Here is a an idea for other conferences to consider to acknowledge efforts of UCC churches to become accessible and inclusive. The idea was shared by the Rev. Bob Molsberry.

History of the Tom Paton Award

The Tom Paton Award was established in 1979 by the Ohio Conference Task Force on Ministries for and with Persons with Disabilities to honor the man who inspired and helped direct Conference efforts to reach out and serve people with disabilities. Rev. Paton was a strong advocate for inclusiveness for all persons and all conditions of life.

Tom Paton, a Board for World Ministries missionary to Japan, served as a resident missionary in the Ohio Conference in 1977-78. The Task Force, formed in 1979, organized an International Gathering on Ministries with Persons with Disabilities that was held at Pilgrim Hills in July, 1980. Persons from seven countries, both with and without visible disabilities, participated in this event. Tom Paton traveled to Ohio from Japan to co-direct the gathering with Robert Ruck, chair of the Task Force.

Robert Ruck wrote about Tom Paton’s role in the gathering: “Tom Paton, who first suggested this gathering in correspondence with Bill Wealand [Ohio Conference Minister for Outdoor Ministries], gave encouragement to each person, helping us discover things about ourselves and our ability to relate to others. Tom is a person in whom the light of God’s love shows forth in a magnificent way.”

The Task Force also asked the Ohio Conference to establish yearly awards for churches and Ohio UCC-related organizations which had done the most during the past year to make their building physically accessible, to make their congregations inclusive and welcoming and who were committed to be advocates for persons with disabilities in their communities. The award was named in honor of Tom Paton.

The first Tom Paton Award was presented to Avon Lake United Church of Christ in 1979.

Criteria that have been considered for the award include:

§ Building accessibility (original design or later modifications)

§ Participation by persons with disabilities in worship, programs and church activities

§ Publicity and awareness of church’s accessibility

§ Special facilities or services (taped services for shut-ins, chair lifts, listening devices, etc.)

§ Attitudes, outreach and sensitivity (how welcome will people with disabilities be?)

§ Employment of persons with disabilities on church staff

Accessibility Check List and Form

Large-print hymnals, bulletins, Bibles
Braille materials
Sermons or entire services on tape
Amplifying sound systems
Sign language provided

Adequate lighting
Printed sermons
Audio loops and other assistive listening devices
Parking and Paths
Curb cuts to sidewalks and ramps to entrances
Pathways at least 48” wide, sloped no more than 5%
Level resting space around doors
Marked accessible parking close to accessible entrances

Ramps and Stairs
Stairs with rubber treads
Ramps 36” wide, minimum, extending 1’ in length for every 1” of rise (1:12 ratio)
Handrails on at least one side of ramp, 32” above surface
Stairs with handrails on both sides, 32” above the step and extending 1’ beyond the top and bottom of the stairs
Slightly raised abrasive strips on top steps to warn people with limited sight where stairs begin
Protection from rain and snow over ramps; non-skid ramp surfaces

Bathrooms
At least one accessible bathroom
Grab bars on each side of accessible toilet
Sink with 29” clearance from floor to bottom of sink
Wheelchair turning space, 5’ x 5’
Towel dispensers no higher than 40” from floor
Lever-type faucet controls and hardware on doors
One toilet stall 36” wide with 48” clear depth from door closing to front of toilet and a 32” door that swings out

Water Fountains
Mounted with basin no more than 36” from floor, easily operated from wheelchairs
Elevators and Lifts
Handrail on at least one side, 32” from floor
Elevators or chair lifts to ensure access to the sanctuary and all major program areas
Braille plaques on elevator panels
Controls placed 54” or less from the elevator floor, reachable from a wheelchair

Worship Space
Scattered spaces or “pew cuts” for wheelchair users
Seating spaces with extra leg room for people using crutches, walkers, braces or casts
Area with lectern and microphones accessible to those with mobility impairments
Choir area allowing wheelchair users to participate
Adequate lighting directed on the face of the speaker for those who read lips
Bookstands or lap boards available for those unable to hold hymnals or Bibles
Doors and Doorways
Lever handles or push bars
Doors that can be opened by exerting 81 pounds of pressure or less
Door openings 32” wide or more
Doors that can be opened electronically by pushing a button
Other Improvements
In the space below, share with us the things you have done which are not covered by this checklist. Add extra pages if needed.

Church Name

Address

Phone Email

Contact Person