Accessibility
Our parish welcomes everyone, including persons with disabilities. We want to be sure all people are able to participate fully in our prayer and worship. Not only to be able to get into the church, but to be able to access the different areas inside the church. Accessibility is a key element of our Refurbishment and Renewal Project. This part of the initiative will include:
· The addition of handicap-accessible doors to the main entrance of the church (front/portico entrance). This is the entrance where many persons with mobility issues are dropped off by another driver for Sunday Mass. Currently, these doors are not opened automatically by a push plate and must be manually pulled open by the person with a cane, walker, or wheelchair.
· The addition of hand railings on the sidewalks leading to Entrance A. This entrance is used for Sunday Mass, and every day for those coming to Daily Mass, the chapel, confessions, and the parish office. For some, it can be a long walk from the parking lot to these doors. Hand railings will provide support for those who need a little extra help.
· The retrofitting and updating of existing restrooms with ADA accommodations and best practice measures.
· There is no public restroom on the office/chapel side of the building. This becomes complicated during weekdays. The addition of a handicap-accessible family restroom in Narthex A (outside the parish office and chapel) will address this as well as providing a space for those who need assistance from a companion.
· Improvement of the lighting configuration and sound system in the church to assist everyone to be able to see and hear better.
· Additional areas for wheelchair and companion seating throughout the church.
Now is the time to make these and other enhancements and improvements to make our church home accessible and welcoming for all people.