Does the Americans with Disabilities Act Apply to Churches?

While many churches have made progress toward being more accessible to people with disabilities, some remain inaccessible, making it difficult for people with disabilities to participate in religious practices. With some provisions in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) not applying to churches, there are areas where religious institutions can improve accessibility, as well as options for disabled people who wish to take part in religious practices.

Understanding the ADA and Churches

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law protecting the rights of disabled people and ensuring their access in public places. However, when it comes to churches, ADA protections are limited. You might wonder, “If churches are open to the public, why aren’t they required to be accessible?”

In the U.S., this is due to the Constitution and the First Amendment, which ensures the separation of church and state. Because the ADA is a federal law, applying it to churches could be seen as government interference, or a lack of separation between church and state.

It’s important to note many churches are accessible. To maintain a welcoming environment that is inclusive of people with disabilities, you’ll often find churches implementing features like handicap parking spots, curb cuts, and accessible bathrooms. While some churches may not be fully accessible, this doesn’t mean all are inaccessible; it simply means accessibility can vary between religious institutions.

Accessibility Requirements for Churches

While many churches offer some level of accessibility for people with disabilities, features like elevators, automatic doors, and Braille signage, commonly seen in public buildings, are not mandated in religious institutions. Still, many churches voluntarily adopt these features to be more inclusive.

Title I of the ADA and Churches

The primary part of the ADA that churches are required to follow is Title I, which pertains to employment. Title I of the ADA prohibits churches from discriminating against job applicants with disabilities. This means churches must ensure their hiring practices are inclusive, providing equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, Title I mandates that churches provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. Churches must comply with Title I because it deals with employment matters, not religious practices.

Title III of the ADA and Churches

Churches are not required to meet the following accessibility standards set under the Title III of the ADA, although many do to welcome both new members and frequent churchgoers:

• Handicap Accessible Parking: Many churches provide accessible parking spots close to entrances for ease of access.
• Automatic Doors: Some churches have automatic doors, while others may have lightweight doors that are easier to open manually.
• Accessible Seating: Some churches offer seating areas accessible to people with disabilities, while others may require transferring from a wheelchair or mobility aid.
• Accessible Bathrooms: Many churches have accessible bathrooms equipped with grab bars, wider stalls, and lower sinks.
• Elevators: Churches with multiple floors may have elevators to ensure all areas are accessible.
• Sign Language Interpreters: Some churches provide sign language interpretation services, often on specific days and at designated times to accommodate those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Accessible Religious Texts: Some churches offer Braille, large print, and simplified language texts. Check online and specialty retailers or ask your religious institution about accessible texts.
• Online Services: Many churches offer online services for those who face barriers to attending in person, making it easier for everyone to participate in religious activities.

What Entities Are Exempt from the ADA?

Even though the ADA protects disabled people against discrimination and ensures access in most spaces, there are a few entities that are exempt from meeting some of the requirements set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. These include:

• Religious Institutions: Mosques, churches, temples, and religious schools operated by larger non-secular institutions.
• Private Clubs: Clubs requiring exclusive membership, such as some golf courses hosting prestigious events.
• Small Businesses: Businesses with fewer than 15 employees.
• Indigenous Peoples Lands: Generally exempt due to sovereign status.

Making Churches Inclusive for All

Incorporating accessibility features in churches enhances the experience for all attendees, not just those with disabilities. Parents with strollers, elderly members with mobility challenges, and individuals with temporary injuries can navigate and participate in services more easily when churches are built with accessibility in mind. By creating a more inclusive space, churches ensure everyone in the congregation feels welcome and able to fully engage in worship. If you’d like to learn more about making a space more accessible, check out the related articles below on ADA compliance.