. Liability Waiver is required annually. Registration is required for each season. Dates and more info available here.

Beat Street - Music and Art

Beat Street is a safe, fun place that welcomes those who march to the beat of a different drum! Elementary ages through adults are invited to J*A*M at Beet Street on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the Special Needs Garden Suite.

What is the Beat Street J*A*M?

JESUS – Celebrate the Great Designer and Master Gardener

ARTS – Explore color, texture sound and light through crafts and sensory stations

MUSIC – Cultivate social and developmental skills through multi-sensory drumming and instrumental expression

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

We offer Sign Language Interpretation(ASL) during for most worship services(click below for schedule), as well as Captioning Screens.

There is an ASL Bible study class, as well as periodic Deaf Fellowship lunches after church throughout the year.

Click here for a specific schedule.

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Upcoming Events

Jan 4 – Fishing, Faith & Fun – thru Feb 8 Jan 8 – Beat Street resumes – Wednesday nights at 6:30 Feb 1 – Buddy Break Feb 9 – Family Worship Night Feb 21 – The Branch Mar 7 – Buddy Break Mar 28 –......
14 January, 2020
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Idlewild Special Needs Ministry Public group · 39 members Join Group Special Needs Ministry Idlewild Baptist Church Tampa Bay...
13 January, 2020
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Buddy Break Dates

2020 Buddy Breaks February 1 March 7 April 4 May 2 June none July none August 1 September none October 3 November 7 Registration opens 30 days before event. Registration closes one week before event. Register online here. ...
11 January, 2020
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