Ideas For Becoming Intentionally Disability Friendly on a Tight Budget
- Complete the Annual Accessibility Audit for United Methodist Churches
- Start an Accessibility or Inclusion committee
- Hold Disability Awareness Sunday
- Update your Find-A-Church site with information on your accessibility and programming
- Update your church website with information on your parking, building accessibility and accommodations available. Include who to contact with questions.
- Make sure your welcome statement includes the fact that you welcome people of all abilities; post the statement on your website and near your entrance, and include it in your print media.
- Post easily-seen signs directing visitors to the accessible entrance.
- Trim shrubs back so the full sidewalk width is accessible.
- Post a greeter at the entrance door(s) before, during, and after services to help people enter safely and to assign someone to help them locate restrooms/ sanctuary/childcare as needed.
- Lower a coat rack to 48” for kids and people who use wheelchairs.
- Place a variety of chairs in your worship space, e.g. some with armrests, a glider rocker, and a high café-type table for people who need to stand and lean on something.
- Post temporary (printed on the copier, laminated or placed in plastic sleeves) signs marking accessible restrooms and providing directions throughout the building.
- Create a welcome and accommodations table near the worship area. Items to include:
- noise cancelling headphones for people with sound sensitivity
- fidgets (tactile objects) for children and adults with sensory and attention challenges
- assisted listening devices if you have them (check batteries regularly)
- large print bulletins and hymnals – or include the words of hymns and songs
- a script or outline of the sermon
- a QR code giving access on your website to a Word document of the order of worship - for people who access media via a voice output device or refreshable Braille display
- If you use PowerPoint, make sure that you provide good visual contrast, i.e. light letters on dark backgrounds or dark letters on light backgrounds without a lot of visual clutter, that captions are turned on, and that all visual images are described for people unable to see them.
- Place paper towels and soap on the counter if the dispensers are high (more than 48”).
- Install a small mirror under the regular mirror if it is mounted too high (more than 40”).
- Use pipe insulation to cover any exposed pipes under accessible sinks.
- Start a buddy system for children who may need support to succeed in Sunday School.
- Place a paper cup dispenser next to an accessible sink or drinking fountain.
- Use fragrance free soaps and cleaning products and suggest that members limit use of scented personal care products.
- Cultivate an attitude that communicates hospitality to all who enter your doors.
See https://umcdmc.org for resources to help you implement these suggestions. Click here for a printable version of this list.