These suggestions will help you make worship and church communications more accessible. Always consult the ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines and involve members of your congregation with lived experience in both planning and evaluation.

General Principles

• People who are blind or have low vision need information in multiple formats.

• Provide information verbally and in writing.

• Use high-contrast colors (e.g., black text on white or yellow background).

• Avoid relying only on visuals (charts, slides, photos, decorations).

Worship Practices

• Announce all hymn numbers, page numbers, and scripture references clearly and slowly.

• Provide large-print bulletins (18 pt font or larger, sans serif fonts like Arial or Verdana).

• Offer Braille bulletins or hymnals when possible.

• Share electronic versions of bulletins or readings in accessible formats (Word or tagged PDFs).

• Describe what is happening: movements, actions, banners, or videos.

• When lighting candles or sharing visual symbols, describe them verbally.

• Avoid projecting text only; read scripture and lyrics aloud.

• Train ushers and leaders in disability etiquette and orientation assistance.

Media & Technology

• Use microphones at all times so descriptions and readings are audible.

• Provide captioning and transcripts for recordings.

• For slides:

  • Use large, sans serif fonts.

  • Keep text simple.

  • Use high-contrast backgrounds.

• Avoid flashing lights or moving graphics that cause confusion or discomfort.

• Label audio files and podcasts clearly; include detailed descriptions in metadata.

• On websites and social media, add alt text to all images.

Printed & Digital Materials

• Provide large-print newsletters, bulletins, and forms.

• Offer accessible digital versions (screen-reader friendly).

• Avoid scanned images of text—always use text-based documents.

• Ensure consistent page layout with wide margins and spacing.

Congregational Inclusion

• Invite people with blindness/low vision to leadership roles.

• Ask about preferred accommodations instead of assuming.

• Offer rides, guides, or buddies when moving through unfamiliar spaces.

• Encourage fellowship by describing who is speaking or present in group settings.

For more information:

• Learn about audio description through the American Council of the Blind, Audio Description Project

• Large Print Guidelines - American Council of the Blind

• Sources for Braille label makers, games, and other products (be sure to have someone who reads Braille do any labeling)

• Independent Living Aids

• MaxiAids

Compiled by Deaconess Lynn Swedberg; updated 2024.