Disability

Since 1 October 1999 churches have had a legal duty to take such steps as are reasonable in the circumstances:

To change a practice, policy or procedure which makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to take part in church activities.
To provide a reasonable alternative method of making church activities available to disabled people where a physical feature makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for them.
To provide an auxiliary aid or service if it would enable (or make it easier for) disabled people to take part in church activities.

From October 2004 service providers should make reasonable adjustments to the physical features of their premises to overcome physical barriers to access.

The duty to make reasonable adjustments is a cornerstone of the Act. It requires service providers to take positive steps to make their services accessible to disabled people.

THBC will regularly audit for disability, draw up a disability action plan including a timetable for implementation and budget of any works deemed necessary.

Disability audit (January 2011)

Feature	Difficulty	Action
Getting to the Premises Signs Position and definition of entrance Car Parking Routes-Surfaces, lighting, obstacles	None
Getting in and out Steps and ramps Alternative access Doors Thresholds Widths Handles Ease of opening Entrance mats Entrance lobbies Getting out in an emergency	Steps to front of church have faded white edging	Repaint edging once weather improves
Moving around Layout Use of colours Signs Lighting Lifts, stairlifts or platform lifts Handrails Facilities for wheelchairs Avoiding hazards	None
Seating Space for wheelchairs Some chairs with armrests Space for guide dogs	none
Communication Amplification and acoustics Induction loop Lighting Shelves and display racks Signs Other means of communication Signing Large print books and sheets Braille copies Size and style of printing	No induction loop Large print Bible available No Braille documents	Costs of installing a loop prohibitive for current congregation size Most display is via projection which complies with RNIB guidelines on colour and font Braille deemed too costly for current church situation - to be reviewed annually
Toilets Signs Accessible for wheelchair users Grab Rails Free from obstructions	New disabled toilets
Other Comments	With the current size of congregation and building, there are few measures that we can take to meet the potential needs of people with disabilities within our financial means. However, the leadership constantly monitor the needs of the congregation and, should the need arise for specific measures to be taken to meet the needs of a person/persons, they will be implemented without delay