Disability-Friendly and Accessible Church Badge Process for Annual Conferences

1. Participation in the Badge Project

Decide whether or not your conference and its disability ministries committee wants to participate in the Disability Ministries Committee (DMC) Disability-Friendly and Accessible Church Badge project. Local churches are still eligible to participate through the DMC.

2. Introduction to the Badge Levels

  • Copper (Honorable Mention): For churches that try hard but have buildings that cannot be made fully accessible.
    Requirements: Self-report based on completing the Audit, scoring at least 51% on all items, setting goals for the coming year, and holding a Disability Awareness Sunday once during the prior two years.

  • Bronze (Basic accessibility and accommodations): For churches that are welcoming and offer accessible basic amenities (e.g., a place to park, a way to get into the building, an accessible restroom). Items at this level can be easily provided, e.g., ushers trained in disability etiquette, website information on access.
    Requirements: Self-report based on Audit score of 85% or more on Bronze-level items.

  • Silver (Satisfactory accessibility and accommodations): For churches with many accessible features and accommodations for disabled persons including hearing loss and limited vision, but not yet fully accessible.
    Requirements: Self-report based on Audit score of 85% or more on Bronze and Silver items.

  • Gold (Great accessibility and accommodations): For churches that go beyond the ADA and strive to provide full accessibility, inclusion, and accommodations such as an accessible chancel and automatic door openers.
    Requirements: Audit score of 85% or more on Bronze, Silver, Gold items, plus a site review. Bonus points may be awarded during the review.

3. Badge Project Implementation Process

The Disability Ministries Committee or other designated group can take ownership of the project through these steps:

  • Upload the 8/2023 version of the “UMC Annual Accessibility Audit” onto the conference website under charge conference forms and/or on the disability ministries committee page.

  • Delete outdated forms. Suggest linking to the DMC site so the most current version is always available.

  • Ensure the cabinet includes the Annual Accessibility Audit in the expected charge conference forms and reports, per ¶2533.6 of The Book of Discipline.

  • Read “Guidance for Completing the Annual Accessibility Audit” to review the intent and process for completing each item.

  • Decide whether potential audit reviewers are comfortable with accessibility audits or need additional training.

  • If no one has experience with accessibility, determine how to obtain training. The DMC is available virtually to train committee members and volunteers.

  • After training, request the digital badge graphics and certificates from the DMC.

4. Tracking Badges

  • Decide who will receive completed Annual Accessibility Audits (e.g., conference disability ministries committee, district office, or conference office).

  • Decide how to track which churches receive badges and how many are in each category.

  • Work with conference and district staff to create a process for tracking.

  • Include a process for reporting numbers and stories to the DMC.

5. Recognition of Churches and Promotion Options

  • Write an article in your conference newsletter or other media channels (e.g., Facebook) highlighting churches that are awarded badges and describing their ministries.

  • Decide where congregations will be recognized (e.g., on the floor of annual conference plenary, laity session, or during worship at the individual church).

  • Prepare a commitment litany for congregations to accept the award (templates available from the DMC).

  • Decide which churches will be recognized (e.g., Gold only or all levels).

  • Decide how often to recognize churches (e.g., once per new level, or ongoing re-commitment).

  • Decide how recognition will occur (e.g., Certificate only, or a door decal purchased from the DMC by the committee or the church).

  • Promote participation in the Badge program! A little friendly competition between districts can be healthy.

Deaconess Lynn Swedberg, updated 4/6/24