Accessible Church

Creating Safe Ways to Request Support

People should be able to request accommodations or support without needing to justify or explain their disability. Requests should be met with gratitude and clarity, not suspicion or pressure.

Ways to make requests accessible:

• Multiple request methods: online forms, email, text/SMS, in-person conversations, and paper forms
• Clear instructions: how to request support, when to do it, and whom to contact
• Low-barrier processes: no long explanations required; focus on the support needed, not diagnosis
• Timely responses: acknowledging the request within a clear timeframe
• Privacy & confidentiality: only those who need to know receive the information

At its core, a request system communicates: “Your needs are welcome here.”

Receiving Feedback With Care

Feedback helps churches uncover barriers they may not see from the inside. Receiving feedback well is an act of humility and an invitation into deeper community.

Best practices for receiving feedback:

• Listen without defensiveness
• Thank the person for trusting you with their experience
• Recognize the emotional labor involved in speaking up
• Avoid minimizing (“That’s not a big deal”) or over-spiritualizing (“God is teaching us patience”)
• Clarify next steps and who will follow up

Feedback is an opportunity to practice accountability and build trust — especially with people who have been harmed or overlooked in church settings.

Multiple Pathways for Requests & Feedback

A single communication channel excludes many people. Offer multiple access points so everyone can use what works for them.

Examples:

• Online accessibility request form with simple, plain-language questions
• Paper request forms available in worship spaces and classrooms
• Dedicated accessibility email monitored by a trained leader or team
• SMS/text option for quick questions or support needs
• Anonymous feedback box in a central location
• QR codes linking directly to digital forms
• Direct contact person listed by name, title, phone/text, and email

Publishing these options regularly (bulletin, website, announcements) reinforces that requests are expected and valued.

Responding to Requests & Feedback

How a church responds to a request is as important as the request itself. Responses should be respectful, prompt, and transparent.

A healthy response includes:

• Acknowledgment: “Thanks for letting us know. We’re glad you reached out.”
• Clarification if needed: “Here is what we understand your request to be…”
• Next steps: What will happen, who will do it, and when
• Honesty: If something is not immediately possible, explain the limits without shutting down the conversation
• Follow-up: Checking in after changes are made

Clear communication prevents confusion, shows respect, and helps build trust over time.

Handling Barriers & Denials with Compassion

Sometimes a requested accommodation cannot be provided exactly as stated. Even then, disabled people should still be met with care, not dismissal.

When something cannot be done exactly as requested:

• Explain the specific barrier (not vague “we can’t do that”)
• Offer alternatives whenever possible
• Avoid implying that the person’s need is unreasonable
• Affirm the person’s dignity and place in the community
• Document the concern so it can be revisited when resources allow

Even when a solution is imperfect, the process can still communicate love and belonging.

Quick Checklist:
Requests & Feedback

• We provide multiple ways to request accommodations (online, text, email, paper).
• We offer anonymous feedback options for safety and privacy.
• We respond to requests quickly, kindly, and with transparency.
• We treat feedback as a valuable tool for growth, not criticism.
• We avoid requiring medical documentation or personal disclosure.
• We communicate follow-up steps clearly and respectfully.
• We publicly share improvements made based on community feedback.
• We review our feedback and request systems regularly to remove barriers.