Pages 1--56 from Untitled

Isaiah 40: 4

" 2
2 Page 3 4
Introduction 2
Who Is Affected? 3
Sacred Space and Accessibility 4
Accessibility Laws and Sacred Space 6
Providing Accessibility in Historic Buildings 8
Accessibility Solutions for Houses of Worship 9
Eliminating Physical Barriers 10
Eliminating Auditory Barriers 26
Eliminating Visual Barriers 28
Improving Signage 32

The Accessibility Design Process 33
Funding Accessibility 43
The Construction Process 46
Conclusion 49
Bibliography 50

1

Contents 3
3 Page 4 5
Churches, parishes, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other houses of
worship are built not only for spiritual expression, but also to serve as
indispensable centers for community involvement. For many of us, they are
central to our public life. Unfortunately, many of these structures were built
years before the issue of accessibility rose to the forefront of the national
consciousness. Most older houses of worship were built on multiple levels and
without elevators, making them partly or wholly inaccessible to a significant
segment of the community. Such barriers prevent those with physical
limitations from participating in a full life of faith and community. In turn,
such barriers limit the richness and diversity of congregations.

Increasingly, congregations are striving to welcome all members of the community
into fellowship, with opportunities for full participation in worship, study, service,
and leadership. However, the challenge of creating inclusive congregations is
great. Attitudinal, as well as architectural, barriers must be eliminated. In
addition, the economic challenge of providing access can seem overwhelming,
particularly for a congregation with declining membership and financial
resources. This publication will guide congregations that are improving
accessibility for persons with disabilities, including the growing number of older
adults. The publication is designed to:

° help congregations navigate building-related code requirements regarding
accessibility;

° identify user-friendly and aesthetically-satisfying design solutions for
eliminating commonly-occurring physical, auditory, and visual barriers; and

° provide technical guidance on planning, financing, contracting, and
incorporating access into houses of worship.

2

Introduction 4
4 Page 5 6
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) 1 broadly
defines the term "disability" to include: 1) a physical or mental
impairment that substantially limits one or more major life
activities of an individual; 2) a record of such impairment; or 3)
being regarded as having such impairment. According to the
National Organization on Disabilities (N. O. D.), the definition is
broad enough to include "mobility and sensory impairments,
mental illness, mental retardation, learning disabilities, diabetes,
cancer, HIV/ AIDS, arthritis, respiratory and cardiac conditions
and chronic back pain." N. O. D. reports that 54 million
AmericansÐ or one-fifth of the nation's populationÐ fall within the
terms of the ADA definition. 2

Given current demographic trends, the growing population of older Americans
is likely to increase the ratio of people with disabilities in coming years. A
Profile of Older Americans: 2000, published by the U. S. Department of
Health and Human Services Administration on Aging, reveals that the
proportion of Americans 65 years or older more than tripled during the 20th
century. Moreover, people 65 and older are disproportionately more likely to
have a disability. In the 1990s, for example, more than half of Americans over
age 65 reported having at least one disability; the number rose to 71.5% for
Americans over age 80. 3 [Figure 1]

People with disabilities are predominantly people of faith. The 2000
N. O. D./ Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities found that eight of ten
people with disabilities consider their faith to be important to themÐ the same
ratio present in the population at large. Yet, people with disabilities are far less
likely to attend religious services than those without disabilities. Only 47% of
people with disabilities attend religious services at least once a month, compared
with 65% of the total U. S. population. 4 Although the survey did not address
the reasons for this disparity, it is reasonable to conclude that physical barriers
are partly to blame. Clearly, such barriers are common and widespread.

This fact was underscored in Accessible Faith: Serving the Needs of the Elderly,
a recent study funded by The Retirement Research Foundation in which 100
Chicago congregations were surveyed to determine the level of accessibility of
their houses of worship. While more than three-quarters of the congregations
reported that they had achieved or were planning for accessibility, only

3

Who Is Affected?
Figure 1: Even a few small steps
can be challenging to those with
limited mobility. Neal Vogel for
Restoric, LLC

1 The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Pub. L. No. 101-306.
2 For an overview of various types of mobility, auditory, and visual impairments, see Kathy N. Reeves, editor, Accessibility Audit for Churches. 2nd edition (New
York: General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church, 1995), 7-9.
3 A Profile of Older Americans: 2000 (Washington, D. C.: Administration on Aging, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2000), 2, 11-13.
4 Access to Religious Services, July 24, 2001. 5
5 Page 6 7
6% of their buildings were found to be fully accessible when
measured against the Illinois Accessibility Code. Further, over
half of the facilities provided no access whatsoever for persons
with disabilities.

Because many of the congregations surveyed for Accessible Faith: Serving the
Needs of the Elderly were housed in aging buildings, it is no surprise that so
few of the buildings met modern accessibility standards. All of the houses of
worship surveyed pre-date the laws that mandate accessibility.

Sacred space has long been built in ways that inherently limit access. For
several millennia, sacred spaces and other buildings of civic importance have
been set apart by elevating them above their surroundings. Mesopotamian
ziggurats (ca. 3500-1200 B. C. E.) rose from stepped mud-brick platforms;
three oversized steps ring the Parthenon atop Athens' acropolis (447-436
B. C. E.). 5 The practice of elevating religious structures never fell from favor
and was more popular than ever in the emerging cities of 19th and 20th
century America. [Figure 2]

The significant rise above street level typically found in urban churches and
synagogues resulted from an intentional design effort to demarcate sacred space
from the outside world. Indeed, Ralph Adams Cram, renowned ecclesiastical
architect and critic of American church design, identified the elevation of sacred
space as central to the practice of faith. According to Cram, places of worship
(especially those in urban settings) were to be spiritual oases, set apart from their
pedestrian environment through substantial, soaring walls and monumental
stairs approaching impressive entrances well above the street. 6

Raising the sacred space above grade also had a number of practical benefits
that reinforced this manner of construction. High land values motivated most
urban congregations to maximize floor space by creating a basement social hall
or program space below the sanctuary. Raising the worship space permitted

4

Sacred Space and Accessibility
5 John Musgrove, editor, Sir Banister Fletcher's A History of Architecture. 19th Edition (London: Butterworths, 1987), 66-74, 112-116, 232-237.
6 Ralph Adams Cram, Church Building: A Study of the Principles of Architecture in their Relation to the Church. 3rd Edition (Boston: Marshall Jones
Company, 1926), 7.

Figure 2: This Classical church,
designed by S. S. Beman of Chicago
in 1913, featured an elevated
portico and monumental stairs; a
sensitive new ramp design is shown
in the foreground. Courtesy of
Gilbert Gorski, Architectural
Illustration 6
6 Page 7 8
high ceilings and more natural light in the basement, while
minimizing excavation costs. More importantly, it created a
more pleasing and inspiring sacred space. It literally lifted
worshippers above the street noise, providing a relatively quiet
place for song and prayer. Windows raised high above street
level afforded better natural light and ventilation, greater
security, and safer placement of expensive stained glass.

A raised worship space resulted in a profusion of stairs.
Each floor level was typically constructed a half-story above
or below grade. Ancillary rooms and building additions
were commonly placed at intermediate levels. Although
passenger elevators date to the mid-19th century, they were
considered a luxury and beyond the financial means of most
congregations. The needs of people with mobility
limitations were simply disregarded.

Architects also employed other devices that limit access in houses of worship.
Massive exterior doors, in scale with monumental structures, emphasized the
transition between secular and sacred space. [Figure 3] Floor levels were
incrementally raised while approaching the most sacred area such as the altar,
chancel, tabernacle, ark or bimah. Regardless of faith, these areas are virtually
always at the end of a processional route from the entrance. Even for a small
country church, Cram advocated "three steps at the entrance, one at the
communion rail, and three to the foot pace of the altar." 7 Choir lofts were
often raised well above the worship space. In Protestant churches of the late
19th to the mid-20th century, architects employed sloping floors from the
narthex (foyer or lobby) to the chancel, emphasizing the height of the pulpit.
While pews or theater seating were designed to counter the slope, a wheelchair
at rest requires a level landing.

Restrooms also present a serious problem. Many 19th-century houses of
worship were constructed with only minimal facilities. Toilets and sinks were
later shoehorned into available space, often under staircases or in converted
closets. Such restrooms rarely accommodate a wheelchair. Restrooms in 20th-century
structures are only slightly more spacious and seldom hold an adequate
number of standard fixtures to allow a reduction for larger accessible stalls.

5
7 Cram, 17.

Figure 3: This synagogue's steps
and massive doors are not only
insurmountable for those in
wheelchairs, but also for many
elderly congregants. Neal Vogel for
Restoric, LLC 7
7 Page 8 9
The last half-century has witnessed a growing awareness that architectural and
attitudinal barriers keep people with disabilities from full participation in
society. In the United States, the first significant step toward creating universal
accessibility requirements for public buildings was the 1961 publication of the
American National Standards Institute's (ANSI's) "Specifications for Making
Buildings and Facilities Accessible to, and Usable by the Physically
Handicapped." These standards set forth the physical requirements deemed
necessary to make buildings used by the public accessible to those with
disabilities. They are design standards only and have no legal force. Since their
adoption, however, they have been incorporated by reference into many
federal, state, and local accessibility laws.

Congress enacted the first federal accessibility requirements through the
Architectural Barriers Act of 1968. This Act applied the ANSI standards to
construction and major remodeling of federally owned, leased, or funded
properties. Congress later enacted the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which
prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities by federal agencies
and organizations that are funded by the federal government. Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act prohibits persons with disabilities from being denied
access to federally funded programs or activities. Although Section 504
mandates only that a program or activity be made accessibleÐ not that specific
architectural barriers be removedÐ it has prompted many program sponsors
(including religious organizations) to modify their buildings.

In 1990, Congress adopted a far broader accessibility law. The Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against persons with
disabilities in four major areas: employment (Title I), public services (Title II),
public accommodations (Title III), and telecommunications (Title IV).

° ADA Title I prohibits employment discrimination against persons with
disabilities and requires, among other things, that employers make
reasonable accommodations for the disabilities of qualified individuals.
Religious organizations with 15 or more employees are subject to Title I.

6

Accessibility Laws and Sacred Space
The
Americans
with
Disabilities
Act
(ADA)
prohibits
discrimination
against
persons with
disabilities in
four major
areas. 8
8 Page 9 10
° ADA Title II extends the general prohibition on discrimination against persons
with disabilities to all public entities, including state and local governments.
Title II may affect those religious organizations participating in
government programs that provide public services. For example, a church
could be required to create an accessible route to its dining hall as a contractual
requirement of hosting a city-sponsored senior citizen meal program.

° ADA Title III requires private entities to afford persons with disabilities full
and equal enjoyment of any goods and services offered at a place of public
accommodation. ADA Title III affirmatively requires, among other things,
that private entities remove architectural and structural communication
barriers where readily achievable. Title III expressly exempts religious
organizations or entities controlled by religious organizations from the
definition of public accommodation. When a religious organization
rents space to a public accommodation such as a community group, the
ADA may apply to the activities of the community group.

