With 19% of the U.S. population having some type of disability (hearing, vision, physical, mental, developmental or environmental), and considering all the family members who are impacted by a relative's disability, it becomes obvious that church accessibility (both attitudinal and architectural) is an important factor in reaching people who do not know Christ.

It is an equally important factor in retaining members, for most of us may eventually have difficulty walking, seeing or hearing. Accommodations (such as ramps) for people with disabilities can also be a blessing for parents of small children.

Meeting most of the needs of people with disabilities need not be expensive. What is crucial is a willingness to commit to accessibility. Your church body most likely has guidelines to help you. If not, contact Lift Disability Network for a list of excellent resources.

Meanwhile, use this checklist to build awareness.

	Yes	No
Are people with disabilities welcome to worship with us?	________	________
Does our church indicate this:
With an accessibility logo at our front door?	________	________
On our church sign?	________	________
In our church advertising?	________	________
Are directions to accessible entrances provided on doorways that are not accessible?	________	________
Are people with disabilities included on congregational committees? In leadership roles?	________	________
Are the ushers instructed regarding appropriate ways to greet and meet the needs of people with disabilities?	________	________
Do we have an annual Disability Awareness Sunday - or awareness training for the congregation?	________	________
Do we have a committee on disability issues? (This assures continuing progress and provides a comfortable way for people with disabilities to offer suggestions for reducing barriers without being made to feel like complainers.)	________	________
Does the church library include resources about various disabling conditions?	________	________
Does our church provide:
Large print hymnals, Bibles, and worship bulletins?	________	________
Adequate amplification of sound? [Induction loop systems (miniature broadcasting systems) are available today at relatively low cost, so people with hearing losses can directly hear the pastor's words instead of struggling with hearing aids that pick up extraneous noises of rustling papers or children sitting nearby.]	________	________
Sign language interpreters?	________	________
Printed sermons? Taped sermons?	________	________
Adequate lighting?	________	________
Is transportation available for those who are disabled or elderly and cannot drive?	________	________
Are there marked accessible parking places near accessible entrances?	________	________
If a ramp is needed, does it have a slope no greater than 1 foot rise in 12 feet and a width of no less than 36 inches? Does it have a smooth handrail 32 inches above the ramp surface?	________	________
Do doorways have a clear opening of 32 inches or more?	________	________
Do doors have lever or push handles?	________	________
Is space (pew cuts at scattered sites) provided in the worship center for people in wheelchairs? (This enables them to sit with their families without blocking an aisle - or being restricted to the back or obviously stuck in the front.)	________	________
Are there spaces with extra leg room for persons with crutches, walkers, braces or casts?	________	________
Is there one bathroom accessible (ideally one on each floor)? (Note: This could be unisex as on an airplane to allow spouses/parents to assist the disabled individual.)	________	________
Are there grab bars on each side of the accessible toilet?	________	________
Does a sink have 29 inches of clearance from the floor to bottom of the sink?	________	________
Does a wheelchair have turning space of 5'x5'? (This also applies to spaces near other doorways?	________	________
Are towel dispensers no higher than 40 inches from the floor?	________	________
If your church is multi-story, does it have a chair lift or elevator or some other viable access to both levels that is protected in inclement weather?	________	________
Is at least one water fountain on each floor easily usable from a wheelchair?	________	________
If not, is a supply of paper cups mounted next to the water fountain?	________	________
Informs congregation about allergies and encourages members to refrain from wearing perfume and after-shave lotions.	________	________
Worship center has a "fragrance free" section.	________	________
Purchases unscented candles, soaps, detergents, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, facial tissues. Does not use incense and potpourri pots.	________	________
Has air filters on furnace/air conditioning units.	________	________

Lift Disability Network Advocating an evangelical perspective regarding people with disabilities and their part in God's world. Network with others at our message board. Mailing Address: 301 E. Pine St. Suite 150 Orlando, FL 32801 (407) 210-3916 www.LiftDisabilityNetwork.org email: info@LiftDisabilityNetwork.org

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