An Accessibility Survey

Accessibility Survey
INTERFAITH DISABILITY AWARENESS TASK FORCE

This survey is a tool to help congregations assess how accessible they are. All items are important and are scored equally using the philosophy that there are different barriers to different disabilities. A person who is blind can negotiate stairs, and a person who uses a wheelchair may not have problems reading the bulletin.
The largest barrier to persons with disabilities costs nothing to remove. It is the attitude of those who believe people that have or will get disabilities are others and not ourselves. Many of us already have poor vision. Many of us will lose some hearing. Some of us have hidden disabilities like diabetes, eating disorders, chronic pain, mental problems, etc. Over half of the items listed below cost little or no money. Please take some time to think and plan for making our buildings and services more welcoming to all people.

FOR PERSONS WITH PROBLEMS IN HEARING, SEEING, MOBILITY, OR OTHER DIFFICULTIES, MY CONGREGATION HAS:
Entrances
___ A well-marked “drop-off” area
___ Convenient, adequate spaces for reserved parking; close to accessible entrances
___ Power assist door
___ Percentage of doors in building with easy open levers instead of knobs
___ Long handle on outside exit doors
___ Accessible classroom for each age group
___ Ramp(s) permanent or temporary
___ Access to Sanctuary for all disabilities
___ Elevator(s)
___ Signage, e.g., indicating alternate access if main entrance has steps, etc.
___ Brightly colored, textured strips marking tops of steps

Worship
___ Worship area(s) with available space for wheelchair users, etc. encouraging
participation in leading Worship (flat area, ramp, etc.)
___ Choir location that allows persons with accessibility issues to participate
___ Sign language interpreter
___ Hearing assistive devices available
___ Large print bulletins and music easily available (Task Force can help with this)
___ Large print school materials available
___ Adequate lighting for interpreter and for people with visual disabilities
___ Places for wheelchair users other than at the very front or very back
___ Sound system that meets needs of those with high-frequency hearing loss
___ Persons with disabilities included in Worship and teaching

General access
___ Office desk or table raised for wheelchair users
___ Paper cup dispenser near water fountains
___ Fire alarm system light and sound cued
___ Literature available to help people become aware of the needs and frustrations of
those persons with invisible disabilities, such as, chronic pain, diabetes, epilepsy
___ Library or shelf space section of resources on disabilities concerns
___ Accessible restroom(s) (stalls, mirrors, grab bars, faucets, soap, towels, etc.)
___ Assistance with transportation for people with diverse disabilities
___ Marketing that informs community of church accessibility, e.g., Marquee,
newsletter, signs
___ Memorial gifts for accessibility projects encouraged
___ Information available to educate about environmental illness, including physical
reactions to perfumes, colognes, after-shaves, etc.
___ Literature or persons available to educate about the nonarchitectural barriers to
inclusiveness (attitudes)

Welcoming efforts and Program Initiatives
___ Bulletin board space for disability concerns
___ Participation in Meals-on-Wheels or other feeding programs for people in need
___ Facilities shared with organizations that serve persons with disabilities
___ Program ministering to persons in nursing homes (more than just Pastor)
___ Children involved in nursing home visits
___ “Accessibility issues” used instead of “handicap,” person-first language, etc.
___ Access Sunday Day or Celebration Event(s), e.g., awareness worship services and
training session(s). The second weekend in October is suggested.
___ Care group assistance with diverse services—transportation, visitation, support
groups, etc.
___ Inclusionary child care & youth education welcoming young people with
disabilities
___ Food allergies and special diets respected at church meals
___ Respite Care available for caregivers in need.
___ Part-time nurse on staff for one-on-one visits on grounds and in homes
___ Care groups trained by nurse.
___ American Sign Language class
___ Ushers trained in special care needed by some worship attendees

Free copies are available by emailing curby1241@cs.com with subject Accessibilty Survey.