Accessibility may seem a relative newcomer to the issues that ought to concern churches, but we at ADNet invite people of faith to think of accessibility as a new name for the very old practice of hospitality.

Beginning with Genesis, our Bible sees hospitality as a given for God’s people. The book of Ruth and the Good Samaritan parable urge us to expand our definitions of neighbor -- those with whom God calls us to share hospitality. Even though religious activities may be exempt from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), access to church buildings and programs is a crucial first step to offering a hospitable welcome to all who might want to be part of the body of Christ.

Why do an accessibility audit?
Tools for auditing accessibility
Hospitality how-to
Hospitality hats off (stories and photos)

Why do an accessibility audit?

To people who do not live with a disability, the environmental and program barriers that prevent people with disabilities from full participation are often invisible. An accessibility audit or survey offers a way to bring these invisible barriers into full view. Fortunately, excellent survey tools designed especially for churches are available to expand awareness and prepare the way for modifying church facilities and programs for greater hospitality.

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Tools for auditing accessibility

The Congregational Accessibility Network  offers a series of tools for surveying both perceptions of access among members and a congregation's physical facilities. The site also offers strategies for congregational decision-making process that can bring the intentions of greater hospitality to fruition. CAN was developed as a project of ADNet and became an independent organization in 2011.

Accessibility Audit for Churches by United Methodist Committee on Relief. The sign may say, "Welcome," but the steps may say, "You must be able to walk up stairs to enter." Detailed audit to evaluate facilities, grounds, communications, and practices for unrecognized barriers. Includes links to comparable ADA provisions and manufacturers of suggested products.

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Hospitality How-To

Here we hope to feature a growing collection of how-to tips for enhancing congregational hospitality for people with disabilities.

• Pew Cut Information Brief. Pew cuts are created by shortening the ends of several pews so that users of wheelchairs can sit within the main body of the congregation, not in a designated section, and not be forced to block the aisles.  Prepared by the Episcopal Disability Network.

Hospitality Hats-Off

Photos and stories of those who have taken recent steps to make their congregation or organization more hospitable to people with disabilities. We would be happy to feature your congregation here, so please be in touch.

• Hudson Lake Mennonite Church (Indiana)

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For participating CAN congregations, the CAN interactive seal (above) is customized according to responses to CAN's  Congregational Accessibil- ity Survey. Each of five square symbols will reveal a drop-down list of steps your congregation has taken toward becoming accessible. You may place this seal on your congregation's website and print out a certificate suitable for hanging in its building.