° ADA Title IV requires telephone companies to offer telephone relay services
to individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDDs), but
places no direct obligations on religious organizations.

(The application of the ADA requirements and other accessibility laws to
religious organizations is concisely yet thoroughly explained in the National
Organization on Disability's publication, Loving Justice: The ADA and the
Religious Community.) 8

In addition to the federal laws just mentioned, various state and local
building codes and anti-discrimination provisions govern accessibility.
Although many such local rules follow the ADA, others contain
requirements that are more stringent. Where the local rules are stricter,
they take precedence over federal requirements. Houses of worship may
or may not be exempt from state and local accessibility rules, and
congregations should always consult state and local authorities to
determine what, if any, accessibility provisions apply.

7
8 Ginny Thornburgh, editor, Loving Justice: The ADA and the Religious Community (Washington, D. C.: National Organization on Disability, 1999).

Where
the
local
rules
are
stricter,
they
take
precedence
over
federal
requirements. 9
9 Page 10 11
ADA Title III contains a distinct set of requirements for providing
accessibility in historic buildings. Under the terms of the act, historic
buildings are not simply old buildings, but those that are listed in, or
eligible for being listed in, the National Register of Historic Places, or
designated as historic under state or local law. The rules permit a state
historic preservation officer to determine that a specified set of less
stringent accessibility measures may be implemented where the standard
requirements (discussed in detail below) would "threaten or destroy the
historical significance of the building or facility." 9

Although only a small percentage of religious properties are listed on the
National Register or designated "historic" by a state or local government,
many are historically and architecturally significant older structures. The
principles applied in determining model approaches to retrofitting historic
structures for accessibility, therefore, can be useful in analyzing how best to equip
an existing house of worship. According to the National Park Service, "the goal
in selecting appropriate solutions for specific historic properties is to provide a
high level of accessibility without compromising significant features or the
overall character of the property." 10 In other words, "the goal is to provide the
highest level of access with the lowest level of impact." 11 [Figure 4]

The National Park Service suggests the following three-step analysis prior
to renovation or new construction:

1. Determine the structure's historic significance and the architectural features
and building materials that convey the essence of its historic character. In the
case of an historic house of worship, essential architectural features might
include a portico and monumental steps that rise to massive wood doors or a
dramatic interior processional route ending in a raised altar. Significant
building materials might include ornately carved limestone or marble.

2. Thoroughly assess the current and required levels of accessibility (discussed
in detail in subsequent sections of this guide).

3. Seek out creative accessibility solutions. Such solutions should provide

8

Providing Accessibility In Historic Buildings
9 Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines 4.1.7.
10 Thomas C. Jester and Sharon C. Park, Making Historic Properties Accessible. Preservation Briefs, No. 32. (Washington, D. C.: U. S. Department of the Interior, National
Park Service, Preservation Assistance Division, 1993), 3.
11 W. Brown Morton III, Gary L. Hume, Kay D. Weeks, and H. Ward Jandl, The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation & Illustrated Guidelines for
Rehabilitating Historic Structures (Washington, D. C.: U. S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Cultural Resources, Preservation Assistance Division, 1992), 96.

Figure 4: Custom enclosures are
usually required to minimize the
aesthetic impact of lifts in historic
settings. Michael Schmidt for
Restoric, LLC 10
10 Page 11 12
maximum accessibility while retaining the architectural features and materials
that give a property its significance. For example, it may be possible to
provide access through ornate and massive wood or bronze doors by
equipping them with automatic openers. Important factors to consider in
making such determinations are discussed in The Secretary of the Interior's
Standards for Rehabilitation & Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating
Historic Buildings, available through the National Park Service.

"It is often easier for a person with a disability to get a beer at a bar than it is
to enter a church to pray," noted John R. Dunne, former Assistant Attorney
General, Civil Rights Division, U. S. Department of Justice, during the debate
over passage of the ADA. The same can still be said more than a decade later,
in part because ADA Title III does not govern religious institutions.

Although Title III expressly exempts religious organizations, including houses
of worship, from its requirements, the ADA standards for accessibility
represent the national minimum accessibility standards for other types of
buildings. Certainly, it is an appropriate goal for congregations to strive to meet
these standards. For this reason, Accessible Faith is based on the Americans
with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (" ADAAG" or "guidelines"), which
set forth the technical requirements for accessibility under the ADA.

The ADAAG contains separate requirements for new construction and for
alterations (and additions) to existing buildings. In general, the alterations rules
correspond to those for new construction but permit certain accommodations
that take into account the technical difficulties involved in modifying older
buildings. The following technical specifications represent the current ADAAG.
However, congregations are strongly encouraged to examine the ADAAG and
any subsequent amendments for further details on specific topics. Further,
congregations should consult state and local authorities to determine
whether there are more stringent requirements in their particular area.

9

Accessibility Solutions For Houses of Worship 11
11 Page 12 13
Parking and Walkways
Barriers to access often begin well before the entrance. These barriers might
include a lack of adequate parking, no curb cuts, or rough, uneven walks. If a
person with a disability cannot easily park, get past the curb, and navigate the
walk, there is little reason to expect better accessibility once inside. The first
impression is not one of welcome.

The federal guidelines indicate that accessible parking spaces must be provided
in ratios related to total parking spaces available in the parking lot (Table 1).
Accessible spaces need not be limited to the main parking lot if "equivalent or
greater accessibility" is ensured elsewhere.

Tabl e 1
Total Parking Spaces in Lot Required Accessible Spaces
1 to 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
26 to 50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
51 to 75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
76 to 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
101 to 150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
151 to 200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
201 to 300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
301 to 400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
401 to 500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
501 to 1000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 % of total
1001 and over . . . . . . . . . .20 + 1 for each additional 100

Aisles adjacent to accessible parking spots must be 60" wide at minimum, and
one in every eight accessible spaces must adjoin a 96"-wide "van accessible"
aisle. 12 Signs bearing the universal symbol for accessibility are required for
each accessible spot. "Van-accessible" spaces must also be marked. 13

Many urban houses of worship are not blessed with enough land to accommodate
a parking lot. Under these circumstances, a congregation should do whatever it
can to provide accessible street parking. This will require working with the local
municipality to have the necessary signs posted and curb cuts made.

10

Eliminating Physical Barriers
12 ADAAG 4.1.2( 5)( a) and (b).
13 ADAAG 4.6.4.

Signs
bearing the
universal
symbol for
accessibility
are required
for each
accessible
spot. 12
12 Page 13 14
Once a person with a disability alights from a vehicle, he or she must
have unobstructed passage to an accessible building entrance, ideally
with minimal travel distance. A congregation must provide at least one
such "accessible route" that coincides with the route used by the general
public to the greatest extent possible. If the accessible parking spaces
abut a curb, a sloped curb ramp or curb cut must be provided. Walks
must be at least 36" wide and if they are narrower than 60" wide,
passing spaces measuring 60" square must be provided every 200 feet or
less. Steep walks may technically be defined as ramps (see Ramps &
Railings) and must sometimes follow ramp specifications.

In some situations, walks may provide access not only to, but also into,
a house of worship. Where only one or two short steps lead up to the
entrance of a religious building, it may be possible to pull the steps
forward slightly to create a landing, and then re-grade or berm the earth and
pave a walk to provide access on one or both sides of the landing. [Figure 5]
Alternately, the stair could be covered with compact fill such as gravel or
sand, and a new walk laid over it. 14 Of course, these approaches would be
useful only where there is a sufficient setback from the street. Moreover,
they should be considered only where they would not seriously undermine
the architectural character of the entrance.

Ramps and Railings
Ramps are by far the most common means of providing access
in existing structures, primarily due to their relatively low
installation and maintenance costs. Ramps can be a practical
and relatively inexpensive means of negotiating moderate level
changes. Although federal guidelines allow extremely long
rampsÐ assuming the slope and landing requirements are
metÐ such ramps require substantial physical stamina and often
see little use. [Figure 6] Ramps can provide accessibility both
inside and outside, and their construction benefits all members
of a congregation, both young and old. Ramps provide easier
access, not only for persons in wheelchairs (or on scooters) and
for those with lesser mobility impairments, but also for members pushing
strollers, hauling packages, or towing toddlers.

11
14 Charles Parrott, Access to Historic Buildings for the Disabled: Suggestions for Planning and Implementation (Washington, D. C.: U. S. Department of the
Interior, Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service, Technical Preservation Services Division, 1980), 31.

Figure 5: At this entrance, a small
stoop was replaced with a bermed walk
and landscaping to create accessibility.
Neal Vogel for Restoric, LLC

Figure 6: This ramp is too long, is too
steep, requires frequent maintenance
(painted steel) and has an industrial
appearance. Neal Vogel for Restoric, LLC 13
13 Page 14 15
Their benefits notwithstanding, ramps can
dramatically impact the architecture of a building
façade or interior space. (Ramps require
five times the space of stairs to travel the same
vertical rise.) For this reason, each ramp should be
carefully designed and constructed with respect for
the existing architecture. The National Park
Service, in Preserving the Past and Making It
Accessible for People with Disabilities, states:
"New ramps should be compatible in scale and
detailing with the materials and features that
characterize a historic property." 15

For example, an exterior ramp might be partially
concealed behind existing architectural or
landscape features, such as cheek walls (low
masonry walls flanking stairs or ramps),
ornamental railings, or shrubbery. The sides of a
concrete ramp are best faced with masonry to
match or complement an adjacent wall or staircase,
or bermed to blend into the landscape. 16 The
surface of a concrete ramp can be pigmented or
embellished with tile, as long as the decorative
treatment does not interfere with the wheelchair track or make it slippery.

Technically speaking, a ramp is a sloped walk steeper than 1: 20 (1" of vertical
"rise" for every 20" of horizontal "run"). In general, ramps cannot exceed a
maximum slope of 1: 12. The maximum rise for any ramp between horizontal
landings should be 30", and the minimum clear width between handrails
should be 36". 17 In many older houses of worship, however, it may be
impossible to meet this new construction standard due to space limitations. In
such cases, the federal guidelines permit a slope of 1: 10 for a maximum rise of
6" and a slope between 1: 8 for a maximum rise of 3". 18

Certain ADAAG requirements are designed to make ramps as safe and easy to
use as possible. Ramp surfaces must be stable, firm, and slip-resistant.
Landings must be provided at the bottom and top of each ramp so that people
with decreased mobility can rest. [Figure 7] Each landing must be at least 60"

12
15 Preserving the Past and Making It Accessible for People with Disabilities. (Washington, D. C.: U. S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service,
Cultural Resources, Heritage Preservation Services, 1996), 5.
16 Jester, 4-5.
17 ADAAG 4.8.1, 4.8.2, 4.8.3.
18 ADAAG 4.1.6( 3)( a).

RAMP EXAMPLE # 1
NOTE: HANDRAILS REQUIRED
NOTE: RATIO OF RISE TO RUN CANNOT EXCEED 1: 12

TOP PLATFORM RISE RUN

INTERMEDIATE PLATFORM

BOTTOM PLATFORM
RAMPS 36" CLEAR MIN. WITH HANDRAILS 34" -38"
HIGH -TYPICAL

30" MAX. RISE PER 30' MAX. RUN
1: 12 MAX. SLOPE

5' -0"
MIN.

