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Accessibility
Accessibility
It is necessary for churches to be accessible both in their architecture and in their attitudes, and to be aware of other barriers that prevent people from full participation in church life. | Architecture: If people cannot get in your door, you cannot
minister to or with them. However, architectural accessibility is more
than just getting through the door: people need to be able to
participate in every aspect of church life. | | Attitudes: Once people are through the door, they will not stay
if they do not feel welcome. Beyond just welcoming people with
disabilities, the church must move to truly valuing them and being
committed to fully including them in all aspects of church life. |  | Other Barriers: People with disabilities can face a myriad of
other barriers to their participation in church life beyond
architecture and attitudes. Some questions to ask of your church are:
"Can everyone see? Do we make large print bulletins available for
those with low eyesight? Can everyone hear what is going on in the
service and, if not, is the same information being transmitted to them
in some way? Is the church mostly free of chemicals and smells
(including perfumes) that could irritate those with asthma, as well as
others?"
This is not an exclusive list of questions. Ask your
church all of the questions you can think of, but be willing to ask
the people around you and in your congregation what other barriers are
preventing them from the fullness of participation in church life. | | To asses the barriers present in your congregation, you can use Erik Carter's "Indicators of Welcome" from his book Including People With Disabilities to identify further areas for growth. You can purchase this book direct from the Covenant Bookstore, or at the publisher's website. | | Meeting planners should check out the Equal Access Guide for Meetings, Conferences, Large Assemblies and Worship put out by the National Council of Churches. | | If your church has made a commitment to including people with all levels of abilities, consider joining the National Organization on Disability's Accessible Congregations Campaign (membership is free). You will receive a certificate, as well as the right to put their logo on your website or mailings. In addition, you will be listed on their website as a congregation that is committed to accessibility, helping future members of your congregation locate you. To learn more, click here. |
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