Including everyone in... Worship
Singing / Music
- Is the lighting good enough for people to read songbooks? Is there good lighting on the British Sign Language interpreter? Are there uninterrupted sightlines to the interpreter?
- Many deaf people prefer to sit close to the interpreter, some partially sighted people prefer to sit near the screen so that they can see it more easily - it might be helpful to have some reserved seats in those areas. Other people prefer to sit with friends and family - don't make assumptions - always ask.
- Are there large print or braille copies of the words for people who cannot see the screen? Don't dim the lights if some people are reading print even if most are using the screens.
- Are the words projected onto screens clear? Is there good contrast (eg white on dark blue)? Do pictures behind the words make reading difficult?
- It is helpful if the worship leader can announce the numbers of songs that are coming up on the screen so that people using print can keep up with the rest of the congregation.
- Is the British Sign Language interpreter visible even when everyone is standing up? Don't allow other people to stand or wave flags in between the interpreter and the congregation.
- If you have open worship times have you thought about using microphones so that people can hear more clearly? Have you explained to the congregation how they can make it easier for everyone to feel fully included?
Preaching
- Can seats be moved to allow an interpreter to sit at an angle to the deaf person they are interpreting for? (if there is only one deaf person there)
- Have you thought about providing print transcripts or notes of sermons in a suitable font for people who are hard of hearing?
- Have you thought about how you use PowerPoint? Is it always necessary? Don't expect everyone to be able to see the screen - it is helpful if you explain pictures or diagrams.
- People who are lipreading or using a British Sign Language interpreter may need extra time to look at information on the screen.
- Background noise or music makes it difficult for hard of hearing people to hear the speaker.
- If you have visiting speakers, what advice are they given about using screens/ pictures/ music? Are they aware that your church includes people who cannot see the screen or hear music?
Praying
- Do you split into small groups to pray together?
- If there are several groups praying in the same room background noise can be a real problem for hard of hearing people.
- Do other people pray more quietly and with heads bowed if they are in small groups?
- Have you thought about how people will get in to groups, especially if they don't see well or Have you considered how people will know when to pray when they can't see or hear what is going on?
Communion
- How do people who can't see what is happening know what to do?
- Is the bread and wine being passed around? Is there one loaf or small pieces of bread? Are there individual cups or large shared cups?
- Do you have go to the altar rail? Some blind people would prefer to stay in their seats and have communion brought to them, others would prefer to go to the front with everyone else - are there people who could guide a blind person to the rail?
Small Groups
- Are there enough interpreters available to split people into small groups if there are a number of deaf people present?
- One option could be to have one group that operates in British Sign Language (including hearing people if their signing skills are good enough).
- Have you thought about how communication will work in a small group?
- Have you thought about how people will get in to groups, especially if they don't see well or understand what is happening?
