Subject: Accessibility

Accommodating Persons with Special Needs at Epiphany Explorations

By: r.a. paterson | June 13, 2009

First†Metropolitan United Churchis a heritage building with all the attendant problems related to accessibility that this often implies. However, renovations made in recent years have greatly improved the accessibility of most of the church’s spaces. The Epiphany Explorations Team is committed to assisting those with special needs in making the most of the conference. Please let the Epiphany Explorations Planning Team know of any support you require as to mobility, visual and/or hearing needs, by leaving your name and number at 250-388-5189 and a team member, experienced with special needs, will contact you. It is important that we have such requests as early as possible to be able to accommodate your needs.

Mobility Needs

Accessible parking slots will be made available to the best of our ability, based upon preconference requests. There will also be an accessible drop-off/pick-up location. The Balmoral Road entrance to the building is barrier-free. There is an elevator accessing the second floor and a universal access washroom on each floor. All rooms where presentations and workshops will be held are barrier-free, with the exception of the Sanctuary balcony and Room 223.

Hearing Needs

The Conference opening, worship services, all main presentations and closing will take place in the Sanctuary, where our regular amplification is augmented by an FM system. using ‘ear plugs’ or a loop for your ‘T’ device. Workshops will be held throughout the building, where at the present time, such amplification is not available. Reserved seating may be arranged for those who lip-read. With advance notice, we will arrange interpretative services for the deaf, should you require this support.

Visual Needs

We produce large-print versions of all orders of service for those with visual needs. The use of PowerPoint presentations has largely eliminated the use of handouts, though an occasional speaker may use them. Large print versions may be made available provided that we have advance notice of your needs. Special seating can also be arranged so that you may read the screens more easily.

For those with environmental sensitivities:

First Metropolitan is a smoke-free, scent-free church. However, we rely on the goodwill of congregation members and guests to comply with the scent-free component of the policy. The family room, equipped with windows onto the sanctuary and a sound system, is available for those with acute sensitivities.

For those with special dietary needs:

We do our best to accommodate the dietary needs and preferences of guests. At refreshment breaks, special muffins and cookies for those with gluten, dairy, peanut and tree nut intolerances are available from the kitchen. At lunchtime, gluten, dairy, egg and nut-free meals can be provided if pre-ordered. 

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Accessibility at First†Met

By: r.a. paterson | April 21, 2011

Several parking spots, for those who with handicapped stickers, are available outside the entrance to the church buildings on Balmoral Road. From this entrance, both floors including the Sanctuary, Chapel, all offices, classrooms, and social areas are accessible. The elevator to the second floor is located just prior to the interior (chancel) entrance into the Sanctuary.

Please note that the only areas not accessible to wheelchair users are the balcony and the Kindergarten room (Room 223) – the entrances to these rooms having two to four steps – as well as the washrooms located downstairs from the Fellowship Hall and from the Narthex.

There is a universal access washroom on each floor: 1st floor – adjacent to Balmoral Road entrance; 2nd floor – almost directly above and next to the Social Suite (Rm. 200.)

Our Greeters, Ushers, and staff are happy to assist you in your seating and/or addressing any needs you may have.

For persons with hearing impairments, our regular amplification in the Sanctuary is augmented by an FM system. You may be provided with “ear plugs” or for those who have a “T” device in their hearing aids, a “loop.” At present this system is not available for the Chapel or other areas of the church.

First Metropolitan is a smoke-free, scent-free church. Please note while we do our best to accommodate the special needs visitors, we cannot guarantee to meet every need. We have a family room available to those with special sensitivities. Please dress appropriately for the season in layers so that you can adjust your clothing for comfort.

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