Grant will fund manual on creating accessible Catholic facilities

Published: 2005-05-10

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. bishops' Committee on Home Missions has given the National Catholic Partnership on Disability a $20,000 grant to develop and disseminate an access manual for Catholic facilities. Janice Benton, executive director of the Washington-based partnership, said her office has received "numerous requests from parishes and diocesan personnel for a how-to guide for creating accessible church environments." She said work is to begin on the manual this summer, with dissemination scheduled for 2006. The manual will include guidelines for creating access in churches and other Catholic facilities, with architectural drawings and photos of exemplary access modifications. It also will offer guidelines for the distribution of the Eucharist to Catholics with celiac disease and considerations for people living with multiple chemical sensitivities.

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