MIN.
5' -0"

5' -0"
MIN.

MAX.
30' -0"

30' -0"
MAX.

5' -0" MIN.

30"
RAMP EXAMPLE # 2
NOTE: HANDRAILS REQUIRED
SEE RAMP EXAMPLE # 1
FOR BASIC RAMP REQUIREMENTS

RAMP EXAMPLE # 3
NOTE: HANDRAILS REQUIRED
SEE RAMP EXAMPLE # 1 FOR BASIC RAMP

REQUIREMENTS INTERMEDIATE TURNING PLATFORM
MIN.
5' -0" MIN.

5' -0"

INTERMEDIATE SWITCH-BACK PLATFORM
5' -0"
MIN.

Figure 7: These schematic designs
indicate the fundamental
requirements for ramps.
Duk Kim for Restoric, LLC 14
14 Page 15 16
long and at least as wide as the ramp itself. If a ramp changes
direction at a landing, the landing must be at least 60" square.
Handrails must be installed between 34" and 38" from the ramp
surface on both sides of a ramp if the rise is greater than 6" or
the ramp is longer than 72". The handrails must have 1 1 /2" of
clearance for grasping and must extend 12" beyond the top and
bottom of the ramp and return smoothly to the floor or wall.

Any necessary railings should also be in keeping with the
architectural style of the building or replicate ornamental
details found elsewhere on the structure. [Figure 8] Care should be taken that
any such custom railing is also safe. For the protection of children, many
codes prohibit balusters, spindles, and other vertical elements spaced more
than 4" apart, as well as horizontal divisions that could be used for climbing.

Ideally, a congregation will have sufficient space to construct an accessible
ramp near the main entrance. However, placing a ramp adjacent to the
primary entrance stairs may be difficult, if not impossible, particularly in an
urban setting, where setbacks are minimal or non-existent. Even if there is
marginally sufficient room, the addition of a ramp in a cramped space can
significantly undermine the architectural integrity of the building.

When a ramp at the main entrance is not feasible, a congregation must weigh
other options. A secondary entrance may provide the ideal solution. Such an
entrance may be closer to grade and less architecturally complex and,
therefore, more easily adapted for a ramp. It may even be better situated for
more convenient access. A chief drawback of secondary entrances is that they
may require those with disabilities to enter the sanctuary at the front.
However, such persons can often gain more immediate access to the parish
house, educational wing and program space without passing through the
worship space from the main entrance. Secondary entrances are commonly
located along the longer aisle or nave wall of a cruciform-plan church, and
typically allow for a gradual approach without costly switchbacks. Secondary
entrances may also be located closer to accessible parking. 19

Creating a below-grade ramp to a basement entrance may be desirable,
especially where there is access to an elevator at that level. This may also be a
good solution where first floor access already exists, but a lower-level social hall

13
19 If a congregation uses "greeters" at the main entrance, such persons also should be stationed at the secondary, accessible entrance.

Figure 8: These custom railings
improve overall ramp design and
complement their architectural
settings. Neal Vogel for Restoric,
LLC 15
15 Page 16 17
or education space remains inaccessible. Ultimately, access
should be provided to all the primary levels within a house of
worship.

Although a portable ramp may be used to provide access while
funds are raised for a permanent ramp, portable ramps should only
be considered a temporary solution. Such ramps are generally
structurally and aesthetically inferior to permanent ramps. Flimsy,
lightweight ramps may shift or tip and represent a liability to
congregations. Besides, persons with disabilities cannot use most
portable ramps without assistance; independent access should be a primary goal. 20

Interior ramps have similar benefits and drawbacks. Long hallways
interrupted by a step or two can often be retrofitted with ramps. The results
will be especially pleasing where ramps and railings are visually incorporated
into existing designs, using appropriate architectural detailing. [Figure 9] Just
as often, installing interior ramps where space is limited can present a
challenge. Ramps are usually impractical where additional steps are located
immediately inside the main entrance. Moreover, ramps constructed over
existing stairs or obstructing existing doorways can interfere with emergency
egress for able-bodied persons and usually conflict with code requirements.

Elevators
Because elevators are expensive, they are less commonly employed in older
houses of worship. Nevertheless, elevators are often the most efficient and
effective access solution in religious properties with multiple floors. Elevators
afford truly independent access to people with disabilities. Like ramps,
elevators can accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. The chief
drawback of elevators, in addition to their initial cost, is their relatively high
maintenance and operating costs. They may also complicate security issues
where restricting access to certain floors is a concern.

Hydraulic elevators are generally used for low-rise installations, such as houses
of worship. Hydraulic elevators are of two types: holed and hole-less. Holed
elevators can rise up to 70 feet, but they require a pit to accommodate
equipment. Hole-less elevators eliminate the need for a pit, but are limited to
35 feet (two or three floors).

14
20 Jester, 5.

Figure 9: This interior ramp
improves ALL traffic flow between
the original church and a parish
house addition. Michael Schmidt for
Restoric, LLC 16
16 Page 17 18
Oversized commercial-grade hydraulic passenger elevators can be the optimum
choice for houses of worship, particularly to facilitate funerals by transporting
caskets on gurneys. Such elevators have capacities of 2,000 lbs. and above,
while some can be used as combination passenger and freight elevators. The
most significant disadvantages of these high capacity elevators are their higher
cost and the floor area they consume.

The Limited Use/ Limited Application (LU/ LA) elevator is another type of
hydraulic elevator that can resolve accessibility issues in many houses of
worship. LU/ LAs were developed specifically to fill the void between
expensive commercial elevators and vertical platform lifts (discussed below).
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers' Safety Standards for Elevators
and Escalators define a LU/ LA as "... a power passenger elevator where the use
and application is limited in size, capacity, speed, and rise, intended principally
to provide vertical transportation for people with physical disabilities." 21 Due
to their inherent mechanical limitations, however, LU/ LAs are arguably less
versatile than standard hydraulic passenger elevators. For example, their cabs
are not large enough to accommodate caskets or even some of the larger
motorized wheelchairs. Still, they offer an economical alternative for
providing access in houses of worship, and their smaller size allows them to be
installed where traditional elevators will not fit.

Selecting an elevator location that is both convenient for users and respectful of
the existing architecture is often the greatest design challenge. Ideally, the
elevator will be located near an accessible entrance in order to minimize
unnecessary travel through the building. This will also help preserve the natural
traffic flow. Nevertheless, care should also be taken to avoid placing an elevator
where it would significantly undermine the visual impact of an architecturally
important space, for example, in the center of an open stairwell or within the
sanctuary walls. In such cases, it would be preferable to create a new concealed
shaft in an area of lesser architectural significance. Sometimes, elevators (or lifts)
can be located in steeples or towers.

In other situations, it may be virtually impossible to find an appropriate
location within the walls of an existing building, and a separate elevator
addition may be the only viable solution. Any such addition definitely should
be built adjacent to a secondary façade, that is, any façade other than the
primary front elevation. 22 Urban houses of worship are commonly located on

15
21 American Society of Mechanical Engineers A17.1b.
22 See Parrott, 44-48.

Selecting
an elevator
location
that is both
convenient
for users and
respectful of
the existing
architecture
is often the
greatest
design
challenge. 17
17 Page 18 19
corner sites and have two "primary" street façades, although one is usually
architecturally predominant.

Regardless of the elevator type and location, new equipment should blend well
with the existing building materials. Like ramps, elevators can often be housed
or clad in materials that harmonize with surrounding surfaces in terms of
texture, color, pattern, sheen, and detailing.

In the few older houses of worship where elevators are original equipment,
modern standards for accessibility are rarely met. Typically, the cabs are too
small and the door openings too narrow for wheelchairs. Some older elevators
can be modified to improve the level of accessibility. For example, raised and
brailled lettering may be added to control panels, and the panels themselves
may be lowered for easy use by people in wheelchairs. Audible indicators may
be installed to inform a blind person of the elevator's arrival and direction of
travel. Timing devices may be adjusted to permit wheelchair users sufficient
time to enter or exit an elevator car. In some situations, the existing elevator
shafts can be enlarged for new elevators. In any case, original elevator cab and
door finishes should be preserved whenever possible. 23

Lifts
Mechanized lifts fall into three general categories: chairlifts (also known as
stairlifts), inclined platform lifts, and vertical platform lifts. Both chairlifts and
inclined platform lifts travel diagonally up or down a flight of stairs. Chairlifts
carry one seated individual, while inclined platform lifts transport a person in
a wheelchair. Vertical platform lifts travel straight up and down between
building levels and can also accommodate a person in a wheelchair.

Basic chairlifts are the least expensive type of lift and are therefore commonly
found as a temporary accessibility solution. Unfortunately, chairlifts have
serious limitations that make them undesirable for use in houses of worship.
Their primary disadvantage is that they require a person who uses a
wheelchair to transfer out of the wheelchair and onto the chairlift. The
wheelchair must then be carried up/ down the stairs so the user can transfer
back again. This arrangement compromises independent access and presents
a liability concern due to the potential for injury during transfers. Another
disadvantage of chairlifts is their slow operating speeds, as low as 15 feet-per-16

23 Parrott, 45; Jester, 5, 7; Reeves, 34.

Chairlifts
have serious
limitations
that make
them
undesirable
for use in
houses of
worship. 18
18 Page 19 20
minute. At this pace, a trip up a single flight of stairs can take a
full minute or longer. Further, most chairlifts have a maximum
capacity of only 300 lbs., relatively low when compared with
other lifts and elevators. Finally, most chairlifts are designed for
residential use and simply do not perform well under heavy use.

Only inclined and vertical platform lifts are expressly permitted in
structures covered by the ADA. For new construction, platform
lifts may be used "to provide access where existing site constraints
or other constraints make use of a ramp or an elevator infeasible." 24
For alterations, there are no ADA restrictions on the use of
platform lifts as part of an accessible route. 25 Again, state and local
rules for lifts may be more restrictive.

Inclined platform lifts allow a person to travel up/ down stairs in a wheelchair.
[Figure 10] (Some also have a fold-down seat to accommodate a semi-ambulatory
person.) A wheelchair user should be able to operate such a lift
independently, assuming the controls comply with ADAAG requirements. 26
Inclined platform lifts are generally rated for 450 lbs. or more, and they are
more durable than chairlifts. On the negative side, inclined platform lifts
require wide staircases for adequate clearance. While many places of worship
have wide staircases, inclined platform lifts can nevertheless pose a safety
hazard by restricting emergency egress. The situation can be particularly
dangerous where the lift platform does not fold up flat against the wall when it
is not in use. Inclined platform lifts are also faulted for inadequate modesty
panels for those in skirts.

Vertical platform lifts provide more options with respect to placement and
aesthetics. Most vertical lifts are compact and can travel straight up and down
as much as 14 feet between two or three "stops" (levels). They often serve as
an excellent economical alternative when there is insufficient room for a ramp.
[Figure 11 Ð see next page] For added safety and privacy, some are fully or
partially enclosed. Vertical lifts are frequently positioned adjacent to a set of
stairs, but other arrangements are also possible. [Figure 12 Ð page 19] They
may be used both inside and out, though exterior lifts should be placed under
cover to minimize maintenance. 27

17
24 ADAAG 4.1.3( 5). Three other permissible uses are narrower in scope.
25 ADAAG 4.1.6( 3)( g).
26 ADAAG 4.27.
27 Jester, 6.

