1. There may be more people with visual impairments in your church than you know. For statistics on the number of people in the United States of America which have visual impairments, please visit the web site of the American Foundation for the Blind at the following link.

http://www.afb.org/info_document_view.asp?documentid=1374#num

2. I have provided examples of what the world may look like to people with several common types of vision loss. Please click on the following link to go there.

http://millcreekmedia.com/sixfriends/visionintro/index.html

3. Here is a list of some considerations to have in mind when designing your facilities, including architecture, interior design, and landscaping.

1. Walkways clear of things that could be bumped into or knocked over, like potted plants and signs on easels;
   
2. Good, bright lighting, everywhere;
   
3. Toilet paper roll holders in convenient, consistent places, rather than in unexpected places (Don't place the roll on the back of the toilet where it might get knocked off accidentally);
   
4. Doors that open into recesses rather than across areas of foot or vehicle traffic;
   
5. Ramps that drop a person off at a level walkway, not into a driveway or busy cross-traffic;
   
6. Smooth pavement without breaks over 1/4 inch high;
   
7. Contrasting color strip at the edge of each tread in a stairway (without coloring the whole tread, because that defeats the purpose);
   
8. Handrails that round at the ends and go to the ground rather than sticking out into the air;
   
9. Ramps with a ridge 4 inches high along the outside edge (or a rail within 6 inches of the ramp edge) so feet can't step off sideways;
   
10. Drinking fountains and pay phones that have barriers on each side, like the ramps near ground;
    
11. Signs that won't hit a person on the face or shin;
    
12. Doors on elevators that close slowly;
    
13. "Curb cuts" that have a level place at their top for someone walking past;
    
14. Signs with matte surfaces, since shiny surfaces may make them glarey and hard to read;
    
15. Contrasting color material to pave the sidewalks and the driveways (such as cement and dark asphalt);
    
16. Landscaping that does not utilize trees that hang down in people's faces, and does not have drop-offs alongside walking surfaces;
    
17. Outside sprinkler systems that keep water off walkways;
    
18. Furniture of a color that contrasts with the flooring;
    
19. Windows elsewhere than behind the main speaker;
    
20. Signs with high contrast and simply lettered fonts;
    
21. Hallways that go straight, rather than zig-zagging;
    
22. Walkways and hallways wide enough that two people can walk side by side;
    
23. Grassy area that is easy to get to for dog guides when they need to "use the facilities";
    
24. Poles placed away from walkways and sidewalks;
    
25. Cords or hoses that do not lie across walkways;
    
26. Handy electrical outlets (for tape recorders, laptop computers, etc.);
    
27. Barriers to walkways, aisles, and doorways (when needed to control traffic) that are solid and sit on the ground, such as a group of chairs, rather that ropes strung across.
    

4. Here is a list of some ideas for printed materials that are used in church ministries, to help ensure that all members can read them:

1. Simple, sans serif font;
2. Plain background;
3. Good contrast between type and background (avoid writing on top of graphics);
4. Font at least 14 point.

5. Church services may be more enjoyable for people with limited vision with these accommodations:

1. Windows should not be on the wall behind where speakers stand;
2. Provide a high level of light throughout the room;
3. Have available large print and braille copies of any handouts, and of overhead projector sheets and slides that will be used;
4. Provide training for ushers on etiquette for talking with and escorting the blind;
5. Keep some magnifiers and a pair of binoculars that people can borrow;
6. Speakers should talk in a clear, even voice.

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This page was last updated in August, 2008.