Helping to make churches inclusive

“Becoming an accessible church means much more than simply installing an entrance ramp, it involves design choices so anyone can access the platform, sound systems, and Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and bulletins available in alternative formats including large print, Braille and electronic. It also means inclusion in all services and activities.”

This statement from the website of the IOTI-funded project Disability Specific Training for Faith Based Organizations highlights some of the accessibility issues that many people with disabilities face as they attend their church of choice.  But accessibility is not the only barrier that they find; attitudinal barriers may prevent many with disabilities from feeling comfortable and welcome in their church homes.

The Disability and Faith project has addressed this situation by providing several trainings this past year to religious organizations throughout Utah.  The trainings teach church leaders how to make their services, buildings, and congregations more inclusive and welcoming. 

Although the funding for the project is over at the end of June 2010, the impact of their training and the website that was created lives on. 

The Disability and Faith project, in partnership with the Utah Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and human Capabilities, will continue to provide statewide trainings to faith leaders in Utah upon request.  The website will continue to provide resources, fact sheets, publications, links and inclusion information.

Interested persons can request a training, schedule a free assessment of their church for people who are hard of hearing and deaf, view power point presentations, or learn more about how to create an accessible and inclusive church.