Figure 10: Platform lifts are
available for straight and
switchback stairs. Courtesy
of Garaventa Accessibility 19
19 Page 20 21
18
Figure 11: A lift installation
(behind the right steeple) proved
to be an economical and
aesthetically pleasing alternative
to a massive ramp on the front
of this historic church. Courtesy
of Booth Hansen Associates 20
20 Page 21 22
Other lifts are available for special applications. One good
example is a vertical platform lift that converts into stair
steps when not in use. This lift may be an ideal solution for
access to a raised chancel, bimah, reader's platform, or choir
area.

Lifts have several drawbacks as well. Many can only transport
one person at a time, and some models are key-operated, which
can limit independent use. In addition, lift motors can be
noisyÐ a decided disadvantage in worship settings. Finally, lifts
can present aesthetic problems in historic interiors. They typically have painted
steel, stainless steel, or anodized aluminum finishes, which do not harmonize
with adjacent historic finishes. However, custom wood, drywall, or masonry
housings or shells may be built around vertical platform lifts for better
aesthetics. Custom handrails in a suitable architectural style and material also
can enhance the appearance of these lifts.

Stairs
One final means of vertical travel to consider is stairs. Though stairs obviously
are not an option for people who use wheelchairs, they are regularly used by
those with less serious mobility impairments, including older adults who have
difficulty walking but may hesitate to take advantage of other available
accessibility equipment. Unfortunately, stairs in older buildings are not always
user-friendly. The ADA guidelines require only that stairs between levels that
are not connected by other accessible means be improved to "accessible"
standards. 28 The requirements for "accessible" stairs include: [Figure13]

° uniform riser and tread widths;
° short, rounded tread nosings; and
° handrails mounted 34" to 38" above the nosings.

The handrails must extend at least 12" beyond the top riser;
beyond the bottom riser, they must extend at least 12" plus the
width of one tread. 29 These general stair requirements also
apply to building alterations, except that handrails need not be
fully extended "where such extensions would be hazardous or
impossible due to plan configuration." 30

19
28 ADAAG 4.1.3( 4).
29 ADAAG 4.9.
30 ADAAG 4.1.6( 3)( b).

Figure 12: Vertical lifts are often
installed next to a set of stairs.
Courtesy of Garaventa Accessibility

Figure 13: Even stairs can be re-designed
to improve their accessibility.
Duk Kim for Restoric, LLC

BALUSTER SPACING
4" MAX.

TREAD DEPTH
11" MIN.

RISER HEIGHT
7" MAX.

STAIRCASE WIDTH -
VARIES DEPENDING
ON
OCCUPANCY &
EGRESS
REQUIREMENTS

NOSING
PROJECTION
1 1/ 2" MAX.

HANDRAIL HEIGHT
34"-38"

HEADROOM ABOVE NOSING
6'-8" MIN.

GOING
STAIR STRINGER

GUARDRAIL 21
21 Page 22 23
Although strict application of the ADAAG standards would dictate changes to
relatively few staircases in existing houses of worship, congregations still should
consider upgrading any staircases that are heavily used. This can be an
extremely cost-effective way of improving accessibility for a large number
of people. Often, a few modest improvements can dramatically improve stair
safety. These include better lighting, slip-resistant strips on treads, replacement
of worn nosings, and easy-to-grasp handrails to prevent falls. 31 As always,
improvements should coordinate with the prevailing architectural style of the
building. It is also important to note that stairs can rarely be removed or
replaced with accessibility equipment due to the loss of emergency egress for
able-bodied persons.

Doors, Doorways, and Thresholds
As barriers, doors, doorways, and thresholds can be as insurmountable as
stairs. A doorway may be too narrow for wheelchairs or a threshold too high
to roll over. The door swing may prevent a person in a wheelchair from
opening the door or from being on the adjacent floor or landing. On the
other hand, the door itself may be too heavy for a person in a wheelchair to
hold open and roll through at the same time. In some cases, the door handle
or knob may be difficult to operate.

Each door along an accessible route must be made accessible. In general,
doors must have a minimum clear opening of 32" with the door open 90°
(measured from the face of the door to the opposite stop). For double leaf
doors, at least one leaf must meet the clear opening requirement. Thresholds
at most types of doors cannot exceed 1/ 2" in height, and raised thresholds and
floor-level changes at doors must be beveled. Door handles, pulls, latches, and
locks must be easy to operate with one hand and must not require "grasping,
tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist." Hardware must be mounted at 48"
or lower, though 36" may be a more reasonable maximum height, especially
for children and people using wheelchairs. Interior doors must be able to be
opened by pushing or pulling with a force of no more than 5 lb/ f. (pounds per
foot) as measured by a strain gauge. Automatic and power-assisted doors are
permitted. 32 A few exceptions to these standards are applicable to existing
buildings as noted in the following paragraphs. 33

20
31 Jester, 8.
32 ADAAG 4.13.4, 4.13.5, 4.13.8, 4.13.9, 4.13.11, and 4.13.12. The guideline that would have set forth an exterior door standard was reserved for later
consideration.
33 ADAAG 4.1.6( 3)( d).

Often,
a few
modest
improvements
can
dramatically
improve
stair safety. 22
22 Page 23 24
Due to the "assembly" function of older houses of worship, almost all have
entrance doorways wider than the 32" minimum clear opening required for new
construction. Still, certain interior or secondary doorways may lack sufficient
width. When it is technically infeasible to comply with the normal 32"
standard, a maximum projection of 5/ 8" is allowable for the latch side stop. 34
Moreover, it is often possible to gain additional clearance by replacing standard
butt hinges with new offset hinges that allow a door to swing clear of the jamb.
Such hinges can increase the size of the opening by up to 1 1 /2". 35 Alternately, if
practical (and allowed under fire code), interior doors might simply be removed
and stored for future use. As a last resort, existing doorways can be widened,
and custom-built doors made to match the interior woodwork.

Older houses of worship may have high thresholds that are obstacles for
wheelchair users. Thresholds up to 3/ 4" in height may remain in place, as
long as they have a beveled edge on either side; 36 higher thresholds must be
modified or replaced. In some cases, the problem can be resolved by raising
the adjacent walk or finished floor to meet the requirements.

Many historic houses of worship also have impressive entrance doors. Such
massive doors may impede access, though they are usually architecturally
significant features that should not be aesthetically compromised. Modifying
or replacing the hardware of these and other doors can make them more user-friendly
for persons with mobility impairments. For example, it may be
possible to add a lever-handle behind a hard-to-turn doorknob. 37 By ADAAG
standards, acceptable new hardware might include "lever-operated
mechanisms, push-type mechanisms, and U-shaped handles." 38 To reduce
door pressures to an acceptable 5 lb/ f. or less, existing hinges and door closers
can sometimes be modified or replaced. Power-assisted or automatic door
openers operated by push buttons, pressure mats, or electronic eyes are often
the best solution at entrances. These allow the greatest ease of entry to the
largest number of people. 39 Whichever solution is chosen, the presence of
other architectural features at the main entrance, such as monumental
staircases or raised landings, may suggest that an alternative entrance be
considered for accessibility.

21
34 ADAAG 4.1.6( 3)( d)( i). 35 Parrott, 48. 36 ADAAG 4.1.6( 3)( d)( ii). 37 Parrott,, 49. 38 ADAAG 4.13.9.
39 See Parrott, 50-53.

By ADAAG
standards,
acceptable
new
hardware
might
include
"lever-operated

mechanisms,
push-type
mechanisms,
and
U-shaped
handles." 23
23 Page 24 25
The Worship Space
Group worship is a significant aspect of religious life for people of all major
faiths. However, the vast majority of worship spaces traditionally failed to
account for those with disabilities. In many instances, "fixed" pews fill the
main assembly space, forcing people who use wheelchairs to sit up front, in the
very back, or in the aisles (which should remain clear). In worship spaces built
with sloping floors, the last choice is not an option for those in wheelchairs.
Full participation in worship should include opportunities for leadership roles,
which requires access to the traditional locations of leadership. The chancel,
altar, bimah, pulpit, lectern and choir area may be the final frontier of
accessibility in most houses of worship. Disabilities should not prevent those
who want to lead services or sing in the choir from participating.

ADAAG standards (as well as good seating practice) require that spaces for
wheelchairs "be an integral part of any fixed seating plan." [Figure 14] They
should be located where wheelchair users have sight lines comparable to those
of others and should be paired with at least one companion seat. Wheelchair
locations should be provided in the proportions found in Table 2.

Tabl e 2
Capacity of Seating in Number of Required
an Assembly Area Wheelchair Locations

4 to 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
26 to 50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
51 to 300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
301 to 500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Over 500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 plus 1 space for each
additional 100 seats

Where seating capacity exceeds 300, the wheelchair spaces should be provided
in more than one location. 40 In existing buildings, wheelchair seating may be
clustered together if it is technically infeasible to disperse it as otherwise

22
40 ADAAG 4.1.3( 19) and 4.33.3.

Disabilities
should not
prevent
those who
want to
lead services
or sing in
the choir
from
participating. 24
24 Page 25 26
required. 41 If standing to sing or pray is a regular part of worship, this should
be taken into account when considering sight lines for wheelchair users.
Members who use wheelchairs should be solicited for their input regarding
seating placement.

In many worship spaces, it may be relatively easy to provide room for
wheelchair users by removing a few pews in the front, middle, or back. Pews
can also be shortened in length, and the decorative ends salvaged and
reattached to the cut pews. (Some wheelchair users prefer that the decorative
ends not be replaced to facilitate transfer from their wheelchairs to the pews.)

Pew cuts are a practical and flexible solution. Pews can be cut wherever desired
and still function to provide seating for a wheelchair user's family members or

23
41ADAAG 4.1.6( 3)( f ).

Figure 14: Wheelchair locations are well distributed throughout this seating plan. Duk Kim for Restoric, LLC 25
25 Page 26 27
friends. One pew cut typically results in the loss of two seats for ambulatory
congregants, depending on the length of the pew and the number of standard
(18") seats it accommodates. Pew cuts may also necessitate minor floor repairs
and refinishing.

Another alternative is to replace some or all of the fixed seating with moveable
"cathedral" or interlocking metal or wood chairs. Although this option can
provide a great deal of flexibility, it should not be undertaken lightly, because
it can drastically alter the aesthetics and acoustics of a worship space and
require major floor repairs or finishing.

If the worship space has theater seating and a sloping floor, the accessibility
challenges are greater. It may be possible to remove existing fixed seats so that
wheelchair users can roll onto a level seating platform that already exists
beneath the seats. If the theater seats are attached directly to the angled floor,
however, it may be necessary to construct a platform where these seats are
removed. Designating a wheelchair seating location only at the front of the
hall is the least desirable alternative. In many houses of worship, this would
place wheelchair users farther below the dais than the rest of the congregation.
If this is the only apparent alternative, the worship leaders could move down
to floor level as well, if it does not create sightline issues for those in the back.

