Chellaston church leads the way in accessibility

Visit St Peter’s Church in Chellaston, and you will always feel a special welcome – especially if you have accessibility needs.

An early adopter of the accessibility symbols, devised by The Diocese of Derby Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG), they identified the most appropriate for their church and proudly display them on their welcome leaflet, the weekly notice sheet, on service notice screens and in relevant event publicity.

Congregation members with disabilities have appreciated this step forward and moved by the efforts made to make church life more accessible to them.

Revd Simon Drew, Vicar of St Peter's, said “The symbols are a great way of raising awareness in the wider congregation and making those with disabilities feel valued and welcomed in a practical way”.

Congregation members are more aware now of the needs of others, and the symbols provide additional support. Adaptations have been made, as appropriate, for existing members of the congregation.

The PCC is reviewing how the church provides for each of the symbols used and is including neurodivergent-friendly considerations in that. There are also plans to include the symbols on the church website.

Full details of the DIAG accessibility symbols, including download options, are available at https://accessiblechurch.net.

You can also learn more about DIAG and it’s work on the Diocese of Derby website.