wfn.org | Views sought on disability 'badging' scheme

["EAUK Press Office" <press@eauk.org>]

For Immediate Release 13/7/98
Views sought on disability 'badging' scheme

A network of Christian groups has launched a public consultation
over its plans for a scheme to make churches more accessible for
people with disabilities.

Churches For All is a campaign of a group of Christian disability
organisations working together as the Evangelical Alliance
Disability Network.  The network plans to launch a badging
scheme, similar to those in use at tourist attractions, to
recognise churches that make provision for people with
disabilities.  

Paul Dicken, one of the architects of the scheme, has drawn on
his experience of establishing similar standards for the Tourism
For All campaign. The network is asking organisations and
individuals to respond with their views by October 30th.  Copies
of the consultation document can be obtained by sending a large
stamped addressed envelope to Through The Roof, PO Box 178,
Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1YN.  Copies are also available on the
internet at http://www.throughtheroof.mcmail.com/consult.htm 

Paul Dicken explains: "Churches For All proposes access standards
in four areas: for people with mobility disabilities, visual
impairment, hearing impairment and learning disabilities. Two
levels for each are proposed: a basic standard, which is the
minimum one might expect and which reflects modern building
standards; and the premier standard, which would be what we would
like to see in all churches."

The consultation scheme is now underway and it is hoped that the
scheme could be up and running as early as March next year. ENDS
For further information, contact Keith Ewing on 0171-207 2116 or
Gavin Drake on 0171-207 2117.