Restrooms
Restrooms often present the most serious accessibility challenge in older houses
of worship for a number of reasons. Older buildings are likely to have fewer
standard fixtures than modern codes require. The restrooms that do exist are
frequently small and cramped and are often tucked away in remote corners of
the building. To afford accessibility, such existing restrooms must be
reconfigured, at the very least.

As a general matter, the ADA requires that each "public and common use"
toilet room be accessible. Toilet rooms must have an unobstructed turning
space of at least 60" so that a person in a wheelchair can adequately maneuver.
Restroom and toilet stall doors often need to swing outward to allow sufficient
clear floor space for maneuvering. Stalls intended for front-transfer or side-transfer
use must meet specified size requirements and have properly mounted
grab bars. Accessible toilet seats should be higher than standard toilet seats,

24

Restrooms
often present
the most
serious
accessibility
challenge in
older houses
of worship. 26
26 Page 27 28
generally 17" to 19" above the floor. Urinals and sinks must also be mounted
at the proper height and allow for knee space for use by persons in
wheelchairs. Under-sink plumbing should be padded or insulated to prevent
injuries to wheelchair users. Flush and faucet controls, soap dispensers, towel
holders, and even mirrors should be designed and situated for easy use by
persons in wheelchairs. 42

If it is not technically feasible to make all existing restrooms accessible,
ADAAG requires that there be at least one unisex accessible toilet room on
each floor. An advantage of unisex restrooms is the ability for husbands, wives,
mothers, fathers, etc. to provide assistance to their partners, children, or
parents with disabilities. Congregations should confirm that a single, unisex
toilet room is allowed by local codes.

Making restrooms accessible, while preserving an adequate number of stalls,
usually requires creative design. Sometimes, it is a just a matter of
repositioning existing stall walls and dispensers and installing new fixtures and
grab bars. In other situations, two small, adjacent restrooms can be combined
by eliminating the wall between them to create a single-sex or unisex
restroom. 43 Often, though, it is more practical and cost-effective to construct
new accessible restrooms than to retrofit existing restrooms, even if it means
the sacrifice of some existing program space. Spacious new restrooms that
accommodate people with and without disabilities are likely to be appreciated
by everyone.

Water Fountains
In any effort to make your house of worship accessible, consider all public
amenities. Drinking fountains are one example. Simply installing a paper cup
dispenser alongside an existing fountain could help people with mobility
impairments, some older adults, and people who use wheelchairs.

ADAAG provides that when there is only one water fountain location per
floor, there should be one fountain accessible to those in wheelchairs and
one to persons who have difficulty bending or stooping. This is readily
achieved with a bi-level (" hi-lo") combination fountain. Where more than
one fountain location is provided per floor, half the fountains should be
wheelchair accessible.

25
42 ADAAG 4.1.3( 11) and 4.22. For specific requirements and further detail see ADAAG 4.16-4.27. There are separate standards for restrooms intended to be used
by children.
43. Ideally, such a room would be large enough for use as a "companion restroom," where, for example, a mother could assist her adult son or a husband could help
his wife.

Making
restrooms
accessible,
while
preserving
an adequate
number of
stalls,
usually
requires
creative
design. 27
27 Page 28 29
Telephones
Telephones are another public amenity to consider. Public telephones can be
problematic for people who use wheelchairs and people who are deaf or hard
of hearing. Fortunately, public telephones can be adapted to facilitate use by
persons with both types of disabilities. Telephones can be lowered for easy use
by persons in wheelchairs. Accessible phones should be mounted no higher
than 48" where persons are expected to reach forward out of wheelchairs, or
no higher than 54" for persons reaching sideways from wheelchairs.

Telephones can also be equipped with text telephones (known by the
acronym TTY) or designed to accommodate portable TTY equipment to aid
those with hearing impairments. TTYs are machines that "employ
interactive text-based communications through the transmission of coded
signals across the standard telephone network." TTYs can include devices
known as TDDs (telecommunications display devices or telecommunication
devices for deaf persons) or computers with special modems. 44 There should
be one accessible phone per floor, or one per each bank of phones on a floor,
whichever is greater. All accessible phones must have volume control. In
addition, at least 25% of all other public phones should be equipped with
volume control. Further, at least one TTY phone should be installed inside
each building. Shelves and outlets for portable TTY devices are required in
certain circumstances. 45 Requirements for adding TTY equipment to
existing buildings are limited to certain situations in which alterations would
increase the total number of telephones, or in which the phones themselves
are being altered. 46

Poor hearing affects many Americans. The National Institute on Deafness and
Other Communication Disorders reported in 1989 that approximately 28
million Americans had some degree of hearing loss and that more than one-third
of the population has significant hearing loss by the time they reach 65. 47
Numerous factors contribute to hearing problems, and the range of hearing
loss is wide. Some people are profoundly deaf from birth or accident, while
others have partial hearing loss frequently associated with aging. No single
solution is suitable for all those with hearing loss.

26
44 ADAAG 4.31, 3.3.5.
45 ADAAG 4.1.6( 1)( e), 4.31.
46 ADAAG 4.1.3( 17).
47 Cited in Ministry with Deaf and Late-Deafened, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind Persons. Undated brochure (New York: Health and Welfare Ministries,
General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church).

Eliminating Auditory Barriers 28
28 Page 29 30
Standard Sound Systems
Though a substantial number of older members may miss portions of the
service due to hearing loss, relatively few are likely to acknowledge this fact.
Instead, they may eventually stop coming to worship. For many such people,
simply upgrading an existing sound system may be all that is required.
Consult an acoustical specialist for advice on how to improve sound quality
and eliminate auditory "dead spots." A better sound system will benefit the
entire congregation.

Assistive Listening Systems
For those with greater hearing loss, the use of assistive listening systems (ALSs)
can provide a real opportunity for greater participation in worship. ALSs use a
microphone to pick up sound from a specific source and transmit it directly to
a person's ear, either through special receivers or through personal hearing aids.
They help to make the speaker's voice stand out from background noise. At
least three types of ALSs may be appropriate for use in houses of worship:

1) FM systems that send radio waves through the air from the speaker's
microphone to the listener's FM receiver;
2) audio induction loop systems that use magnetic waves that travel through
an unobtrusive wire circling the listening area; and
3) infrared systems that use invisible light waves to transmit sound to a
headset.

Any of these three systems might be installed in a large assembly space or in a
smaller meeting room, although both the audio loop and infrared systems can
present significant installation problems in existing buildings. 48 (Numerous
advantages and disadvantages of each type of system are detailed in the
ADAAG Appendix, at A4.33.7, Table A2.)

Although ALSs can be especially helpful to people who are moderately hard-of-
hearing, those who rely on lip reading may also benefit by receiving more
audible lip reading cues. ALSs "should be standard equipment in all places of
worship.... This would address the single most common disability of older
adults and would have the greatest impact on their participation." 49

27
48 Curtis Dickerson, Assistive Listening Systems; "Equaling Access to Sound," Your Church, January/ February 1993, 25-30.
49 October 2000 telephone interview with Ginny Thornburgh, N. O. D.

For those
with greater
hearing loss,
the use of
assistive
listening
systems
(ALSs)
can provide
a real
opportunity
for greater
participation
in worship. 29
29 Page 30 31
American Sign Language Interpreters
Some deaf people, especially those who are deaf from birth, communicate
through sign language. To serve their needs, congregations can hire American
Sign Language interpreters. Interpreters live and work in most communities
across the country. To locate interpreters, contact a local or state service
agency for people who are deaf or a vocational-rehabilitation organization.
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf maintains a searchable national
database of certified interpreters.

Both those who communicate through sign language and those who read lips
benefit from being seated near the front of the worship space, where they will have
an unobstructed view of speaker and interpreters. Speakers and interpreters
should be well lit, so that their hands and faces can be clearly seen. 50

Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDDs)
As discussed in the previous section, telephones can be equipped with various
types of text-based devices for the hearing impaired. Even where a house of
worship has no public phones that could be upgraded for use with a TTY, a
congregation should consider installing a telecommunications device for the
deaf in the administrative office. Purchasing an inexpensive TDD would allow
both deaf and hard of hearing members to call the house of worship and
communicate directly with clergy, staff, and congregational leaders via text
messaging. For maximum effectiveness, the availability of the congregation's
TDD should be publicized in local newspapers or telephone books.

Just as there are different levels of hearing loss, the range of visual impairments is
also broad and varied. Consequently, no single improvement can make worship
accessible to all people with visual impairments. Access to full participation in
worship is affected not only by the nature of the person's visual disability, but
also by his or her proximity to the worship leaders, the quantity and quality of
light present, and the type of written materials provided.

28
50 Davie, Ann Rose, and Ginny Thornburgh, That All May Worship: An Interfaith Welcome to People With Disabilities. Sixth Printing (Washington, D. C.:
National Organization on Disability, 2000), 25-26; Accessibility Audit for Churches, 43-44.

The Registry
of Interpreters
for the Deaf
maintains a
searchable
national
database
of certified
interpreters.

Eliminating Visual Barriers 30
30 Page 31 32
Lighting
Houses of worship constructed in the early days of electric lighting
(or even before) are dimly lit by modern standards. [Figure 15] Until
1930, the standard for sanctuary lighting was only 2.0 footcandles.
(A footcandleÐ abbreviated "fc."Ð is the amount of light produced by a
candle flame at a distance of one foot.) Often, the later addition of
stained glass or memorial windows substantially reduced the daylight
an interior originally received. In Chicago, the authors have
recorded an average nighttime light level of 4.8 fc. at pew height
with the lights turned on. Relatively low light levels like these can be
a real problem for older adults and others with visual impairments.

The precise quantity and quality of light appropriate for houses of
worship is open to debate. 51 The authors' field experience indicates
that complaints increase as light levels drop below 5.0 fc., while few
express concern at 7.0 fc. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North
America, a lighting trade group, recommends 15.0 fc. in the pews. 52

In fact, the primary lighting issue in most existing worship spaces is not the
intensity of light, but rather its direction, placement, and uniformity. Glare
from direct light sources and surface reflectance from bright walls and
windows or highly polished flooring can also impact the effectiveness of
lighting systems and detract from the worship experience. Congregations
commonly attempt to increase light in historic interiors by painting darker
walls white. This is an inefficient approach and may radically alter the
appearance and character of an historic interior by creating stark contrasts
between walls/ ceilings and other surfaces.

Glare and surface reflectance are of particular importance for aging
congregations because many individuals begin to experience a rapid decline in
their visual sensitivity after age 50. Another factor to consider is the "quality"
of the light. Only light sources with a high color rendition value (CRI or color
rendering index) should be used in the worship space, given the importance of
color in much religious architecture and sanctuary decoration. 53

29
51 ADAAG offers no guidance regarding appropriate illumination level for assembly places.
52 IES Committee on Lighting Houses of Worship, Lighting for Houses of Worship (New York: Illuminating Engineers Society of North America, 1991), 19.
IES and its various affiliate members have produced the vast majority of books, articles, and reference guides on lighting in houses of worship. Many of these
members manufacture, distribute, or install lighting systems.
53 Lighting for Houses of Worship, 16, 28.

