A PDF file of the entire "Congregational Accessibility" document (9 pages) can be downloaded here for easier viewing and printing.

The following survey form is intended to help your congregation assess its level of accessibility to persons with various disabilities, including mental illness, and provide ideas to increase your accessibility.

	Physical Accessibility to the building and grounds. This includes parking, entrances, restrooms, and worship space accessible to wheelchair users.
	Assistive Listening Devices – Assistive listening devices are provided to persons who are hard of hearing.
	Sign Language – Sign language interpretation is provided for those who are deaf.
	Visual Aids – Visual aids are provided for persons with vision impairments.
	Support Services – The church supports persons with disabilities through awareness-raising, education, support groups, and provision for individual needs that promote inclusion into the life of the church.

Visual Accessibility

Aids are provided for persons with vision impairment, usually large print.

Basic standards for visual accessibility are met when Criteria 1 and at least 2 items in numbers 2-8 (the more the better) are met. Number 9 and numbers 13-20 are recommended and 10-12 accompany other accessibility features.

1. ____ Adequate Lighting. Provided throughout the worship area (sanctuary).

Large Print worship materials are provided and ushers are educated on their location and use. Large Print should be at least 16-point type.

2. ____ Large Print Bulletins.

3. ____ Large Print Hymnals. Include song sheets for other music used.

Worship materials are projected on an overhead screen.

4. ____ Worship Order projected.

5. ____ Worship Readings projected.

6. ____ Announcements projected.

7. ____ Hymns projected. An alternative to Large Print Hymnals.

8. ____ Worship Songs projected.

The following are recommended:

9. ____ New Hymn Introduction. New hymns/songs are introduced so that people with low vision can participate more fully during the worship i.e. prior to worship.

10. ____ Exterior signs visible. Signs are easily visible near the church entrance indicating location of accessible parking spaces and entrances.

11. ____ Interior signs visible. Interior signs are easily visible noting the location of any available accommodations, i.e., accessible restrooms, elevators, Assistive Listening Devices, etc.

12. ____ Lighting for speakers. Lighting for the area which speakers use is directed to the front of speakers, toward the face, not from behind the person. This is important for persons who are also hard of hearing or who rely on speech reading.

13. ____ Glare eliminated from windows or lights.

14. ____ If Braille reader, provide bulletins, signs, and other written material in Braille

15. ____ Bookstands or lapboards available if unable to hold hymnals or Bibles.

16. ____ Special seating with seat 19" from floor, arm rests, foot stool, and extra wide leg room.

17. ____ A fragrance free section available.

18. ____ All carpeting a maximum of ½" thick.

19. ____ Fire alarms, visual and auditory, 48" inches from floor.

20. ____ Evacuation plan for persons in wheelchairs, blind, mentally ill, or others needing help.