Special Needs
Our mission is to lovingly share Christ with individuals with special needs of all ages and help them become all God has created them to be. We want to equip them to follow Jesus and empower them to serve within the church body as we all grow together in faith.
Special Needs Christmas Party
December 7th | 3:00-5:00pm
Our annual Christmas Party for kids with special needs is an awesome opportunity for kids to experience the love and joy of Christmas. Kids ages 12 and under with special needs and their siblings are invited to attend this FREE community event - you don't have to be a member of Highlands to attend.
Night to Shine 2025
February 7th | 6:00-9:00pm
Night to Shine is an incredible prom night experience for teens and adults with special needs, sponsored by the Tim Tebow foundation. Our honored guests will experience a walk down the red carpet, dancing, karaoke, food, and the honor of being crowned a king or queen of the prom.
Seussical Jr
A musical production featuring teens & adults with disabilities
Auditions March 26 & April 2, 2025
Performances Aug 15th & 16th, 2025
Highlands' own Shine Theatre Company presents a madcap musical about the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenge. This production will feature a cast made up of teens and adults with disabilities, facilitated by a talented team of staff and personal coaches.
Weekend Services
Volunteers provide a safe and loving atmosphere for children and adults with special needs to learn and experience the love of Jesus Christ. Highlands Special Needs Ministry team is available during our Sunday services at 9:00 and 10:45am.
Wednesday Nights
Wednesdays 6:30-8:00pm
On Wednesdays during the school year, we have programming for kids, teens and adults with special needs that runs alongside our on-campus small groups and our Engage: Marriage & Parenting program. Kids with special needs will be a part of our Highlands Kids program. Our teens and adults will meet Wednesday nights for fellowship, faith and fun. Join us to meet and spend time with friends, learn about Jesus together and have a ton of fun!
Parent Connect Group
First Sunday of Each Month at 10:45am in the Highlands Office
You are invited to join our Parent Connect group. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and caregivers to come together and share the joys and challenges of the special needs journey. We also have the opportunity to support each other and share resources. The special needs classroom and Highlands Kids classes are open to provide care for your students.
Biblical Support Group for Individuals with Physical Disabilities
Wednesdays from 5:00-6:15pm
This group led by Brooke Brown will provide a safe place for adults with physical disabilities to find emotional support, be encouraged in their daily challenges, and study the Bible as we help to build each other’s faith and trust in Jesus Christ. This group meets in the Special Needs Adult Room in the Student Building.
New Family Form
New to Highlands? Complete our NEW FAMILY FORM to help us make your family member with special needs time at Highlands awesome and safe.
Family Resource Guide
Our Family Resource Guide was compiled by our entire Family Ministry team to help your family grow together in faith. These resources include books, podcasts, videos, games and more - all designed to help you have faith-filled conversations and interactions throughout your week.
Download Family Resource Guide
Respite
Offered quarterly, respite is an opportunity for parents to bring their children with special needs to Highlands for a fun-filled event so parents can have an evening to themselves. Reservations are required - contact .
Highlands is an Irresistible Church
Our partners at Joni & Friends of Arizona define an irresistible church as an authentic community built on the hope of Christ that compels people affected by disability to fully belong. If you have a special need or care for someone who does, come find out why the irresistible Special Needs ministry of Highlands can make a life-changing difference!
Our Staff
Missy Farrington | Minister of Special Needs
Missy has a Master's Degree in Special Education and a certificate in Disability Ministry.
We have many other professionals volunteering in our ministry as well. Our loving volunteers are trained by Missy and other special education professionals to provide the highest quality experience for our community to learn about Jesus and grow in faith together.