Figure 15: These beautiful historic
light fixtures were not designed to
meet modern lighting standards but
should be preserved by utilizing
supplemental lighting as required .
Michael Schmidt for Restoric, LLC 31
31 Page 32 33
Simply flooding the sanctuary with light or haphazardly installing numerous
fixtures is not a solution. This will increase maintenance costs, unnecessarily
raise electric bills, and detract from the worship experience. For example,
overwhelming the long shafts of natural light in a Gothic Revival sanctuary
with bright, uniform artificial lighting will eliminate the shadows that
contribute to the solemnity and reverence of the space. Unfortunately, the very
lighting systems and illumination levels that are most complementary to
architectural ambiance are frequently at odds with the needs of older adults
and others with visual impairments.

Lighting is generally categorized as:
1) architectural, or ambient, lighting;
2) task lighting; and
3) accent lighting.

All three types of lighting usually play a role in the worship setting. The ideal
lighting system for any worship space is flexible and precise enough to allow each
of these three lighting types to provide the exact level and quality of illumination
needed, at each specific location, for each particular time of day. Such a lighting
system would include a variety of light sources and manual or preset dimming
controls. A talented lighting designer can configure the system to enhance the
liturgy, while providing ample light for those with visual impairments.

Few older houses of worship, however, have such modern, sophisticated, and
expensive lighting systems. What is more, congregations need to be cautious
and methodical when modernizing their historic lighting systems. Perceptions
about light, like those about color, are subjective. The existing light levels
should be measured and quantified throughout the worship space with light
meter readings to determine the baseline conditions and identify problem
areas. Next, simply clean the fixtures and lamps (light bulbs). Dirt and dust
that collects on top of fixtures or lamps can reduce their light output by 50%.

Once the fixtures are clean, re-lamping them with brighter bulbs may be
effective, as long as they do not create glare. In hanging pendants, for
example, the bottom incandescent floodlamp can often be replaced with a
brighter halogen lamp. Some compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) may be
useful for replacing standard incandescents as well. CFLs are more energy

30

A talented
lighting
designer
can configure
the system
to enhance
the liturgy,
while
providing
ample light
for those
with visual
impairments. 32
32 Page 33 34
efficient than incandescent lamps, but some CFLs cannot be dimmed. In
addition, the color rendition of CFLs can be considerably different from
incandescent lamps. Before retrofitting a large area with CFLs, first try
replacing the old lamps with CFLs in only one fixture to test the results. Many
forms of high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting, such as metal halides, are
not recommended for historic interiors depending upon the lamp selected;
they can produce harsh glare or have low CRIs that undermine the rich color
variations found in many older sacred spaces. Regardless of the lamp chosen,
an electrician should confirm whether the wiring and fuses or circuits will
handle any additional load required by a lighting upgrade. 54

If re-lamping proves unworkable or insufficient, the pendant fixtures can
sometimes be lowered slightly. First, ensure that this will not create problems
with sightlines from a balcony, gallery, or choir loft. Pendant fixtures are
typically aligned with the ceiling-wall juncture, column capitals, hammer
beams on trusses, or similar architectural features. When lowering fixtures, be
sensitive to these architectural relationships if possible. Finally, historic or
existing fixtures can often be retrofitted to generate more light. This may
include changing glass lenses with light baffles (grills that minimize glare) or
installing entirely new components inside. 55

If these methods fail to produce enough light to aid those who see poorly,
supplemental task lighting can be installed. Task lightingÐ the most crucial
source of light for older adults and others with visual impairmentsÐ refers
primarily to the down-lighting that provides illumination for reading hymnals,
bulletins, or prayer books. To minimize shadows at pew level, lighting is usually
provided from several overhead sources, such as the bottom lamps in hanging
pendants or floodlights mounted on trusses or midway up the nave walls.

Avoid adding new canister (" can") lights into cathedral or vaulted ceilings of
historic worship spaces. The glare from canister fixtures prevents worshippers
from looking up into the soaring cathedral ceilings that can provide much of the
architectural character in historic sacred spaces. Another drawback of such
lighting appears only when the lamps begin to burn outÐ replacement often
requires accessing dirty or perilous attics, or securing an expensive lift or
scaffolding to reach the lamps from below. Finally, avoid high-tech or "state-of-the-
art" lighting where lamps or parts may not be available in the near future.

31
54 Lighting for Houses of Worship, 29; Edwin P. and Martin V. Rambusch," Creating Effective Lighting Systems for Historic Houses of Worship," Inspired, Vol.
V, No. 2, Fall 1990, 6.
55 Jeffrey T. Berg, "Modern Approaches to Lighting Historic Interiors," in Charles E., Fisher, III, Michael, Auer, and Anne Grimmer, eds., The Interiors
Handbook for Historic Buildings. (Washington, D. C.: Historic Preservation Education Foundation, 1988), 4-11.

Historic
or
existing
fixtures
can
often
be
retrofitted
to
generate
more
light. 33
33 Page 34 35
Written and Recorded Materials
Although some people with moderate visual impairments will benefit from
improved lighting alone, others may need specially produced written and
recorded materials in order to participate fully in worship and education
programs. Large-print versions of bulletins, hymns, prayers, and liturgies are
created easily and inexpensively by using the enlargement feature on a
photocopier. Most denominations produce hymnals and prayer books in
large-print editions. (Large-print Bibles are widely available.) Another
relatively inexpensive way of providing materials is to audiotape sermons,
services, or lectures for those with visual impairments. 56

Braille versions of various worship and educational materials may also be
available. Please note, though, that because not all blind people read Braille,
congregations should seek expert advice from members who are blind before
purchasing such materials.

Even the best efforts to improve access will be wasted if the results go
unnoticed. Good signage is therefore an essential component of accessibility.
The main sign in front of a house of worship, as well as advertisements in the
local newspaper or telephone book, should include the international symbol
for accessibility. This will be a clear sign of welcome to persons with
disabilities.

Individual accessible routes and facilities should also be clearly marked. In
particular, the international symbol for accessibility should be used to indicate
accessible parking spaces, accessible passenger loading zones, and accessible
restrooms. Accessible entrances should be labeled, unless all entrances are
accessible. At inaccessible entrances, directional signs should be posted to
indicate the route to the nearest accessible entrance. Volume control
telephones, TTYs, and ALSs should be signified with pictograms. 57

32
56 Davie and Thornburgh, 24.
57 ADAAG 4.1.2( 7), 4.30.7.

Improving Signage 34
34 Page 35 36
ADAAG sets forth specific requirements for signage. Provisions specify
character proportion and height, contrast between the lettering and the field of a
sign, and requirements for raised and Brailled characters and pictograms. Where
rooms and spaces are permanently identified, signs should be wall-mounted and
hung 60" above the floor to the centerline of the sign. Illumination levels on sign
surfaces should be in the range of 10 to 30 fc. for ideal visibility. 58

Few regulations dictate that accessibility signage must be the traditional blue
and white "street sign" variety. Wood, bronze, or even carved stone signs may
be more appropriate in certain settings, particularly for historic buildings.

Getting Started -Doing a Preliminary Needs Assessment
Before rushing into fundraising and construction activity, a congregation
should first determine exactly what accessibility barriers exist in its house of
worship and what specific modifications are needed. A logicalÐ though
frequently overlookedÐ initial step is to form a committee to assess the
building's current level of accessibility and to begin planning for
improvements. Ideally, any such committee will include members from a
broad cross-section of the congregation. Persons with disabilities, including
older adults with hearing, vision, or mobility impairments, might be asked to
serve. Equally important, the committee should include building-savvy
individualsÐ architects, contractors, preservation professionals, tradespersons,
facilities administrators, building caretakers, and maintenance engineersÐ who
are equipped to make educated choices related to design and construction. In
addition, people with knowledge of a congregation's program-related needs,
such as choir directors and youth leaders, might be included to provide input
on accessibility issues related to their particular programs.

The accessibility committee can begin by conducting a top-to-bottom
accessibility audit. The committee should tour the entire building and
grounds to determine specific physical features that represent obstacles to
worship, education, or social programsÐ people with disabilities can be
particularly helpful during this assessment. Numerous survey forms are
available to facilitate this process. Among the most useful is a detailed

33
58 ADAAG 4.30, A4.30.8.

The Accessibility Design Process 35
35 Page 36 37
Accessibility Audit for Churches available through the Board of Global
Ministries of the United Methodist Church. State or local government
agencies or disabilities organizations may have similar publications that more
precisely address the accessibility requirements in their jurisdictions.

If the architectural barriers are so great that people with disabilities are
effectively barred from membership, the committee should seek out such
persons in the larger community to provide feedback, even if it is based only
on their review of architectural drawings of the building. Depending on the
design limitations of a particular building, an individual who uses a wheelchair
could do a "roll-through" of the building to gauge its level of accessibility from
a mobility perspective. Similarly, people who are hard-of-hearing and/ or who
see poorly might be found to help assess auditory and visual barriers.

Establishing Design Criteria
Armed with the information gathered in the preliminary examination of the
building, the committee should meet to discuss and document the
congregation's accessibility needs. The committee should also analyze the
building's architecture to determine what aspects are most worthy of
preservation. The results of this process will constitute a set of design
parameters that will help to inform all parties during the planning process.

While 100% accessibility is a worthy goal, rare is the older building that can
be made "globally accessible." Therefore, the committee should begin by
prioritizing the need for access with reference to various parts of the building.
Accessibility needs might be prioritized as follows:

1) Essential
2) Important
3) Desirable
4) Optional
5) Impractical

34

While 100%
accessibility
is a worthy
goal, rare is
the older
building
that can be
made
"globally
accessible." 36
36 Page 37 38
Access to the primary worship space and to the largest or most active program
spaces (fellowship or social hall, gymnasium, choir room, etc.) is considered
essential by most congregations. Generally, two accessible restrooms (one for
each gender) are also considered essential, as a matter of common courtesy.
(Although unisex restrooms may be more comfortable for those who require
assistance, they may not be allowed by the local jurisdiction.) Accessible
classrooms, offices, and chapels are often considered important. Access to
secondary offices or classrooms may be desirable, to be provided whenever the
barriers can be readily overcome. Other spaces, such as kitchens, may be
considered optional with respect to access. Mechanical rooms, balconies, and
storage areas are often impractical to access and are usually eliminated from
consideration.

Naturally, priorities will vary among congregations. For example, where the
chancel, altar, bimah, or reader's platform is the only area from which worship can
be led, providing access to that area becomes a higher priority. Similarly, if
preparing communal meals is an integral part of the social life of the congregation,
accessibility to and within the kitchen also might be given a higher priority.
Finally, if a large congregation (over 15 staff members) employs someone with a
disability, it may be required to make certain improvements in order to
accommodate the employee.

