By Jo Ackerman, Pastor of Clay Center, Nebraska
The Nebraska Conference is proud of its churches that are making an effort to be accessible to all of God’s people. The term “accessible,” as used in many of our churches, means being able to gain entrance to the building. Some churches have constructed ramps and installed elevators; others consider a rear entrance sufficient.
Even with these assists there may be hidden barriers. A doorknob that is unable to be grasped by arthritic hands or a heavy door that cannot be pulled open can be a huge problem for someone using a wheelchair, crutches, or a walker. Many persons who deal with disabilities have learned to be independent. Assistance is not always available at all times.
Doorways that may appear wide enough to navigate in a wheelchair may be as little as an inch or half inch too narrow for easy passage. Restroom doorways and stalls are often impossible.
Providing access to our meeting places and offering a welcome that allows persons to feel welcomed into our gatherings, whether in the pews in worship, the availability of restrooms, or an easy entrance and exit, means we care and we are listening to God when our Creator asks us to welcome everyone to God’s table as part of the whole family. Doorknobs and yardsticks can be important tools to measure our accessibility to all.
Jo Ackerman is a member of the Nebraska Conference UCC DM Board which is the source of the Reading the Signs columns for use in conference and local church newsletters. Reprinted by permission.
