Okay- Why do we neglect the physically challenged?

[Woody]

I am not able to attend church often as you most know ...

but I would like to be able to participate in all the church's events.

The problem is - they often move downstairs. I can't go down stairs. For certain ... they can't have food in the sanctuary ... so I understand. But, I am not the only one who misses out on things. There are others who are physically challenged and unable to do stairs.

How many churches think of this when they build or purchase a church? Hey ... I have a few connections with the Pastor of our church. But the connection still don't help me get up and down the stairs.

Okay ... I just needed to vent. I guess I can handle it for myself ... but when I hear of the pain of others who miss out ... It really does hurt my heart.

There ... that's my two cents worth and more.

[Woody]

I do need to give our church some credit ...

Just a couple of weeks ago they finished putting in a toliet on the sanctuary level. Until then ... I had no way to go to the toliet if mother nature called when I attended church.

So, I guess I have to be thankful for small favors.

[Outta Here]

I think the newer churches do take into consideration the needs of everyone. It is the older churches that often do not meet these needs. Have you voiced your concerns to the church memebers, and not just the pastor with whom you have a connection? Sometimes people just don't think.

I do know that our Pathfinder organisation makes it a requirement to consider the needs of others. It's right there in the curriculum.

[phkrause]

I am not able to attend church often as you most know ...

but I would like to be able to participate in all the church's events.

The problem is - they often move downstairs. I can't go down stairs. For certain ... they can't have food in the sanctuary ... so I understand. But, I am not the only one who misses out on things. There are others who are physically challenged and unable to do stairs.

How many churches think of this when they build or purchase a church? Hey ... I have a few connections with the Pastor of our church. But the connection still don't help me get up and down the stairs.

Okay ... I just needed to vent. I guess I can handle it for myself ... but when I hear of the pain of others who miss out ... It really does hurt my heart.

There ... that's my two cents worth and more.

Well Woody I'm surprised because all buildings are suppose to be handicap asessable? At least those built within the last 20-25 years! No

[Woody]

Our church building is over a hundred years old.

[Woody]

and I can access the building. I just can't go down stairs.

[GreatLakesGramma]

All new construction is required to be fully accessible. Older buildings aren't required to be brought up to code on accessibility unless there is remodeling or addition.

[phkrause]

All new construction is required to be fully accessible. Older buildings aren't required to be brought up to code on accessibility unless there is remodeling or addition.

Thanks for the info GLG.

pk

[phkrause]

And Woody in that case you need to look for a new building.

pk

[Liz]

Uncle Woody, why not suggest that on really pretty days, that the potluck be held outside? A couple of strong deacons should be able to set up some folding tables and chairs, then everyone could participate in the potlucks at least.

[Woody]

And Woody in that case you need to look for a new building.

pk

Interesting that you should mention that. We have someone who wants to buy our church and the church board is discussing the issue. We will see.

And dear Liz ... good suggestion. During parts of the summer ... the have lunch at the park and I do attend.

[GreatLakesGramma]

Originally Posted By: GreatLakesGramma

All new construction is required to be fully accessible. Older buildings aren't required to be brought up to code on accessibility unless there is remodeling or addition.

Thanks for the info GLG.

pk

Actually, I can't say for sure that is the case everywhere. But it is in Michigan. I would think it would be the same in most states.

[phkrause]

Actually, I can't say for sure that is the case everywhere. But it is in Michigan. I would think it would be the same in most states.

No! I think its in every state.

pk

[Woody]

Hi dgrimm.

The downstairs is under ground. :(

[Woody]

Yes Indeed dgrimm. I hope so. :)

[GreatLakesGramma]

Are they planning on selling the church?

[WayneV]

Woody,

I don't know all of the details of your difficulty with stairs. However, if you don't use a motorized scooter chair, a stair lift may be an option for your church. With these you can ride down and up comfortably in a monorail chair. If you use a regular wheelchair, someone would have to carry your empty chair up and down the stairs. On the other hand, if you do not use a wheelhair but simply cannot walk up and down stairs, that is even better. Moreover, they are much cheaper than a new church building, so your board may be willing to spring for the cost. I've enclosed a link to an online source, not as a recommendation, but only for information and pictures. http://www.4-stair-lifts.com/stair-lifts.htm

If you use a motorized scooter chair, I am not aware of anything other than a vertical lift or an elevator that would be capable of handling you on the scooter. Again, however, you might be able to get a second scooter to keep downstairs, then you could use the lift to get yourself up and down the stairs. Just some ideas for you.

