Making Buildings Accessible Publications

The following publications about making buildings accessible are available at Partners for Sacred Places :

Accessible Faith: A Technical Guide for Accessibility in Houses of Worship

(2003) By Elizabeth A. Patterson and Neal A. Vogel, published by the Retirement Research Foundation. The core of this 52-page guide deals with practical solutions to eliminating physical, auditory, and visual barriers, and to improving signage, in older houses of worship. The authors use a variety of case examples and support the text with many photographs, drawings, charts, and diagrams and also include information on who is affected by a “disability”, as well as the basics of accessibility laws as they pertain to houses of worship. They conclude the guide with sections covering the design, funding, and construction processes.

Loving Justice: The ADA and the Religious Community

(1995) By the National Organization on Disability. A guide to the Americans with Disabilities Act’s effects on religious institutions and congregations. An explanation of the ADA requirements for some tenants of religious properties is included.

Money and Ideas: Creative Approaches to Congregational Access

(2001) By the Alban Institute and the National Organization on Disability.
A source of ideas for raising money for disability access. Congregations will be inspired to think creatively about their situations and to make affordable, incremental changes to enhance worship for members and visitors alike.

That All May Worship: An Interfaith Welcome To People With Disabilities

(1994) By the National Organization on Disability. A handbook to assist congregations and denominational groups in welcoming people with disabilities. Interfaith in scope, it offers suggestions for building modifications to accommodate people with all types of disabling conditions.