Braille, Audio, and Large Print Hymnals and Materials for Worship
These practices will help make worship and church communications more accessible.
Worship Materials
Provide Braille copies of The United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing.
Remove pages for the songs to be sung that day and place them in a smaller notebook for ease of use.
See the resource Braille, Audio, and Large Print Hymnals and Materials for Worship for sources.
Arrange for Braille transcription of bulletins and orders of worship (many services are low-cost or free).
Prepare large-print bulletins (Arial 18–20 pt font). Consult members who need them to select the right size.
Use black ink on white (or nearly white) background for best contrast.
Consider providing a 3-ring binder with a book light attached if sanctuary lighting is low.
Communication in Worship
Leaders (pastor, liturgist, etc.) should introduce themselves by name.
Describe any visual content (photos, banners, objects, videos). This practice is called audio description.
Read aloud all projected quotes or captions.
For litanies and responses:
Read the congregational response first, then have people repeat.
Use the same response throughout when possible.
Give verbal directions for standing, sitting, or moving. Use inclusive phrases like “rise in body or spirit.”
Invite persons with blindness or low vision to serve as worship leaders.
Media and Education
Offer newsletters and materials in alternate formats (audio, CD, digital files).
Provide large-print handouts at public events, and Braille handouts if requested.
Read aloud anything written on whiteboards, flip charts, or smart boards.
Assign a reader in small groups for instructions.
Offer note-takers when needed.
For PowerPoints:
Use large fonts (24 pt or more).
Choose high-contrast color combinations.
Limit slides to 5–7 bullets each.
Follow web accessibility standards and add alt text for all images.
Keep classrooms uncluttered and layouts consistent.
Ensure good lighting without glare behind the speaker.
Label supply shelves for consistency.
Include games and materials that are tactile or high-contrast (e.g., raised dot dominoes, tactile chess sets).
When possible, select audio-described movies or videos.
Congregational Spaces
Avoid tripping hazards (bags, chairs left out).
Use textures and shapes in children’s rooms to encourage safe exploration.
Plan activities and teaching materials that engage all senses.
Resources
Compiled by Deaconess Lynn Swedberg, updated 2024.