Making disabled people feel welcome

Are all parts of the church easily accessible - not just the entrance? Do you have systems enabling deaf, blind or partially sighted people readily available?

Attitudes of the people welcoming the newcomers are key in ensuring that people with disabilities feel welcomed. Remember to treat individuals as individuals – not according to any preconceived ideas.  If in doubt, ask: what requirements do people have to be able to participate fully?  Don’t assume things.

Physical Access...

• Does your venue or church building look welcoming and appear inclusive and accessible to all, particularly to disabled people?
• Are pathways clear and level? Is the building easy to access? For example, are entrance doors easy to open in terms of handle and weight, colour contrasted with surrounding area, well-lit externally and inside?
• Are your Door Stewards trained or informed on how to welcome disabled people? 
• Are there spare chairs near the door and at the end of rows for people that suffer from panic or claustrophobia so they can easily exit the meeting if needed?

Access to Information...

• Do the door stewards know how how to greet a blind person (e.g. letting the blind person know when they are being addressed and who is talking to them, guiding them to a seat if necessary)?
• Do the door stewards know how to guide blind people safely?
• Do the door stewards know what is available for blind or partially sighted people? - hymnbooks in alternative media, notice sheets etc.
• Is there someone available who could welcome a deaf or deafblind person? (You might need to think about communication issues.)
• Where is the best place to sit to use the induction-loop system for hearing-aid users or to see the interpreter?
• At get-togethers such as coffee times, is there someone who will help blind or partially sighed people with meeting people and refreshments?
• When food is provided, is there someone who can help get the food for others? Is there a firm table to eat at?

 

Getting to Church

• Take a look around your neighbourhood – are there any residential homes or supported living shemes which may have people who would love to attend but can’t get to you? Are you able to provide / offer transport, perhaps members of your congregation could arrange this in teams? Or, alternatively, could you offer a service at their venue?
• Are your premises clearly visible and signposted?  Can disabled parents park to drop off their children?
• Is it easy to find the right door to get into the building? Are the steps easy to see for partially sighted people?
• Does your website have a description of how to get to the church that can be accessed by people who can't read maps? Is there a map for people who find written English difficult?
• Do drivers who provide transport know how to guide blind people safely?