As you plan your Christmas services, don’t forget to think about accessibility.
Here are some tips to help you – could you adopt a few?
Welcome
- Include access information on your invitations and website – step free, accessible toilet, hearing loop etc..
- Provide some large print copies of service sheets. 18 font on cream (not white) paper.
- Make all your service sheets dyslexia friendly. Verdana, 12 point, 1.5 line spacing.
- Communicate that it’s okay to sit, stand or move about at any point in the service.
Access
- Make sure approaches and entrances are well lit and safe.
- Make sure aisles are wide enough for wheelchairs, pushchairs and walking aids.
- Make it possible for wheelchair users to sit with family and friends.
- Have an evacuation plan that includes evacuating disabled people safely.
- Live stream at least one of your services.
Sight
- Have some torches available for those who need more light
- Make sure the faces of leaders and readers are lit and visible to enable lipreading.
- Try not to have Christmas lights in sightlines or have them flashing.
Hearing
- Test your hearing loop
- Include British Sign Language interpretation in one of your services.
- Create a quiet space for those who may need to dip out of the service.
Accessible Carol Service - a video from Churches for All (CFA)
About John Beauchamp
John is the Disability Ministry Enabler for the Diocese of London. john.beauchamp@london.anglican.org