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Glen Waverley UCA Disability Action Plan 2023

1. Background

• Developed in response to Disability Action Plans (DAP) which were received from Assembly/Synod recently.

• More tools and documents are available at:- https://victas.uca.org.au/ministry-mission/disability-inclusion/

Steps from the document

1. Assess the current situation

1.1. Manses 15/17/19 Southdown

• 15/17 Manses were built 12 years ago and met all of the UCA building standards applicable.
  • Doorways, toilets, showers are “wheelchair” friendly BUT:-
    • Both manses will need front and backdoor access ramps - either for a placement (MOW) with disability needs or if our MOW wishes to use the manse for confidential interviews rather than our Ministry office in the complex.
    • 17 would also need a stairwell hoist/track system should the occupant have any disabilities.

• 19 Southdown is totally non compliant in many ways - it is 45 years old:-

  • Significant access ramps will be needed due to the very high front porch and the odd shaped back door access.

  • Hallways, toilets, ensuite and showers are NOT of disabled standard so should we ever need it as a manse, or if Presbytery want it for a manse again in the future, we would have some significant expense.

1.2. Worship complex

• We have ample disabled toilet access.
• We have wheelchair access to all parts of the complex from car park and ceremonial entrances (except hall south door).
• We have internal ramps and large doorways, including Room 3 that has a certified portable access ramp for use in the children’s area. This ramp is fully compliant and allows the doorway to be safely used.

• The Emergency Safety testing that is reported each 3 months to Church Council and the annual return to Monash Council includes certain tasks that help meet our obligations. The first is for example the test “Pathways are clear” - That includes ramps, footpaths and doorways.

• We have a steel ramp from the car park, and have adjusted some parking spots to provide two disabled spots with clear access to the ramp.
• Our ceremonial driveway provides good "wheeled" dropoff facilities.
• Under current (not the pre-1995 building regulations that we are controlled by) building regulations, fire exit doors must have waist height locks and exit capability so that persons in a wheelchair can also open them.
  • Our southern hall car park door does not comply due to their being no ramp, though the nearby exit through the room 4 foyer does.
  • The 6 large plate glass foyer doors do not comply.
• The sound room is not disabled access capable, but with the new digital mixer purchased last year, we are able to control sound for worship from an iPad and so limited mobility persons can be included in this operational and support task.
• The sanctuary, the area at the front of the worship space, is raised and not wheel chair accessible. A hand rail is provided. A second lectern is provided that can be placed on the main floor. High mounted cameras and large screens assist a person delivering from there to be seen well.

2. Work out solutions

2.1. 19 Southdown

• Given that it is currently being used by Synod, that there is no public access, and the extensive and costly nature of the modifications required, no action is planned.

2.2. The sanctuary

• Options include:
  • A hoist would not be approved.
  • Move worship to in front of the steps
  • Remove the sanctuary raised floor and make it flat through to the wall.
    • This would reduce visibility and require greater use of the cameras and screens.
  • Rotate worship (say 90 deg) and use the fernery as the sanctuary backdrop and worship all on the same level.
    • This would have all the problems of removing the raised floor, and extra one with camera and screen positioning.
  • Build an access ramp.
    • Given the height of the sanctuary area any ramp will need to be 7.5 meters in length because of the 1:14 ratio rules.
    • The only practicable location would be along the northeast wall.
    • The pulpit would need to move to the south side of the sanctuary in front of the cross.
    • The band and all technology and instruments would need to move forward 2 meters.
    • The first 3 rows of pews on the north side will need to be removed.
    • The flowers at the top step of the sanctuary area will need to move to the south side.
    • The communion table will need to be set back to allow a wheelchair to access both the front and back of the table.
    • The ramp will block the view of the north side stain glass portholes.

    • More details in DisabilityActionPlanAdvice

2.3. Foyer entrance doors:

• A very expensive change as the existing doors could not be adapted. It would require new doors at a cost of $50,000 to $80,000 plus.

3. Communicate

4. Set priorities and goals

5. Implement

6. Review and evaluate.