Built in 1927, Westminster has been upgraded for accessibility, with ramps, remote door controls, worship pew access, and other enhancements. Westminster’s Access Inclusive Ministry (AIM) committee works to improve access throughout the building – and in the community.

The Accessibility Task Force was formed at the request of the Access Inclusive Ministry (AIM) Committee and Session to complete the Presbyterian Congregational Audit for Accessibility. The Audit assists a congregation in taking seriously the call for the church to be the full embodiment of the household of God and a “house of prayer” for all peoples (in this instance persons who have a disability).

Members of the Task Force met several times since June 2009: Cathy Bailes (AIM), Heather Chastain (at-large), Marianne Clemmens (CE), Jean Hansen (Worship), Diana Hemme (at-large), Rich Kriege (ME&O), Don Tarnasky (at-large), Wilma White (deacons) and Jan Zabish (at-large). Renee Schuner agreed to be the staff liaison. We gathered information by touring the church facility, meeting with members and staff, and using available reference documents.

The committee learned that at least 70 adult members of our church family have known disabilities. Many members may have chronic conditions not identified in the areas of mobility or visual impairment. For example, our census report of people with disabilities indicated six people with visual impairment or blindness when the actual number may be greater. In addition, with the advancing age of the “Baby Boomers”, it is anticipated that the number of older people with vision loss or decreased mobility will greatly increase in the coming years and they will have significant difficulty accessing print, traveling inside and outside of facilities safely and independently.