Accessible and Disability-Friendly Badge for Churches
The Annual Accessibility Audit for Churches is a ministry tool to help your church become increasingly accessible and welcoming. Read the updated Guidance document to understand the scoring and intent of each item. Scoring 85% on the items for each level earns a badge. Post on your congregation’s website so that people looking for an accessible and inclusive faith community will see it and learn about your commitment.
Badge Levels
Copper (Honorable Mention)
Your church works on inclusion but the building structure can’t be made fully accessible. (Self-report, based on scoring at least 30–50% of the 59 items on the Audit and setting at least two goals for the coming year.)
Bronze (Basic accessibility and accommodations)
Your church is welcoming and offers basic amenities, e.g., an ADA-compliant place to park and means to get into the building, an accessible restroom, etc. Most items at this level can be easily provided, e.g., ushers trained in disability etiquette, website offers information on access.
(Self-report, based on Audit score of 85% or more of Bronze items.)
Silver (Satisfactory accessibility and accommodations)
Your church has many accessible features and offers accommodations for persons with disabilities including hearing loss and limited vision, but some areas are not yet fully accessible.
(Self-report, based on Audit score of 85% or more of Bronze and Silver items.)
Gold (Great accessibility and accommodations)
Your church goes beyond ADA and strives to provide full accessibility, inclusion, and accommodations such as an accessible chancel and automatic door openers.
(The church needs to apply for this level based on a careful audit completed by a team that includes disabled people or family members, trustees, members with experience in rehab and/or construction, and church staff. In addition to achieving an 85% or greater Audit score on all badge levels, you need a physical or virtual site review by trained conference or DMC reviewers.)
For more information, see the Resources – Accessibility & Accommodations section or contact us at: information@umcdmc.org