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Small Group or Home group accessibility checklist
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Small Group/Kinship/Home Accessibility Checklist
Preparing our hearts and our meeting places for fellowship with all who are invited to God’s Banquet Table
Bridge Builder Ministry (614) 890-3899 x 418 Bridge4u2c@aol.com
Are you ready to open your door to anyone who knocks? Can they get to your door? Can they get through your door?
Is there a place already prepared for them? Are you even expecting visitors in wheelchairs?
We need to identify small groups whose meeting places and hearts are "wheelchair accessible" so disabled people can particpate
in small groups. This brochure provides a checklist to equip leaders with knowledge about existing barriers and how to remove them.
Most existing homes were not designed nor have they been adapted with a wheelchair -user in mind. Therefore, don’t be surprised if your
meeting place "fails" this checklist.
A daptive equipment, such as a walker or wheelchair, does not restrict people with physical disabilities but liberates them with mobility! ! Any barriers that make personal involvement difficult to obtain are called
"handicapping " conditions.
Barriers come in many forms--steps, narrow doors, curbs, gravel, and attitudes.
A few considerations.....
1.) Pray for God’s guidance and His heart. Ask yourself "Am I willing to lead my group to welcome anyone who knocks?" " Do I have any subconscious attitudinal barriers like fear or pity.
2.) Consider asking a person who uses a wheelchair if they would like to host your small group. Chances are their home is already accessible.
3.) For home-based meetings, would the host be interested in exploring how to welcome a person in a wheelchair into the home? Example: Would they mind having a temporary ramp made & set-up at the front door on each meeting day? Call us so we can send someone
to discuss alternatives with your host, like those listed in the next few sections.
 INSIDE THE MEETING PLACE
Consider, also, these easy ways to identify and bridge barriers inside your meeting place:
 | Is there adequate amplification of sound for all to hear? |
| Is there adequate lighting? Position light sources to avoid shadows on those who are speaking, interpreting or praying. |
| Is space provided for wheelchairs?(minimum of 2 spaces preferred)to move around? |
| If a person is visually impaired, ask what form of print, if any, works well for him/her? If large print, ask what size font to use. If blind, do they use Braille? Are you willing to adapt song sheets, outlines & other papers passed out at your meeting? |
| Do you need an interpreter for a deaf person? |
TRANSPORTATION
| Can your small group members offer rides to and from meetings on a rotation basis? |
| Offer rides to the church service? |
| Offer rides to other church functions? |
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