Welcome to Accessible Churches!

Accessible Churches is a multi-stage research project aimed at helping churches become more accessible to people with disability and their families.

Stage One: The Digital Threshold Project

The Digital Threshold is a small-scale research project exploring what people with disability need from church websites in order to feel informed, welcome, and able to participate in church life. This is the first stage of a larger body of work, generously supported by a grant from ARTFinc.

For many people with disability, deciding whether to visit a new place – including a church – starts online. Is there a ramp? Accessible parking or toilets? A hearing loop or sensory room? These details are rarely easy to find on church websites, yet they can determine whether someone feels able to attend at all. This project exists to listen to disabled people directly about what information and features actually matter to them.

Project Launch – Early 2027!

From early 2027, we’ll be inviting people with disability and others with lived experience to share their ideas and experiences through a small research study. You’ll be able to take part in whatever way suits you best:

• Join a discussion session, either in person or online
• Complete an online survey (an Easy English version will also be available)
• Record a short video response in English or Auslan
• Share feedback in another accessible format

Auslan instructions will be provided to support participation by Deaf community members throughout.

What Happens Next

The insights gathered in this first stage will shape future research, contribute to academic publications on disability and church life, and inform a plain-language report offering practical guidance to help churches make their websites – and their welcome – more accessible to people with disability.

Sign up below to be the first to hear when registration opens!