You open your church’s front door and enter without a thought. If advancing years or a temporary, progressive, or permanent disability has diminished your strength, you may still open the door enough for a foot or shoulder wedge. Then, thrusting your body against the door, you are in. That is, if you could grasp the handle while managing a walker or cane. Or, you pound on the door and wait because you are a child or your wheelchair reach does not afford the leverage necessary to budge the door.
For some, the door gets heavier each year. Overnight, a church door can become a wall. While we are not under American Disabilities Act requirements, churches do set a community example by opening our own doors.
Jeanne Walter, Disability Rights and ADA Specialist at Lincoln’s League of Human Dignity, said that ADA guidelines relate to door width and steps but say nothing about weight. Neither do they currently require automatic doors.
In addition to advocacy work, the League administers Barrier Removal and Information Centers (BRICs). BRIC’s consultation services include on-site assessments, recommendations on the most cost-effective and best solutions, and implementation plans. Phone 1-800-742-7338 V/TDD.
Courage in the struggle for justice and for peace comes to people one by one. A person’s tenacity in continuing to move forward does spring from small, quiet, surprising offerings by perceptive individuals and willing church committees. By thinking universally and responding with compassion, churches do eliminate attitudinal and architectural barriers.
The architectural principle of universal design involves designing all products, buildings, and exterior space to be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible. Follo Society-and-Culture, Disabilities, at Universal Design Internet links .
UCC churches have another way to participate with each other in building projects. Cornerstone Fund provides low-cost loans for money needed to improve accessibility, renovate or expand facilities, or to refinance existing real estate debt. Pooled investments from local churches and members enable Cornerstone Fund to pass by fees normally associated with similar loans. At www.ucc.org, visit Cornerstone Fund.
Does your church employ anyone with disabilities? Trail the Assistive Technology Partnership (ATP) link on
Why not complete the year by taking a closer look at reshaping your church and camping facilities so that all will be welcome regardless of one’s physical capacities? Rather than being places of gradual exclusion, our churches may then continue to be builders of communion. – db
Reading the Signs columns shared by Nebraska Conference are Can-do Forums about accessibility for the whole church family.
