A new resource has been introduced for parishes to give better and clearer information about the accessibility of their buildings, services and events.
The Disability Task Group has been closely studying this topic in consultation with many others with lived experience of disability, and have compiled a full listing of accessibility features with associated name labels. They have additionally created an exciting set of clear and attractive pictorial symbols or icons to represent these features.
When these icons and name labels are used, this means that a visitor can glance at a webpage or printed sheet and easily identify the accessibility features listed. Brief explanatory text can be used to give a little more information on that feature in that location.
The icons have been made available on the Resource Hub at A Church Near You (ACNY). This Hub is a very useful collection of documents and images that churches and parishes can access for free. You will need an "editor" login for ACNY and you can find out how to register as an editor at this link.
The full set of the icons is shown in the following document, together with the criteria under which a parish would be qualified to use each symbol.
The icons are listed on Resource Hub as high-resolution image files which can be freely downloaded at this link. You can then use the images on your own webpages and printed materials to help Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent visitors understand in advance the extent to which their access needs might be met.
You can learn more about the project and how it works at the following link to our webinar exploring the topic and hearing from representatives of Derby Diocese who have pioneered this approach:
Enhancing accessibility in parish churches webinar
If you'd like further information about how to show your parish's accessibility information on your church's ACNY pages, you can find out about how to use the simple Accessibility Tag tool at this Editor Help Centre link.
We think these icons are a really attractive way of catching people’s eye and conveying information quickly and effectively.
This scheme to communicate well about accessibility is available free of charge to all parishes nationally. We would love it if every parish takes up this new opportunity. This would mean that Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people who might be interested in visiting a church for the first time would be able to identify one that meets their particular access needs, and know that when they arrive at their chosen church, they will be able to enter the building and feel secure, comfortable and independent within it.
A selection of some of the icons available in the full Accessibility Icons set, which features 24 icons, including Accessible Parking, Step-free access, Assistance Dogs Welcome and Neurodivergence Inclusion.