Environment: Beyond the Building
Be ours a religion which, like sunshine goes everywhere;
its temple, all space;
its shrine, the good heart;
its creed, all truth;
its ritual, works of love;
its profession of faith, divine living.
Reading #683 by Theodore Parker
Accessibility goes beyond the four walls of your building. Here
are some other things to think about when you are on the journey
toward making your faith community truly welcoming to everybody.
- "VISITABILITY" is what accessibility in
congregants' homes is called. Visitability is an often overlooked
but vitally important accessibility issue. If you are truly seeking
to be welcoming, all events and activities sponsored by your congregation
must have an accessible site. If you have meetings or gatherings
in people's houses, for example, covenant/chalice groups
(small group ministry circles), then make sure to include a wheelchair-accessible
home, or have at least one group meet at the church, or at another
accessible location such as a community center, local retirement
village, school, etc.
- Create a local accessibility guide with wheelchair-friendly
restaurants listed. Support these restaurants with your business
and compliment them on their accessibility.
- Evaluate the local public transportation for accessibility
– learn if is there a separate/segregated paratransit system,
or if the regular public transportation is accessible. If not,
advocate for integrated accessible transportation that includes
people with disabilities.
- Add non-discriminatory language to your constitution
and by-laws.
- If you hold meetings in the community, insist that you
hold meetings in accessible buildings. Plan meetings for accessibility
[link to planning manual]. Registration materials for meetings
and conferences should include an accessibility statement [link
to Accessible meetings in resources] and space for registrants
to state their accessibility needs.
- Be an ally and an advocate for people with disabilities.
Notice inaccessibility and make it a part of your congregation's
social justice work, internally and externally..
- Spread the "good news" about accessibility
and hospitality to all people – including people with disabilities.
- Learn about disability as a political and social justice
issue rather than as a personal problem.
- Educate and engage your congregation in anti-oppression
work related to disability and accessibility.
- Encourage sermons, talks, programs, education by people
with disabilities, throughout the year.
›› Take the Accessibility Audit for: Beyond the Building 
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