A dvent has many opportunities for reading, music, and movement. Setting the stage in managing lighting, audio, visuals, and music is critical, especially for people with disabilities. It is also critical to design ways in which anyone can participate in worship leadership. How can we set the environment of welcome and belonging through supports that allow everyone an opportunity? Read on for some specific guidelines to increase your church’s accessibility this Advent season.
Note that accessibility in worship has many layers. There are many strategies for the physicality of the space. But it is as important to understand the unique ability of each person and create the broadest parameters to encompass the most support for people with disabilities. The context of your congregation will help direct your choices. However, considering the broadest, most accessible service and structure will go a long way in meeting many needs, whether or not they are known. Reflecting on the worship in its entirety through the eyes of a disability lens will allow you to see spaces for new and creative ways to accessible design.
Related: General tips for disability accommodation in church and ministry settings
Thank you to the following contributors: Rev. Sara Appleyard-Pekich, Rev. Dr. Joanne Van Sant, Rev. Terry DeYoung, and Rev. Cindi Veldheer DeYoung.
1. Pay attention to lighting
It is important to be mindful of low lighting. While it does create a beautiful ambiance, it can lead to a safety hazard for those who are visually impaired and those with mobility concerns. One way to navigate this challenge would be to dim lighting after guests are seated for the service.
In addition, be aware of lighting on speakers’ faces, as opposed to shadows. This is especially important for people with hearing loss who may be reading lips and facial expressions.
If you are using Christmas lights, be mindful that cords are not laying in the path where someone may walk and get caught on them.
Lastly, candle alternatives should be considered for candlelight services. (If candles are used, unscented ones are best.) Battery operated candles are a good alternative that eliminate safety concerns.
2. Be mindful of decorations that may be obstacles.
Make sure when decorating to not block walkways, or cause them to become too narrow that someone using a mobility aid or wheelchair may not be able to pass through. In addition, if you have people who are blind who have memorized and rely on your church’s floor plan for navigation, notify them of changes to the layout; if possible, do not add obstacles or make changes to their typical route(s).
Related: How my church became accessible and welcoming—and yours can too
3. Make the liturgy and readings accessible for all
Advent liturgy, while beautiful, can be wordy and lengthy at times. Be mindful of the length of liturgy and the words used. It is also important to not assume people know songs and traditions. Due to some disabilities affecting memory or causing brain fog, some people may struggle with word recall. To assist, have liturgy, songs, or any responsive readings printed in larger, easy-to-read fonts. (This also makes the liturgy more accessible to newcomers.) Even better: include symbols or pictures.
To participate in worship leadership as a reader is a wonderful place to begin to create opportunities for all. There are many levels of ability to read, even those who don’t read but to whom participating in the Word or liturgy is an important faith practice. Create an environment that supports all reading levels. Have people on-hand who can support readers to assist with whatever reading level is needed. Readings can be provided in a printed format in larger print, with lots of space so a reader is able to clearly follow.
Ask: how might we create the opportunity for someone who does not read to participate in Scripture? If it is someone who needs support with words or may not read at all, a partner can quietly stand with the reader providing the words on the page. The key is to allow the expression of the individual to be heard in their own way.
Lastly, be aware that playing music while someone is reading or speaking can make understanding speech more difficult.
Related: Four lessons that help create an accessible future now
4. Invite simplicity and creativity in musical worship
We recognize that music increases the ability for all to participate in a worship space. Music touches our hearts in ways that words do not; it often allows the deeper feeling of the worship moment. Often, though, our music is lengthy and complex, especially during Advent, requiring from the participant an ability to read words and music. Here are a few ways to remove that barrier and create a culture of worship music appreciation that goes beyond the typical expectations and brings a broader expression for all.
- Use more simple music expressions, perhaps singing fewer verses or repeating just a couple of verses.
- Create a space in the worship time to teach and review a piece each week for everyone to learn. Use music that can incorporate symbols and hand signs.
- Repeat songs so everyone has the opportunity to catch on and fully express themselves in at least one piece of music. Perhaps a template is designed that includes some “regulars” and some new each week.
- Allow space for personal expression of joy that is not dependent upon the quality of the vocal sound.
- Provide instruments for worship participants to play along with worship music, whether or not they can sing along.
- Provide space and an encouraging environment for people who wish to move with the music—dancing, swaying, walking around, rocking, etc.
5. Use a variety of media
Moving beyond words and music to convey meaning, the use of other media can and should be incorporated to deliver the Scripture message or worship theme. Pictures, interactive questions, music videos, and movie clips all add to the expanded worship experience. Using a variety of media will meet the needs of many, as we all learn differently and are engaged in myriad ways.
6. Provide sensory safe spaces
Offer quiet spaces during events. Often the holiday season includes extra sounds, sights, and smells that can be overwhelming for those who are sensory avoidant. Offer event hours that are not overstimulating; avoid loud noises, strong smells, overcrowded areas, and bright/flashing lights.
7. Adapt food celebrations accordingly
Food is no doubt in abundance during the Advent season and at Christmas celebrations. Be mindful of food sensitivities, diet restrictions, and allergens. There may be some people who cannot have certain foods due to health concerns, or they may need their food cut or ground for safety concerns. Food should be labeled for easy identification by those with sensitivities. Use separate serving utensils for each dish, and avoid cross-contamination (do not put gluten-free cookies on the same plate as cookies with gluten, for example).
Always make utensils available, even with so-called finger food. Because eating without utensils can be nearly impossible for some people, the regular inclusion of utensils when food is served means they don’t need to be requested. Easy access to utensils allows individuals the dignity to participate as fully as they wish.
Think of ways to include those who might not be able to participate in celebrations with food, and be prepared to accommodate with food modifications or without food entirely.
>> To read a list of 30 indicators of an anti-ableist, fully accessible church, go to crcna.org/accessiblechurch.
