Obtaining your Bronze or Silver Badge
Step 1: COMMIT!
We hereby certify that our congregation scored at the Bronze or Silver Badge level based on completing the Annual Accessibility Audit for United Methodist Churches and scoring at least 85% on all Bronze or Bronze and Silver audit items. By downloading a badge and accepting this “Disability-Friendly and Accessible” designation, this congregation commits to continuing to remove barriers of architecture, communication, and attitudes so that disabled people are fully included in all aspects of worship, leadership, ministry, and mission. We agree that the Bronze or Silver Badge statement below reflects our church facilities as well as congregational values and practices.
Bronze (Basic accessibility and accommodations): Churches that are welcoming and offer accessible basic amenities, e.g., a place to park, a way to get into the building, an accessible restroom, etc. Items at this level can be easily provided, e.g., ushers trained in disability etiquette, website information on access.
Silver (Satisfactory accessibility and accommodations): Churches with many accessible features and accommodations for disabled persons including those who are hard of hearing or have low vision. Silver level items may cost a bit more and take more effort to put in place. While some areas are not yet fully accessible and inclusive, it is clear that the congregation is working towards accessibility.
Step 2: REQUEST BADGE
Please complete the linked Badge Request form. We will get back to you soon with a passcode.
Step 3: COMMUNICATE AND CELEBRATE!
Congratulations on the hard work your congregation has done to get to this point! Have the congregation affirm their commitment during worship. Use the badge on your website and print or digital media to let potential visitors know of your access and intentionality. Let your Administrative Council and Conference Disability Concerns Committee know that you earned the badge, and include the information as part of your Charge/Church Conference report.
Step 4: DONATE!
Please strongly consider making a donation to the Disability Ministries Committee of the UMC in order to assist other churches to make accessibility improvements.