Creating a Local Church Accessibility Committee

A first step in creating a culture of welcome and belonging—where people of all abilities are integrated into your congregation—is to set up a task force or committee to provide oversight.

This group can be called the Access Team, Inclusivity Committee, Disability Ministries Task Force, or any other name that fits your church.

Membership

  • Include disabled persons and family members of persons with disabilities.

  • When possible, add professionals (e.g., occupational therapists, special education teachers).

  • Representatives from trustees, Christian education, and health ministry should be involved.

  • 4–6 members is a good size for most churches.

  • Large churches: invite appropriate staff to meetings.

  • Small churches: invite the pastor or a designee.

Meeting frequency: monthly to quarterly, depending on needs.

Roles and Responsibilities

A. Welcome, Inclusion, and Advocacy

  • Ensure the Welcome Statement includes “people of all abilities.”

  • Monitor website/communications for accessibility (especially for visual loss).

  • Publicize accommodations (e.g., large-print hymnals, assisted listening devices) through signage, kiosks, greeter training, and announcements.

  • Address transportation needs for members unable to drive.

  • Survey unmet needs (e.g., respite care, accommodations).

  • Advocate for inclusive practices (contrast on slides, captioning, “rise in body or spirit” language).

  • Train clergy, staff, and lay members on meaningful inclusion.

  • Serve as accessibility coordinators at events (e.g., arranging interpreters, large-print handouts).

  • Develop goals for next stages of inclusion.

B. Accessibility

  • Complete the Annual Accessibility Audit (Book of Discipline 2016 ¶2533.6) and work toward the Disability-Friendly and Accessible Church badge.

  • Collaborate with trustees/finance/program areas on goals for increasing accessibility (e.g., sensory/calm room).

  • Help raise funds for accessibility improvements.

  • Review remodeling or building plans (including parsonages) to ensure universal design compliance (BOD 2016 ¶2544).

C. Education, Disability Awareness, and Outreach

  • Plan and implement Disability Awareness Sunday (BOD 2016 ¶265).

  • Educate about dietary needs, allergies, sensitivities, and hidden disabilities.

  • Resource Sunday School teachers to support children with disabilities.

  • Recommend disability-related books/resources for the church library.

  • Raise awareness via newsletters, bulletin boards, workshops, images in media.

  • Report annually to the Charge Conference.

  • Include accessibility/disability ministry in stewardship campaigns.

  • Promote educational opportunities in the conference/community.

  • Publicize services and accommodations to the wider community.

  • Serve as a resource for nearby churches starting accessibility efforts.

  • Promote district, conference, and general church disability ministry resources and fundraising.

Author: Deaconess Lynn Swedberg, Disability Consultant
Revised: 2/16/24