What do we mean when we talk about accessibility? What first comes to mind for many folks are features such as ramps and automatic doors to support physical accessibility to facilities. But accessibility goes far beyond ensuring easier access to spaces for those who use mobility-assistance tools.

Here at Our Saviour’s, part of Pastor Ben’s focus is on considering accessibility through a variety of lenses to help make OSLC more welcoming for all who worship with us, whether in person or online. Jim Bono had the chance to sit down recently with Pastor Ben about this important ministry; here’s what Pastor Ben had to say about bolstering accessibility at OSLC.

JB: Why is it so important for churches to be intentional about accessibility?

PBS: The overall idea of accessibility and inclusion are at the heart of the Gospel, because God uses our differences to show love, redemptive power and beauty to the world. At Our Saviour’s, we don’t think about accessibility because of laws or building codes, but because it is living out the Gospel in a tangible way. There are many examples in the Gospels, particularly when you think of the healing ministry of Jesus. Radical inclusion has been the legacy of the church from its inception; it is not a recent conceptual or political “add-on.”

JB: What are some of the different dimensions of accessibility at OSLC?

PBS: Ensuring physical accessibility is important at both campuses. We’ve modified bathrooms, changed flooring and improved lighting to support this. At the Our Saviour’s campus, we are collaborating with Ray Graham Association staff to find grant funding for an elevator in the North wing. There is an existing elevator shaft, but adding an actual elevator would improve accessibility for our congregants as well as the outside groups that use that space. We don’t have an estimate yet, but we anticipate that this cost would be in the range of $150,000 - $200,000. We are also evaluating automatic door openers for our accessible restrooms at both campuses.

Electronic accessibility is as important as physical access. We started streaming our services during the Covid pandemic, but streaming/recording now has become a regular part of our practice. We have an archive of all of our streamed services on our YouTube channel, which allows those who weren’t able to be at a service in person the chance to still watch the service, 

and streaming/recording allows us to add captions for any of our congregants with hearing issues. Streaming has also become more important for funeral or memorial services, and some families have reached out to us to record these services as both a keepsake for the family and to allow individuals who cannot directly attend the service to participate remotely.

When hearing is a concern, the OSLC campus has an assisted hearing device in the rear of the sanctuary. The sanctuary floor is also embedded with a Tele-coil. The T-coil can be linked with a person’s hearing aid so that high-quality sound is directly transmitted to the hearing aid. Anyone wanting to explore these options further should see Pr. Ben.

On another technical note, our website has some design updates as of October. The overall structure is similar, but we have made some changes and consolidations to hopefully make it easier for folks both within and outside the congregation to find information they’re looking for. Adaptive technologies, such as screen readers for those with low vision, are compatible with the new layout.

Finally, emotional and social accessibility are not discussed as much as physical and electronic accessibility, but they are at the heart of “being church.” Our theme of “Life Together” this year is intentional. Our ability to “see” each other, inside and outside of the church, and practice being in community is central to our identity as Christians and to doing God’s work of healing and justice.

Whether it’s offering groups like Care Moms or The Well, participating in a Pride Parade, the work of our many missions and benevolences, or hosting a blood drive, all of the ways in which we intentionally engage weave together the members of our congregation and link us to the community and the world, as well. This is the work of the church: to see the world and each other in an open-hearted and compassionate way and to meet the world’s and each other’s needs.