As a person with a disability entering a church that models accessibility in every way, I can be confident that…

1. Strangers do not ask what’s wrong with me or pray for my healing without my asking for it.
2. The church has a bathroom I can use.
3. Strangers do not steer clear of me because of the way I walk, communicate, or look.
4. I am assured there is a plan for my escape in the event of a fire.
5. People do not touch my body, mobility device, or service animal without asking.
6. I don’t worry about how the communion elements are distributed or what’s in them.
7. I know that as a hard of hearing person, I can still participate because hearing assistance technology is in place, it’s functioning properly, microphones are used, and people utilize them without reservation.
8. I know I can safely eat at potlucks, coffee time, and other gatherings because food is labeled, options are provided, and utensils are available.
9. I have options for where to sit in the sanctuary because there are pew cutouts or accessible seating options in multiple locations.
10. My church prints large-print bulletins and has large print Bibles. If I need other accommodations for visual impairments I can just ask and I know my needs will be met without anyone acting like I’m a nuisance.
11. When my church has virtual gatherings, services, or presentations, closed captioning is always available.
12. Leaders at my church describe important visual aids and images on screens for blind people, and verbal cues and directions are spoken as well as printed.
13. If I want to attend a Bible study or educational class, I know I’ll be able to access the materials because they are compatible with screen readers and are available in accessible formats such as audio. My church also emails church bulletins and worship liturgies in advance.
14. I can access all areas of the church, including the pulpit area, without assistance.
15. If I disclose that I have a mental health challenge or disability, people won’t question, challenge, or doubt me.
16. My church always asks attendees about their accessibility needs prior to an event.
17. People do not assume what I need without checking with me first.
18. People do not assume that I can't answer for myself because I use a walker, wheelchair, service animal, or aide.
19. People look at me and not my companion, interpreter, or communication device during conversation.
20. I won't be asked to find another church or not return because of my disability, a family member's disability, or disruptive behavior.
21. People do not assume my speech difference means that I am unable to understand them.
22. My church leaders understand that people learn in different ways and they use multisensory approaches with sermons and presentations.
23. My gifts and contributions are welcomed and affirmed, and I am expected to participate and serve along with others.
24. I know I’ll be able to park close to church if I need to because ample accessible parking is available; or, if I don’t drive, transportation is offered.
25. People don’t wear perfume or cologne at my church and the air is adequately filtered and circulated for those with compromised immune systems or asthma.
26. I am encouraged to attend Sunday school, youth programs, small groups, or adult education, and will have individualized support or accommodations if I need them.
27. There is a quiet place I can go if I am overstimulated or need to move.
28. I know what to expect because pictures and descriptions on websites, social stories, or other aids are available to help reduce my anxiety about things that are new and unknown.
29. Support is provided for me if I need it so that my family members are able to fully participate in church activities.
30. When I advocate for myself or ask for an accommodation, people will listen and act, instead of dismissing my needs as not being a priority.

(Created by RCA/CRC Disability Concerns and in part adapted from Amy Kenny’s “What’s Nondisabled Privilege?”)