For Congregations: A Guide for Accessible Gatherings

Self-Guided Accessibility Evaluation for your Church Meeting Space

Clearly marked location for audio/visual assistive technology
IT staff and assistance are available as needed
Microphones for presenters and lay speakers in the congregation
Adequate maneuvering-room for scooters and power wheelchairs
Adequately-spaced seating for all mobility needs
Raised platform area for presenters to be visible to audience, and wheelchair access to the raised area
If the room is large, simultaneous video projection of the presenters
Text captions of spoken words of presenters in near-real-time

Welcoming People of All Abilities to Your Church Meeting

Provide Greeters at each entrance to welcome guests and act as “Accessibility Volunteers” for your congregation. Below is a list of actions these Greeters may do:

Provide Descriptive Information

To help orient attendees who are blind or have low vision to the building, it may be useful to provide some descriptive information.
Include “big picture” information: the layout of the facility and surrounding area, including landmarks and their relation to each other
Include specific directions for getting to and from one area of the building to another. For example, directions from the lobby, elevators, stairs, or other common “starting points” to specific meeting rooms, sanctuary, or other spaces

Offer to Assist

Those with mobility limitations may appreciate having someone walk with them around the new space. Offer to walk them into the sanctuary or to the Sunday School classroom.
Place wheelchairs at entrances to the building for attendees to use.
Attendees with anxiety induced by new situations or many people may appreciate a friendly face to greet them and explain how the service/meeting time will progress, how to find a space to sit, and who they may know in the congregation.

Resources for Churches

Resources for Leaders of Children and Youth

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