Worship for All

If we see worship as encountering God and bringing our all to Him, then it is paramount that whatever our expression of worship may be, we are creating an environment that everyone is able to worship God.

Can everyone be included in worship, liturgy, the sacraments and prayers? Can you be creative in using audio and visual stimuli during worship?

Singing / Music

• Is there a specific area for musicians/choir and is it easily accessible i.e. no steps, wires and cables kept out of the way?
• Is there room for creative expressions of worship, such as dancing, waving flags, playing percussion instruments?
• Are your songs easy to understand, and your songsheets or overheads clear to read?
• 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 - do you have some reserved seats in those areas? Other people prefer to sit with friends and family, so 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

• Is your pulpit or speaking platform fully accessible for speakers with mobility difficulties or wheelchair users?  If not, can you arrange an alternative location?
• Do not confuse simple communication with a simple message – consider your choice of words, metaphors etc.  Have one clear message and communicate it clearly. 
• Is there an induction-loop system for hearing-aid users for those who have hearing aids?
• If using any visual aids (i.e. Powerpoint), ensure you are explaining what is being shown as well as having handouts available, in Large Print or one picture per page. Overhead fonts should be no smaller than 32pt – ensure good contrast, and use sans serif fonts.
• Remember clear use of diction, as some people may be reading your lips!
• 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 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?
• Have you thought about providing print transcripts or notes of sermons in a suitable font for people who are hard of hearing?

Praying

• Do you have a portable microphone for open prayer, as some people depend on the induction-loop system for hearing-aid users?
• If using set prayers, can you explain any difficult language before or after prayers?
• Do you have the prayers available in writing?
• Consider having a (flexible) time limit for individuals when having times of open prayer.
• Can you use visual images to help focus attention, i.e. a picture of the nation you are praying for?
• Can alternative arrangements be made if there are any physical features that may hinder someone with mobility impairments from praying e.g. not having to kneel in the pew, radio microphones that can be taken to a person rather than the person accessing the microphones?
• 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

• Does everyone understand what Communion means? (Causeway Prospects has resources).
• Is somebody available to help explain the process and the language, if needed? Be aware of language, i.e. the Body & Blood – it cannot be changed, but can be explained.
• Is everybody able to come and receive together with the rest of the congregation? If not, consider moving the place of distribution to be in a place which is fully accessible.  If this is practically not possible, check with the individual beforehand whether they would like communion to be brought to them.
• Is there a communion rail that may restrict people’s involvement in communion?  Are you able to take communion to people in their seats?
• Can you provide gluten-free wafers for those with celiac condition? Can you provide a straw or a larger cup for those with co-ordination difficulties or unsteady hands?
• 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

• Where do your small groups meet?  Are some, most, or even all of them accessible to disabled people? Can accessible alternative venues be found if required?
• Be aware of the dangers of either segregating people into particular groups whilst also recognising that there is value in associating with people in similar circumstances.
• 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?