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Article Provided by the Interfaith
Disabilities Network, a program of the Atlanta Alliance on
Developmental Disabilities
The process of becoming more accessible and welcoming has different
points of entry in every community. Many faith communities have begun
the process by completing an assessment of accessibility. This
assessment allows the congregation to have a tool that shows how the
community is already accessible to people with disabilities and their
families, as well as, things that can be done moving forward to
provide hospitality.
We suggest that your faith community complete this assessment. After
you do this, make sure to celebrate your existing accomplishments in
this area.” From there, the community can make a plan to overcome the
barriers that still exist.
| COMMUNICATION |
YES |
NO |
| Large-print hymnbooks |
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| Large-print orders of service |
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| Adequate amplification of sound |
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| An FM loop/assistive listening device system |
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| Sign language interpreters |
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| Printed sermons |
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| Taped sermons |
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| Adequate Lighting |
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| Portable & stationary microphones used during all
parts of worship services and congregational meetings |
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| Have you provided accessible phones? |
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| Is at least one phone at a maximum height of 48
inches to accommodate people who use wheelchairs? |
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| Is at least one phone equipped with a volume
control for persons who are hard-of-hearing? |
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| ATTITUDE |
YES |
NO |
| Are people with disabilities welcome to worship
with you? |
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| Does your building indicate this at the front
door? |
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| Is there an accessibility logo? |
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| Are directions to accessible entrances provided on
doorways that are not accessible? |
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| On your church sign? |
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| Your church advertising? |
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| Are people with disabilities included on
congregational committees? |
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| Are ushers instructed regarding appropriate ways
to greet and meet the needs of people with disabilities? |
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| Does your church library include books about
various disabling conditions? |
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| Do you have an accessibilities committee? |
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| Have you compiled a list of volunteers willing to
provide transportation to and from meetings, services, and other
congregational events? |
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| ENVIRONMENT |
YES |
NO |
| Have you designated a fragrance-free
section in your sanctuary or meeting room? |
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| Do you have a policy of purchasing
unscented candles, soaps, detergents, cleaning supplies, air
fresheners, facial tissues, etc.? |
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| Is your congregation informed about
chemical sensitivities and allergies? |
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| ARCHITECTURAL |
YES |
NO |
| Are there designated accessible
parking places near accessible entrances? |
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| If a ramp is needed, is it at least
36” wide, extending one foot in length for every inch of rise (a
1:12 ratio)? Does it have a smooth handrail 32” above the ramp
surface? |
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| Do doorways have a clear opening of at
least 32 inches? |
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| Do doors have lever or push handles?
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| If the building is multi-story, does
it have a chair lift, elevator, or ramp to all levels that is
protected in inclement weather? |
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| Is space (pew cuts at scattered sites)
provided for wheelchair users to sit with rest of group, not just
in front or back, or in aisles? |
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| Is there seating space with extra
legroom for people using crutches, walkers, braces, or casts? |
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| Is there one accessible bathroom,
ideally one on each floor? |
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| Are there grab bars on each side of
the accessible toilet? |
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| Does a sink have 29 inches of
clearance from the floor to the bottom of the sink? |
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| Is there a turning space of 5’ x 5’
for wheelchair users? |
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| Are soap and towel dispensers no
higher than 40 inches from the floor? |
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| Is there at least one water fountain
on each floor easily usable from a wheelchair? |
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| If not, is a supply of paper cups,
mounted no higher than 40 inches from the floor, next to the water
fountain? |
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Areas that Need Improvement or Development (Based on Assessment)
Physical
1.
2.
3.
Programmatic & Interpersonal
1.
2.
3.
Objectives (Recommendations for Action)
| What |
Resources |
Who |
How |
When |
Estimated Cost (if any) |
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Notes:
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There is an
energy in us which makes things happen when the paths of other persons touch
ours.
from the Monks of Weston Priory
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