Creating a Local Church Accessibility Committee
A first step in creating a culture of welcome and belonging—where people of all abilities are integrated in 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.
Add professionals when possible (e.g., occupational therapists, special education teachers).
Representatives from trustees, Christian education, and health ministry should participate.
4–6 members is a good size for most churches.
Large churches: invite appropriate staff to meetings.
Small churches: invite the pastor or 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 and communications for accessibility (esp. for visual loss).
Share information about accommodations (large-print hymnals, assisted listening devices) via signs, kiosks, greeters, or announcements.
Address transportation needs for members unable to drive.
Survey unmet needs (e.g., respite, accommodations for participation).
Promote inclusive practices: good slide contrast, captioning, language like “rise in body or spirit.”
Train clergy/staff on meaningful inclusion in worship/education.
Train lay members on how to offer appropriate support.
Serve as event accessibility coordinators (e.g., arranging interpreters, large-print handouts).
Set goals for ongoing inclusive practices.
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 accessibility goals (e.g., sensory/calming rooms).
Assist with fundraising for accessibility improvements.
Review remodeling/building plans (including parsonages) to ensure compliance with universal design (BOD 2016 ¶2544).
C. Education, Disability Awareness, and Outreach
Plan/implement Disability Awareness Sunday (BOD 2016 ¶265).
Educate on dietary needs, allergies, environmental sensitivities, and hidden disabilities.
Resource Sunday School teachers to support children with disabilities.
Recommend disability-related books/resources for the church library.
Raise awareness through newsletters, bulletin boards, workshops, and media representation.
Report annually to the Charge Conference.
Encourage stewardship campaigns to include giving for accessibility/disability ministry.
Promote educational opportunities in conference/community.
Publicize church services/accommodations to the community.
Resource nearby churches beginning accessibility efforts.
Promote district, conference, and general church disability ministry resources/fundraising.
Author: Deaconess Lynn Swedberg, Disability Consultant
Revised: February 16, 2024