Once priorities have been set, the committee should consider the aesthetic
impact of specific accessibility improvements. In other words, how will each
of the proposed changes affect the overall attractiveness of the building and its
surroundings? This is a particularly important step to take if you have an
architecturally and historically significant house of worship, although the
analysis should be done by all congregations. Keep in mind that accessibility
improvements that look attractive and are well-designed will help "sell" a
construction project to potential supporters and donors and help maintain a
positive atmosphere about the project and related expense.

Once the committee has identified the building's significant architectural
features and historic materials, they should be ranked by level of importance
ranging from 1) defining characteristics worthy of preservation to 2) secondary
characteristics that may be compromised if necessary.

35

Once
priorities
have been set,
the committee
should
consider
the aesthetic
impact of
specific
accessibility
improvements. 37
37 Page 38 39
This prioritized list may later prove useful in allocating resources toward
various components of the accessibility project. For example, a congregation
might sacrifice expensive finishes or fixtures in the restrooms in order to afford
a natural stone facing on an exterior ramp.

Locating Plans, Drawings, or Blueprints
To facilitate the planning process, the committee should also make every attempt
to locate original, revised, or "as-built" drawings of the building and any
additions. Often the original plans are incomplete or have been lost altogether
over the years, but their value cannot be overestimated. They can literally save
thousands of dollars in the surveying and planning stages of accessibility.

Although most architects will ultimately develop new plans in a digital format
using computer aided drafting (CAD) programs, the original drawings,
particularly the floor plans, are still extremely useful for transferring
information and surveying the building with respect to accessibility. Even
drawings for additions that were designed but never built can be useful in
developing new accessibility plans, because they may document portions of the
existing building or suggest good solutions to accessibility problems. The time
and money saved in the design phase is well worth a thorough search for plans.

Detailed Accessibility Survey
Once a preliminary accessibility audit has been conducted and design criteria
have been developed, the committee should perform a second, more detailed
walk-through (or "roll-through") inspection of the building. Armed with
copies of the original plans (the originals should be preserved unmarked), or
even rough floor plan sketches, accessibility barriers and priorities should be
identified during the survey. Color-coding such drawings (red for essential
spaces, yellow for important spaces, etc.) can be extremely useful in
determining the spatial relationship between various rooms. Architectural
features and building materials of particular significance should also be noted.

The committee should begin the survey outside the building, marking
pathways to the various building entrances. Make note of level changes, poor
drainage, and other factors that could impede wheelchair users. Picture what

36

The
time
and
money
saved
in the
design
phase is
well
worth a
thorough
search
for
plans. 38
38 Page 39 40
it would be like to approach the building at night, during snow, rain or other
adverse conditions. How will the pathway be lit? Which surfaces might
become slippery? How hard would it be to find the accessible approach to
the building? Could signage be seen from the street day or night?

By approaching and entering the structure through its various entrances, the
most practical location for an accessible entrance will become apparent. As
previously noted, religious structures, particularly those built before the 1940s,
often have monumental steps to the front entrances and heavy, oversized
doors. Such features often make it more practical to place accessible entrances
at the sides of the narthex or other secondary locations. Although it is always
preferable that a person with a disability should be able to enter the sanctuary,
nave, or auditorium by the same path as the rest of the congregation, an
alternative route through the same transitional foyer or lobby is usually a
reasonable compromise. This is particularly true if the parking lot is closer to
a secondary elevation. If the new entrance is convenient and well designed, it
may become the primary entrance for the whole congregation.

Once the best entrance is preliminarily determined, the survey moves on to
interior barriers. As before, possible accessible routes to various building areas
should be marked and analyzed. Emergency pathways should receive special
scrutiny, since inclined stair lifts and the like may impede general egress in the
event of a fire. Some questions to consider include:

° Do all doors and hallways meet minimum accessibility standards for
wheelchairs?

° Are there safety issues such as open stairways, blind corners, or unexpected
changes in floor level along the route?

° Are transitional areas properly marked and lit?
° Do high door thresholds, wide door swings, sloping sanctuary floors, or
water fountains or baptismal fonts present obstacles?

° Are water fountains, pay phones, vending machines, and other public
amenities accessible?

37

By
approaching
and entering
the structure
through
its various
entrances,
the most
practical
location for
an accessible
entrance will
become
apparent. 39
39 Page 40 41
Carefully survey potential locations for lifts or elevators. Some questions to
consider include:

° Do structural beams or load-bearing walls or columns interfere with the
installation?

° Does the location require expensive re-routing of present mechanical
equipment?

° Does the location allow funeral access for caskets and gurneys?
° How would the lift or elevator affect aesthetics (both inside and out)?

Hiring an Architect
After the accessibility committee has identified the fundamental needs of the
congregation and the current state of the building, it should seek outside
expertise. A congregation is best served by hiring a qualified, licensed architect
to guide it through the remainder of the planning and construction process.
Some may argue that an architect should be consulted immediately, but the
accessibility committee is more likely to understand the design challenges and
acquire greater "ownership" of the process if a preliminary survey is performed
in advance. Moreover, most architects appreciate and respect a knowledgeable
client who is engaged in the design process. Still, it is important to keep an
open mind for alternatives at this stage. An architect's design experience should
result in changes that are well matched to the existing architecture and useful
to the entire congregation. Just as important, hiring an architect will help to
ensure that any accessibility improvements meet applicable legal requirements.
Congregations that utilize independent design servicesÐ as opposed to those
offered through accessibility equipment vendors or companiesÐ typically
achieve more objective design solutions.

Finding an architect who is willing to work on an accessibility project alone
can be a challenge. A congregation may improve its chances if the accessibility
improvements are part of a broader plan to remodel or add to the building. If
other local houses of worship recently have had renovations or additions that
were done well, particularly those involving accessibility improvements, seek
out the firm responsible for the work. Consult a local chapter of the American

38

An
architect's
design
experience
should result
in changes
that are well
matched to
the existing
architecture
and useful to
the entire
congregation. 40
40 Page 41 42
Institute of Architects (AIA) for referrals as well. Preferably, the chosen
architect will have experience with older buildings and new construction.
Hiring an architect from within the congregation is discouraged due to the
potential for conflicts of interest.

If the house of worship has particular architectural and/ or historical
significance, consider hiring a restoration consultant or preservation architect
who should have a higher level of sensitivity regarding the impact of
accessibility on the building. A state or local preservation organization may
also be able to provide referrals.

A good architect is a problem solver who should relate to a congregation's
particular needs and circumstances. On-site interviews with several architects
should be conducted to find the right professional for the project. "Good
chemistry" between an architect and a committee is more important than an
impressive portfolio or prestigious reputation. Is the architect prepared for the
interview and enthusiastic about the work? How does he respond to specific
questions such as:

° What is the architect's or architectural firm's design philosophy?
° What other similar projects has the architect or firm completed?
° What is the architect's or firm's design process?
° Who will be assigned the actual design work?
° What intermediate work products will the architect provide along the way?
° What does the architect or firm expect from the congregation?

References for similar projects should be obtained along with the architect's or
firm's fee schedules, although costs should never be the sole determining factor
in selecting an architect. A good interview resource is 20 Questions to Ask
Your Architect, available through the AIA.

39

A good
architect
is a
problem
solver who
should
relate
to a
congregation's
particular
needs
and
circumstances. 41
41 Page 42 43
40
Figure 16: Schematic design
plans, typically developed by
professionals, can help focus the
vision of the accessibility plan.
These drawings indicate the
proposed work required to make
a small church accessible.

Duk Kim for Restoric LLC 42
42 Page 43 44
Schematic Design
After consulting with the congregation's accessibility committee, the architect's
first task is to develop schematic designs (" schematics") that illustrate the
various accessibility alternatives. These drawings will show the general design
layout and often include a preliminary budget for construction costs.
Schematics are intended to serve only as planning documents in this
intermediate design phase and cannot be used for obtaining permits or for
actual construction. However, the architect should review the schematic
designs with a representative of the local regulatory agency responsible for
building accessibility to determine whether the design complies with applicable
law. [Figure 16]

Schematics give the architect and the committee an opportunity to examine
initial drawings to determine whether the design meets the preliminary design
criteria and creates a safe, logical traffic flow throughout the building. Such
drawings may be especially useful to individuals who have difficulty imagining
how the design will actually look from verbal descriptions alone. Schematics are
often formatted as presentation boards, which may also be shared with the
congregation at large, either as a fundraising tool or to determine project support.

The likely costs of the proposed accessibility improvements should become
clearer through the schematic design process. Unless the architect represents a
"design-build" firm, the committee is also well advised to solicit preliminary
budget figures from contractors to validate the architect's estimates. Previously
unidentified alteration costs can often be discovered in this phase, helping to
prevent costly change orders that can halt work and cause delays once
construction has begun. Analysis of the schematics and the preliminary budget
may suggest compromises in the extent of access initially planned. More often,
though, this review process helps to determine whether the proposed work must
be scheduled in affordable phases. Schematics can provide an excellent "reality
check" for congregations before they incur the greater expense of developing
final working (construction) drawings for the project.

41

Schematics
can provide
an excellent
"reality check"
for congregations
before they incur
the greater
expense of
developing
final working
(construction)
drawings for
the project. 43
43 Page 44 45
42
Figure 17: These working
drawings detail accessibility
alterations to be made to an
existing church. The
improvements take design cues
from the original building.
Courtesy of Yas/ Fischel
Architects

ELEVATION

FLOOR PLAN
CHURCH STREET ENTRANCE RAMP ELEVATION

NORTH ELEVATION 44
44 Page 45 46
Final Design
The architect's final design should reflect all the changes that a congregation
has requested in the schematic design phase and in any subsequent design
reviews. To ensure that proper construction permits can be secured, it must
also reflect all changes required by the applicable regulatory agency. Typically,
specifications for the various materials or equipment selected are also included
in the working drawings, although they may be developed as a separate written
document. The congregation may continue to use the final designs to
fundraise for the project or may submit the drawings to one or more
contractors for bidding. [Figure 17] Ultimately, though, "final" designs are
rarely final; they frequently require revisions during the project. Revisions may
need to be made, for instance, to account for hidden conditions or cost
increases that require further decisions about the quality of materials to be
used or how much work can be completed.

Costs of Providing Accessibility
The costs of providing accessibility can be substantial. In 2001, the average
cost of providing accessibility in 100 Chicago houses of worship surveyed was
over $126,000. The estimated cost ranged from under $10,000 for
congregations that required only minor changes up to $330,000 for
congregations where reasonable access could only be provided by an elevator,
requiring major alterations. These estimates did not take into consideration
the cost of constructing an addition, a relatively commonÐ and generally more
expensiveÐ way to incorporate new accessibility that accomplishes more than
accessibility alone. Full accessibility can be costly. However, it is important to
focus on the rewards of creating an accessible house of worship.

Obviously, the cost of accessibility for a particular house of worship will
depend on the original design of the existing structure, as well as on the
specific methods selected for providing access. Permanent, well-designed
solutions produce results that will please almost everyone. On the other hand,
settling on quick fixes or greatly compromised solutions in the interest of

43

Funding Accessibility 45
45 Page 46 47
economy may have the exact opposite effect, satisfying no one, including
people with disabilities. Moreover, the long-term maintenance costs of each
alternative design solution should be considered. The design that initially
costs the least may prove to be the most expensive over the long run. It is quite
common for congregations to underestimate the cost of providing good
accessibility. Careful analysis and planning, as discussed above, will help
identify solutions with the best overall value.

