Last updated 19th January 2024
Physical Disabilities and Wheelchair Access
Physical Disabilities and Wheelchair Access
- Access is a key issue. Ramps and wide doors are important. Disabled toilets are crucial for many in a congregation. Kt Tupling, in Oxford Diocese, has made two helpful videos helping churches think through what is needed:
- It is important to ask people where they would like to sit during worship and during social events etc. People will have their own preferences. Some may like to be near the front, others may not. It is important that it is where they feel comfortable and as an integral part of the church community. It is especially important to speak directly to the person and not to the person who may be accompanying them.
- In services we often say sit or kneel or stand at various points. As part of the welcome at the beginning of a service it can be helpful to say, “it’s been our habit to stand when we sing, sit when we listen, kneel when we pray. However, that’s an invitation, not a command! So I may say “I invite you to stand…” but please adopt a position which best enables you to worship God”.
- Ask people if they would like communion taken to them if that seems appropriate
Organisations offering support
- Scope UK: the disability equality charity
- Livability: a charity committed to enabling people with disabilities to live the life they want to lead
- Living Made Easy (DLF): free impartial advice and solutions to make life easier