Agape`

[Gerr]

I am not able to attend church often as you most know ...

but I would like to be able to participate in all the church's events.

The problem is - they often move downstairs. I can't go down stairs. For certain ... they can't have food in the sanctuary ... so I understand. But, I am not the only one who misses out on things. There are others who are physically challenged and unable to do stairs.

Surely, two men can lift you in your chair down and up the stairs?!!!

[Woody]

Quote:

Surely, two men can lift you in your chair down and up the stairs?!!!

Hi Gerry. Yes, at first thought for someone who hasn't seen our church ... one might think your suggestion to be a good one. But, as I mentioned ... our church is over a hundred years old. The stairs are extremely steep and narrow . The steps are only a few inches in width. My foots is much longer than the step is wide. Personally ... I don't believe the stairs to be safe for ANY one.

So, it would certainly not be safe for someone to carry me down those dangerous stairs. If I get the chance ... I will have to measure the steps. It would shock you. Frightening!

But, otherwise ... you suggestion would have been a good one. :)

[Woody]

Are they planning on selling the church?

This is seriously being considered. But no decision yet.

[Woody]

Woody,

I don't know all of the details of your difficulty with stairs. However, if you don't use a motorized scooter chair, a stair lift may be an option for your church. With these you can ride down and up comfortably in a monorail chair. If you use a regular wheelchair, someone would have to carry your empty chair up and down the stairs. On the other hand, if you do not use a wheelhair but simply cannot walk up and down stairs, that is even better. Moreover, they are much cheaper than a new church building, so your board may be willing to spring for the cost. I've enclosed a link to an online source, not as a recommendation, but only for information and pictures. http://www.4-stair-lifts.com/stair-lifts.htm

If you use a motorized scooter chair, I am not aware of anything other than a vertical lift or an elevator that would be capable of handling you on the scooter. Again, however, you might be able to get a second scooter to keep downstairs, then you could use the lift to get yourself up and down the stairs. Just some ideas for you.

Agape`

Thank you Wayne. This idea of a stair lift ... just might work. I don't know why I didn't think of it. I am not sure it will work with these stairs but there is a good chance in my mind. But it certainly is worth looking into .. if the church is going to keep this facility. Thank you.

[Woody]

Well ... this just shows to me how wise you all can be. It is so amazing to me what good suggestions that can be had when problems are discussed here. Thanks to all of you. But especially to WayneV .

I am going to discuss this chair lift idea with the Pastor right now ... as soon as she is finished preparing lunch.

[Woody]

Yep. Blanche is already on top of things. She says she has looked into getting a stair lift and/or even an elevator. Since the church was built in the late 1800's ... the stairs are very steep, narrow and the depth is shorter than my foot. They are dangerous. So, the idea of an elevator is the best choice. But it is expensive.

First of all ... the church has to decide if they want to move or not.

[Woody]

btw ... I make it a habit to tell the minimum about myself. But I don't want to be misleading by doing so.

My condition varies greatly. During the winter it is much worse. But, I am normally ambulatory and don't often use a wheelchair. If you were to look at me ... you would think nothing was wrong. But at the next moment you might see me on the floor with muscle spasms.

I often have to use a cane. Less often my walker. And far less ... a wheelchair. But I don't even own a wheelchair. I do use them at large stories such as Costco or Sams Club or a WalMart.

Steps are a geat curse to me. If I am highly motivated and feeling good. I will attempt them. But I often pay the price with pain.

So, there is my full disclosure. I just don't want to mislead anybody by not fully explaining.

[GreatLakesGramma]

The steps are only a few inches in width. My foots is much longer than the step is wide. Personally ... I don't believe the stairs to be safe for ANY one.

I HATE steps like that. Our basement step are much too short for my feet. After injuring the lateral collateral ligament in my left knee, those kind of steps are a big problem for me too. I have to be very careful going down them.