Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

Creating Access and Inclusion with a Long Range Plan
Infant Jesus of Prague Parish, Flossmoor, Illinois

A parish inclusion committee was formed in 1997 at Infant Jesus of Prague parish, Flossmoor, IL to promote the inclusion of parishioners of all abilities. In the fall of 1998 a survey of parishioners' needs was conducted at all Sunday liturgies, tabulated and summarized quantitatively and qualitatively by the inclusion committee. The survey results were used to create a long range plan for accessibility and a list of prioritized needs based on the survey results was presented to the Fiscal Board in 1999. Because the Fiscal Board was made aware of the parishioners' needs for access, when crumbling steps were replaced, exterior ramps were put in place at the north entrance of the church and at the entrance to the rectory offices.

  

When a new Parish Life Center was built in 2000, the inclusion committee made sure that 40-inch doorways, ramped entrances and accessible washrooms were a part of the plan.

  

In 2001 plans were formulated to renovate the fifty year old church and hall. The inclusion committee requested that accessibility be a part of the plans. The Church project was completed and parishioners worshipped in the new space on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2004.

The renovation involved gutting the church and church hall and creating a new side entrance to a narthex and a remodeled and enlarged church hall.

The new side entrance has a canopy, 40-inch wide doorways and automatic door openers on exterior and interior doors. The former main entrance is still a prominent entrance with a ramp and automatic door opener. Accessible parking spaces are located near both entrances.

  

New pews have padded seat cushions. Freestanding cushioned chairs in the back of the church and in an accessible seating area at the side of the altar were added. Some chairs with higher seats with arms help those who have difficulty rising to stand. These chairs were custom made by Sauder.

The accessible seating section is closest to the new main entrance. The flexible seating area allows for versatility in the number and configuration of chairs. For Sunday afternoon Baptisms, the chairs can be rotated slightly to the right so that families who are celebrating baptism can be close and face the Baptismal Font.

A ramp now makes the altar accessible. An adoration space for the Tabernacle is clearly seen and able to be approached by all via the ramped altar area.

The statues were lowered, so people can see them, touch them, and pray in a closer, more intimate manner.

  

A new speaker system improved sound throughout the Church.

Interior automatic doors lead into the newly renovated church hall.

  

One member of the inclusion committee who uses a wheelchair submitted a plan for the accessible washroom stalls in the new bathrooms. One accessible stall, 6.7 feet wide with 40-inch door, raised toilet, permanent grab bars plus a swing away grab bar were installed in each of two washrooms. Raised sinks were also part of the washroom design.

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Lower, accessible drinking fountains are available in the church hall and the north vestibule of the church.

The parish inclusion committee continues to keep inclusion alive.

Inclusion Awareness Day is observed each year. On Inclusion Awareness Day in 2006, eleven Listen LR-400 belt pack/ear speakers (assistive listening devices), donated by the inclusion committee, were distributed to parishioners in need.

Parishioners who have difficulty hearing keep the units for as long as they are needed and bring them to all church functions.

Twenty five large print missallettes, donated by the inclusion committee, are available in baskets at the main entrances.

The inclusion committee nominated the parish for and received a Pathways Awareness Foundation Open Hearts Award ($500) in 1998 and a Junior Open Hearts Award ($1,000) in 2000.

Parishioners with disabilities are invited to participate in liturgical ministries. A young man who uses a wheelchair and has a cognitive disability serves as an usher with the assistance of his father.

Parishioners with gluten intolerance are accommodated for the reception of the Eucharist. A small individual chalice is used by a parishioner with celiac sprue and she receives only the Precious Blood at communion.

The parish hopes to provide access to the school, cafeteria and gym in the future with the installation of an elevator.