After answering the questions below, follow these guidelines:
1. Evaluate and share survey results with the congregation.
2. Enlist a person with a physical disability to assist in setting priorities for improving the accessibility of your church.
3. Set goals and work through church structure to accomplish them.
4. Publicize your church’s accessibility to the community and celebrate each goal accomplished.
5. Place the International Wheelchair Emblem in all church advertisements, publications and signs.
6. Welcome, minister with and learn from all who come.
Questions to ask:
–Are there accessible parking spaces close to the building? Are they clearly marked by the International Wheelchair Emblem?
–Are the parking spaces 12 1/2 feet wide?
–Is the area from the parking space paved even if the rest of the parking lot is not paved?
–Is there a curb-cut from the parking spaces to the walkway?
–Is it possible to get from a parked car to the inside of the building without going up or down steps?
–Is at least one primary entrance to each building usable by individuals in wheelchairs?
–Are the walkways at least 48 inches wide?
–Is the slope of walkways five percent or less?
–Are the walkways a continuing common surface, no steps?
–Do walkways have a level five- by five-foot platform at the door that extends at least one foot beyond each side of the door?
–Do ramps have a slope no greater than a one-foot rise in 12 feet and a width of at least 36 inches?
–Do ramps have hand rails on both sides, 32 inches above surface?
–Do hand rails extend one foot beyond the tops and bottoms of the ramps?
–Are ramps nonslip surfaces?
–Do ramps have level platforms in front of doors that allow at least five feet of straight clearance?
–Do doors have clear openings of 32 inches or more?
–Are doors operable with pressure (81 pounds or less)?
–Do doors with latch hardware have levers or easy-grip handles?
–Is the maximum threshold for doorsills no more than 1/2 inch for interior doors and 3/4 inch for exterior doors?
–Is there at least one accessible restroom on each floor?
–Does the entry door have at least a 32-inch clear opening?
–Do restrooms have 5- by 5-foot space?
–Is there at least one stall that is 36 inches wide with 48-inch clear depth from door closing to the front of the commode?
–Does the stall have a 32-inch-wide door that swings out?
–Does the stall have grab bars on each side?
–Is there a wall-mounted sink with 29-inch clearance from the door to the bottom of the sink?
–Are drain pipes and hot water pipes covered or insulated?
–Are faucet controls easy to operate?
–Are towel dispensers mounted no higher than 40 inches from the floor?
–Is there an elevator to all levels of the building?
–Is the elevator door opening at least 36 inches wide?
–Is the elevator cab at least 51 by 68 inches?
–Are elevator controls 54 inches or less from the floor?
–Do stairs have hand rails on both sides?
–Is at least one fountain on each floor accessible to people in wheelchairs?
–Is the fountain basin no higher than 30 to 36 inches from floor?
–Are seating spaces provided for wheelchair users?
–Is there wheelchair access to the choir?
–Is hearing amplification provided?
–Are large-print hymnals and Bibles available?
–Are bulletins designed with easy-to-read print?
–Is the sanctuary adequately lighted?
Source: North American Mission Board
Accessibility Resources
Alabama State Board of Missions
Gary Swafford
Phone: 1-800-264-1225, Ext. 323
E-mail: gswafford@alsbom.org
www.alsbom.org
Center for Religion and Disability
1780 Indian Hills Road
Pelham, AL 35124
Phone: 205-987-1622
www.religionanddisability.org
The Retirement Research Foundation
“Accessible Faith: A Technical Guide
for Accessibility in Houses of Worship”
http://www.rrf.org/noteworthy/Accessible
Faith-final.pdf
Evan Terry Associates, P.C.
One Perimeter Park South, Suite 200 S
Birmingham, AL 35243
Phone: 205-972-9100
Fax: 205-972-9110
TTY: 205-972-9112
www.evanterry.com
Editors of “Pocket Guide
to Americans with Disabilities Act”
Americans with Disabilities Act
(U.S. Department of Justice)
Phone: 800-514-0301
TTY: 1-800-514-0383
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm
Provides ADA Design Standards
Source: Sondra Washington
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