Symbol Directory and Downloads
Each symbol has a set of criteria which need to be met in order to qualify to use the symbol. The notes will help you identify whether or not your church buildings and services meet the criteria.
You can view and download the symbols below. A PDF version of the guidance can be downloaded here.
Please note that the criteria specified are based on guidance and defined specifications which can be subject to change. It is recognised that many church buildings and grounds may be unsuitable to have changes (usually structural) to meet all of the criteria. In these instances, it will be up to the your committee or PCC to decide if it wishes to use a particular symbol.
A note on copyrights and legal notice
These symbols have been designed for the Diocese of Derby (Copyright owners) and licenced for use by the Churches of England. Churches may use these symbols as defined within this guide.
Printed versions
If you would like a printed copy of the instructions, please email us at diag@derby.anglican.org with your name, address and parish. Please specify which symbols you wish to have copies. In the interests of reducing waste and improving sustainability, please only request this if you are unable to print the pages.
Accessible Parking
Accessible Drop Off Point
Accessible Drop Off Point
- Is there a clearly marked Accessible Parking Bay, with a level and firm surface, within 150 metres of the church entrance?
- Is it wide enough for a wheelchair at the driver or passenger side?
- Is there enough wheelchair space at the boot area?
- Is there a dropped kerb within 30 metres of the church entrance?
- Is there an accessible pathway to the church entrance?
Accessible Drop Off Point
Accessible Drop Off Point
Accessible Drop Off Point
- Is there a drop-off point within 30 metres of the church entrance, with a firm and level pathway in between?
- Is the space clearly marked as a drop-off point?
- Is it wide enough for a wheelchair at either driver or passenger side?
- Is there enough space at the boot area for a wheelchair?
- Is there a dropped kerb within 30 metres of the entrance?
Public Transport
Accessible Drop Off Point
Wheelchair Available
- Is the church within ¼ mile of a train station or 150 metres of a bus stop where the route is functioning on Sundays?
Wheelchair Available
Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair Available
- Is there a wheelchair available for use within the church?
Ramp
Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
- Are there any ramped or steep areas with a gradient of 1:12 to 1:20?
- Are the ramps equipped with handrails either side? Caution: a gradient of 1:12 may only be used for ramps up to 2 metres in length. Gradients steeper than this are not recommended for wheelchair use.
Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
- Is there step-free access from the entrance to the seating area, communion distribution points, font and any other public areas?
- Is the aisle width in excess of 1,500 millimetres (150 centimetres) between pews?
- Is there space for a wheelchair within the pews/seating area?
Accessible Lift
Steps or Uneven Surfaces
Steps or Uneven Surfaces
- Is there an accessible lift?
- Does it have space for a wheelchair user and companion?
- Is the lift at least 1,100 millimetres wide (110 centimetres) and 1,400 millimetres deep (140 centimetres)?
- Does it have level entrance and exit areas of 900 millimetres wide by 1,500 millimetres (90 centimetres by 150 centimetres) for straight access , or 1,500 millimetres by 1,500 millimetres (150 centimetres by 150 centimetres) if the wheelchair user needs to turn to enter the lift?
Steps or Uneven Surfaces
Steps or Uneven Surfaces
Steps or Uneven Surfaces
- Are there any external or internal steps or uneven surfaces at all within public spaces?
Assistant Dogs Welcome
Steps or Uneven Surfaces
Assistant Dogs Welcome
- The 2010 Equality Act Requires that assistance dogs be allowed in public spaces. Can you provide:
- Space for dogs to lie down? Drinking water?
- Guidance on where to exercise dogs?
- Do you train your stewards and helpers to avoid distracting assistance dogs when they are working?
Accessible Toilet
British Sign Language (BSL)
Assistant Dogs Welcome
- Is there a toilet with accessible, step-free access: A doorway of at least 900 millimetres (90 centimetres) and a clear floor space with a turning circle of 1,500 millimetres (150 centimetres) for a wheelchair to enter and turn round?
- A minimum transfer space to the side of the WC pan of 850 millimetres (85 centimetres)?
- An 1,100 millimetres (110 centimetres) space in front of the WC pan for front transfers?
- Handrails each side of the toilet?
- A lowered washbasin and hand drying facilities within reach of a person seated on the WC?
Hearing Loop
British Sign Language (BSL)
British Sign Language (BSL)
- Is there an induction hearing loop?
- Is it regularly serviced, available and switched on for each service?
- Is a hearing aid loop tester regularly used to check the level of sound and that the loop works in the prescribed area?
- If not, do you regularly ask someone with a hearing aid to help check these issues?
- Are microphones tested before each service?
- Are they always used by those leading worship and preaching?
British Sign Language (BSL)
British Sign Language (BSL)
British Sign Language (BSL)
- Are there regular BSL-interpreted services?
Makaton
Large Print
Large Print
- Are Makaton symbols and signs used within the church?
Large Print
Large Print
Large Print
- Are large print (18-24 point) Orders of Service, hymns and other printed sheets available?
- Can documents be made available digitally in advance to allow users to reformat them to the right size?
Braille
Large Print
Sight-impaired friendly
- Can a Braille-user access the service and facilities within the church buildings?
- Are Braille orders of service, hymns and Bibles available?
- Is there Braille signage for toilets, refreshment areas, entry and exit and so on?
Sight-impaired friendly
Disability Representative
Sight-impaired friendly
- Are steps clearly marked with a contrast line, and clearly visible?
- Are obstacles such as columns or pews well lit or well contrasted?
- Are all walkways clear of obstacles?
- Are obstacles clearly visible or signed?
Disability Representative
Disability Representative
Disability Representative
- Do you have an appointed Disability Representative?
Are they:
- Equipped to respond to and implement accessibility needs?
- Part of existing groups and committees, such as the PCC or equivalent church governing group?
- Aware of or willing to learn about the diversity of disabilities and access needs?
Hidden Disabilities
Disability Representative
Disability Representative
- Is your church a supportive, inclusive environment for those with hidden disabilities?
Quiet Space
Neurodivergent Inclusion
Mental Health Awareness
- Is there a designated peaceful space, in comfortable surroundings, available for those who need or wish to be quiet?
Mental Health Awareness
Neurodivergent Inclusion
Mental Health Awareness
- Does your church make adjustments for, involve and support people living with mental health challenges?
- Is mental health discussed in services to reduce stigma and improve awareness?
Neurodivergent Inclusion
Neurodivergent Inclusion
Neurodivergent Inclusion
- Neurodivergence includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourettes and many other differences.
- Is your church a supportive, inclusive environment for neurodivergent people?
- Is the use of sensory aids understood and accepted? (for example: noise cancelling headphones, dark glasses, fidget spinners).
Dairy Free
Defibrillator
Neurodivergent Inclusion
- Are dairy-free options available on request?
Defibrillator
Defibrillator
Defibrillator
- Is there a defibrillator nearby?