Start Small
The potentially high costs of full accessibility can be daunting, and it is often
best to start small. First, try adapting programs to better utilize existing
accessible facilities (e. g., using moveable partitions to subdivide larger spaces to
accommodate a variety of functions). Invite people with disabilities and others
to discuss issues of accessibility. Improve lighting at stairs and walkways.
Small steps like these can help get the ball rolling.

Other relatively low-cost improvements include upgrading door hardware
to provide easier entry for all people, making several pew cuts to provide
wheelchair seating, and purchasing large-print versions of hymnals or
prayer books. Taking these preliminary steps might draw a few more
people into worship, laying the financial and psychological groundwork for
more substantial improvements later. A number of simple and inexpensive
ways to begin improving access can be found in AccessAbility: A Manual
For Churches and Money and Ideas: Creative Approaches to
Congregational Access. 59

Start Small to Get the Ball Rolling
"While many churches think they can't do anything for accessibility because they
do not have the money for an elevator or a ramp, one Pennsylvania urban
congregation took the reverse approach and started small. Church funds from the
worship budget were used for large-print bibles, hymnals, and bulletins. As a
result, people with visual impairments and their families appeared; with their
appearance, offerings increased and attitudes improved. Inspired members then
built a ramp, and now they have established a fund for a lift. The successes from
small starts have led to greater awareness and increased access." From Money
and Ideas: Creative Approaches to Congregational Access.

44
59 Rev. Barbara J. Ramnaraine and Mary Jane Steinhagen, AccessAbility: A Manual for Churches: 1997 (Minneapolis: Diocesan Office on Ministry
with Persons Who Are Disabled of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota and Office for People with Disabilities, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of
St. Paul -Minneapolis, 1997), 14-17; Money and Ideas: Creative Approaches to Congregational Access (Bethesda, MD: The Alban Institute and the
National Organization on Disability, 2001).

The
potentially
high costs
of full
accessibility
can be
daunting,
and it is
often best to
start small. 46
46 Page 47 48
Fundraising for Accessibility
Once there is momentum for change and specific plans for improving
accessibility are in place, serious fundraising for the more extensive projects
can begin. Unfortunately, congregations have limited options for finding
outside funding sources for accessibility. Creative thinking and careful
research can set a positive tone for fundraising. Start by making a strong case
for funding, "framing" the need for accessibility to the congregation as broadly
as possible. The greater the number of people who benefit from the project,
the more likely fundraising efforts will be rewarded. Consider persons with
permanent or temporary disabilities related to birth, accident, or age, their
friends and families, as well as people without current disabilitiesÐ members of
the congregation and citizens of the community at large who may also benefit
through specific improvements as they age. 60

Congregations should also contact their denominational office to determine
what accessibility funding may be available. The Presbyterian Church USA
and Church Extension of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), for
example, offer low-interest loan programs that cover some accessibility
improvements for member congregations. Other denominations offer limited
grants or loans, no-cost consultations with affiliated architects, or awards for
developing successful ministries to those with disabilities.

Private foundations are another possible source of funding for accessibility. 61
The Foundation Center coordinates a national network of reference libraries
and non-profit agencies that maintain information about funding sources. As
a general rule, a congregation's grant request to a secular foundation will be
better received if programs and services are provided to the greater community.
In addition to grant requests by a congregation, individual members may also
be eligible to apply for dedicated grant funds that could benefit a larger
number of people.

Given the difficulty of finding adequate outside funding, however, a
congregation usually must look inward to finance the majority of accessibility
improvements. An effective fundraising campaign will draw attention to both
the needs of members with disabilities and to the benefits of accessibility
improvements for all members of the congregation. Further, certain individual
members may welcome the opportunity to make large, one-time memorial or

45
60 AccessAbility, 29.
61 According to fundraising consultant Marion Brown, the funding community does not recognize "accessibility" per se as a category of funding. Congregations
will therefore need to seek funds under the heading of "building/ renovation" or "capital campaign."

The greater
the number
of people who
benefit from
the project,
the more
likely
fundraising
efforts will
be rewarded. 47
47 Page 48 49
honorary gifts or to provide for accessibility funds in their wills.
Congregations with endowments may consider using a portion of the
principal, or several years' worth of interest, to fund these long-term
investments in their communal life. 62

Contracting Accessibility Work
Contracting accessibility improvements can be as challenging as design
decisions and fundraising. As in the design process, contracting for
accessibility can be made easier by coordinating it, whenever possible, with
other work to be completed around the building. Congregations should keep
in mind, however, that undertaking other improvements may trigger
additional regulatory requirements for accessibility in certain situations. Be
sure to consult local authorities before forging ahead.

Soliciting Bids
The process of obtaining bids from contractors might be short and simple, or
more painstaking and formal, depending on the scope and projected cost of
the accessibility project. For example, a small ramp or restroom upgrade may
be readily contracted to a contractor based on a simple proposal. However, an
extensive accessibility project that includes an elevator, restroom alterations,
and changes to the entrance may call for a pre-bid meeting with the architect
and potential contractors to review the final specifications and drawings. In
some cases, a congregation may choose to solicit a bid from a single contractor,
assuming that the contractor has a solid reputation and proven track record of
high-quality work. Medium to large projects, however, should usually be
competitively bid among a minimum of three contractors.

To solicit bids, a set of bid documents must be developed. The bid documents
should include the final drawings and specifications, along with a bid form
outlining the various requirements to be fulfilled, including a deadline for
submission. The more effort put into developing the bid documents and
soliciting bids from appropriate contractors, the more likely the contractors

46
62 AccessAbility, 30.

The Construction Process 48
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will be to devote sufficient time to developing a carefully considered bidÐ in
appreciation of the professional manner in which the job is being contracted.

Choosing a Contractor
When making the final contractor selection, price should not be the only
concern. Accessibility projects are usually subject to code review, and local
regulators generally insist that contractors be licensed and carry workmen's
compensation, general liability insurance, and so on. Therefore, congregations
should favor contractors with these qualifications. To avert conflicts of interest,
congregations should generally avoid hiring contractors who are members.
Further, congregations should especially consider contractors who have previous
experience with accessibility improvements that are comparable to those being
considered. Accessibility projects are usually undertaken by general contractors,
although some contractors have specialized in accessibility since the passage of the
ADA. Carpenters or masons often custom-build ramps, while qualified lift
installers can frequently be secured through distributors of accessibility
equipment. As a final check, a congregation may always call the Better Business
Bureau to help ensure the contractor is reputable.

Establishing Work Phases & Schedules
Often, practicality and budget will determine that accessibility improvements
be made in stages. For example, if both the sanctuary and the fellowship hall
are under construction simultaneously, a congregation may be unable to
worship together. Similarly, weather conditions may dictate the order of
projects in the work sequence, especially in northern states where cold
temperatures may affect the quality of exterior work.

If financing or cash-flow is an issue, worship spaces and restrooms are
usually the first areas addressed, followed by fellowship or social halls
and large classrooms, while expensive elevator access to upper or lower
floors may need to be postponed. Hopefully, an increase in membership
due to initial accessibility improvements may help provide funds for
additional improvements.

47

To a v e r t
conflicts
of interest,
congregations
should
generally
avoid
hiring
contractors
who are
members. 49
49 Page 50 51
Figure 18: After nearly five
years of planning and
fundraising, construcion has
begun for a new accessible ramp
and entrance. (See project
drawings in Figure 17) Neal A.
Vogel for Restoric, LLC

It is essential to keep the needs of people with disabilities in
mind during the entire process. A wheelchair user will find it
extremely frustrating to gain access to a building by means of a
new ramp, only to be unable to enter the worship space or to
use the restroom. Once the key interior improvements are in
place, the contractor can turn attention to the entrance or
"point-of-access," and finally to the parking area and signage.
In sum, when accessibility projects must be completed in
phases, it is generally preferable to undertake them from the
"inside out" (in the reverse order of the accessible path from
the exterior).

Project Management
Managing accessibility projects often requires a great deal of time and organizational
skill, particularly when major work is simultaneously underway at opposite ends of
the building, both inside and out. Comprehensive projects that go beyond
installing a simple ramp or reconfiguring several restrooms should be professionally
managed by a congregational representative. If the congregation does not have a
full time business administrator or building superintendent who can oversee the
project, the architect who designed the access may be the best candidate. Some
architects prefer not to offer construction management services and may instead
refer the congregation to a construction or project manager. Project management
fees may be charged on an hourly basis or on a set percentage of the cost of
construction. The total cost of project management services can vary substantially,
however, depending upon the complexity and coordination of the work involved.

48 50
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Substantial challenges face any congregation making an older house of
worship accessible. It may take several years and perseverance and hard
work to:

° determine what architectural barriers exist;
° develop safe, efficient, and attractive ways to eliminate them;
° raise funds for these improvements; and
° see construction through to fruition. [Figure 18]

Yet, most congregations that have confronted these challenges report that it
was well worth their efforts. A congregation with an accessible building can
more fully and safely serve all its members. Equally important, such a
congregation can start to open its arms to the entire community, providing
an opportunity for a full life of faith to people with and without disabilities.
Such a congregation can truly stand behind the words that greet visitors at
houses of worship everywhere: "All are welcome."

49

Conclusion 51
51 Page 52 53
Accessible Church Buildings. New York: United Church Board for Homeland
Ministries, Division of Evangelism and Local Church Development, 1988.

ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings (ADAAG).
[http:// www. access-board. gov/ adaag/ html/ adaag. htm]

Americans with Disabilities Act. July 26, 1990.
"Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) for People with Hearing Loss."
[www. hearinglossweb. com]

Becoming God's Accessible Community. Akron, Pennsylvania: Mennonite
Central Committee, 1990.

Berg, Jeffrey T. "Modern Approaches to Lighting Historic Interiors," in
Fisher, Charles E., III, Auer, Michael, and Grimmer, Anne, eds., The
Interiors Handbook for Historic Buildings. Washington, D. C.: Historic
Preservation Education Foundation, 1988, at 4-9-4-12.

Cram, Ralph Adams. Church Building: A Study of the Principles of Architecture
in their Relation to the Church. 3rd Edition. Boston: Marshall Jones
Company, 1926.

Davie, Ann Rose, and Ginny Thornburgh. That All May Worship: An
Interfaith Welcome to People With Disabilities. (Sixth Printing.)
Washington, D. C.: National Organization on Disability, 2000.

Dimensions of Faith and Congregational Ministries with Persons with
Developmental Disabilities and their Families: A Bibliography and Address
Listing of Resources. New Brunswick, New Jersey: The Boggs Center, UAP,
2002.

"Guidelines for Working with Architects," Common Bond, Vol. 9, No. 1, May
1993, 5-6.

IES Committee on Lighting for Houses of Worship. Lighting for Houses of
Worship. New York: Illuminating Engineering Society of North America,
1991.

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Bibliography 52
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