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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 assesses whether wheelchair users and other persons with mobility issues will find accessible parking leading to an accessible entrance which in turn leads to an accessible worship area and preferably to at least one accessible classroom. Churches that are physically accessible will meet the criteria outlined for each area of the building and grounds under 1-5. In addition, areas 6-7 are highly recommended. Criteria for meeting accessibility standards for each area are listed below. 1. ____ Parking. Accessible parking spaces are provided. 2. ____ Entrance. Entrance to the building is accessible to people who use wheelchairs and others who cannot walk up and down steps. 3. ____ Interior. Hallways and other interior sections of the building are accessible to people who use wheelchairs and others with mobility issues. 4. ____ Worship Area. Entrance to the main worship area (often referred to as the “sanctuary”) is accessible and seating options are provided. 5. ____ Restroom. At least one wheelchair accessible restroom is available for both men and women. 6. ____ Classroom. At least one classroom is accessible to wheelchair users. 7. ____ Fellowship/Gathering Area. The area where the church gathers for fellowship activities is accessible to wheelchair users. 1. ____ Accessible parking spaces are provided based on total number of spaces.
All accessible parking spaces should meet these criteria: ____ At least 8-feet wide ____ Each parking space has a level, stable surface. ____ Upright, visible sign with universal wheelchair symbol for autos plus “van accessible” sign for van spaces. (Check local requirements for signage) ____ Marked smooth, level aisle (5' for autos, 8' for van) beside each parking space for wheelchair accessibility (Two spaces may share an aisle). ____ A path at least 3 feet wide leads from the parking space aisle to an accessible entrance. ____ Curb cuts with 1" to 12" slope and 36" wide are provided if only street parking available. 2. ____ Entrance to the building is accessible to people who use wheelchairs and others who cannot walk up and down steps. Accessible entrances meet all of the following criteria: ____ Accessible path at least 3 feet wide from parking spaces. ____ Clear signage indicating the accessible entrances. ____ A 5-foot level platform at the entry door. ____ Minimum 3 feet (42" preferable) wide doorway ____ Doorway has level threshold of no more than ½ inch. Three types of accessible entrances: ____ Ground level. No accommodations needed. ____ Ramp. 3 feet wide ramp (maximum incline of 1:12-or 1" of rise for 12" of length but preferably 1:20) with handrails (2 rails if rise is greater than 6 inches-see below) and a 5‘ level platform at the top and at all switchbacks ____ Elevator or lift. Certified and usable by wheelchair user (Reach controls-54" or less from the floor, space to accommodate chair and preferably an attendant, at least one handrail 32" high. and carry the weight of a power chair and its user) Also recommend: a covered drop off area with 114" vertical clearance. Doors - Automatic doors are recommended wherever possible. Manual doors can be made more accessible according to the criteria below. _____ Manual doors should be light, easy to open (≤ 5 lbs. pressure) by a wheelchair user, not force the wheelchair off the surrounding level surface, and have a handle easy to grasp with one hand without the need for tight grasping, pinching, or twisting wrist. (Highly recommended to have an usher or greeter stationed at the door to help persons with mobility challenge) Automatic doors should meet the following criteria: ____ Marked with the universal wheelchair access symbol and working. ____ Plainly visible push buttons at comfortable height for person in wheelchair. ____ Buttons at sufficient distance from any door that opens toward the user. ____ Doors open at moderate speed for safe passage through. 3. ____ Hallways and other interior sections of the building are accessible to people who use wheelchairs and others with mobility issues. ____ Hallways. Barrier-free with width of at least 48" (60" preferable) ____ Stairs. At least one handrail mounted 34-38" above the step and extending 1" beyond top and bottom; (includes podium platform) & slightly raised, abrasive floor strips at top. ____ Carpets and rugs. Carpets and rugs securely attached, firm backing and a maximum pile level of 1/2-inch thick. ____ Door handles. Room doors are easy to open - see manual doors above (Required for doors on restrooms, worship area, and classrooms labeled accessible, and highly recommended for others.) ____ Coat Racks. If provided, at least one section low enough to be accessible by persons in wheelchairs and small children. Recommend half or more drinking fountains are accessible with spout no more than 36" from the floor, easily operated by a person using a wheelchair, and cups available nearby. 4.____ Entrance to the main worship area (often referred to as the “sanctuary”) is accessible and seating options are provided. ____ Accessible entrances to the Worship Area - see accessible doors & entrances sections ____ Ushers should be available at the doorway to help persons find seating. ____ Seating. Seating is provided so that a wheelchair user can sit beside family members and sit at different locations. Number of spaces provided (scattered site cutouts) ____ Front ____ Rear ____ Middle (scattered with considerations for drafts, temperature, sound, light, view) ____ Accessible platform with wheel chair ramp or lift to encourage participation or, if impossible, provide an alternative choir area and speaking area where speaker can be seen and heard. A 27" table may be preferable to a short podium. ____ If stairs needed to access platform, provide at least one handrail 34"-38" above the steps 5. ____ At least one wheelchair accessible restroom is available for both men and women. Can be provided by a family/single user restroom (accommodates an attendant and is highly preferred) OR at least one accessible restroom stall in standard restrooms for each gender. Restroom Accessibility
6. ____
At least one Sunday school classroom and a Fellowship Area is accessible to wheelchair users as follows: An accessible path at least 36 inches wide leads from an accessible entrance to the _____classroom door and ____fellowship area door There is a 5-foot level platform at the _____ classroom door and ____fellowship area door. The doorway entrances are 36-inches wide with a level threshold no more than ½" at the _____ classroom door and ____fellowship area door. 7. ____ A telephone with the top of the controls no more than 48" from the floor and with a knee clearance of 27". |
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