Access to Premises: General Considerations

How accessible, generally, are your church premises for disabled people?

• Are you committed to removing, altering, avoiding or providing alternatives to physical features that make it difficult for disabled people to access your services, as required by the Disability Discrimination Act?
• What difficulties might external areas such as parking areas, steps, kerbs and stairways cause to people with mobility difficulties, people with visual impairment or wheelchair users? E.g. Are external areas well-lit?
• What considerations are given to building entrances, exits, doors and gates? Do steps and ramps have handrails?
• Are communal areas such as toilets, wash rooms, telephones, reception areas accessible?
• Have you thought about potential difficulties caused by floor coverings, lighting and temporary or moveable items or furniture?
• Upon entering the building is there clear signage to direct you? Do walls and doors have good colour contrast? Is there an accessible toilet? Are the acoustics good? Do you have a loop system and is it regularly serviced? Do you have seating with arms for support? Do you have a wheelchair available on-site? Do all areas of the building have level access or can you provide alternative arrangements?
• What other physical features may restrict disabled people’s access and full involvement in church life?