Policies

Is someone responsible for carrying out regular checks to ensure that the induction-loop system for hearing-aid users is working?
Is someone in the church responsible for ensuring that speakers use the microphone?
Is there someone in the church that people know they could go to if they find it difficult to access services?
Are there accessible in alternative formats for blind and partially sighted people? E.g. giant print, audio, braille?
Are these accessible in British Sign Language for deaf people (whose first language is British Sign Language and English is therefore their second language.)

Church Meetings

Do you need to allow extra time for the meeting? - e.g.:
- deaf people can't read the screen or documents and watch the interpreter at the same time.
- hard of hearing people can't lipread and read at the same time.
- blind people can't read the screen or documents given out at the meeting - will the contents be read out?

Have your church leaders received any disability awareness training?
Is there any reason why you do not have any disabled people in leadership at your church?
Do you have suitably qualified interpreters to enable British Sign Language users to be involved in leadership? If necessary, do you know how to find independent interpreters if the British Sign Language user is involved in a confidential meeting or discussion?
Have you prepared all papers in alternative formats or electronic form?

Is the lighting suitable for partially sighted people? Is the general lighting good enough for people to read large print while the majority of the congreagtion are reading the screen?
Is there always good light on the British Sign Language interpreter, even if other lights are switched off? Is there a plain background for the interpreter?
Are steps marked so that the edges can be clearly distinguished?
Are the main thoroughfares clear of obstacles that people might not see?
Can some seats be moved to accommodate guide dogs?
Do you have warning lights for fire alarms as well as sound alarms?

Is your website accessible by blind and partially sighted people?
If you have regular British Sign Language interpreters at your church, have you thought about including a British Sign Language video clip on your website that includes all the key information?
Do you advertise the availability of interpreters or the induction-loop system for hearing-aid users? (If you do advertise, are they always available or do you need to know in advance to make arrangements?)