05 Oct Can Everyone in Your Congregation Reach the Stage This Christmas?
December is one of the fullest months on any church calendar. There are choir specials, children’s pageants, scripture readings, candlelight services, and a few extra rehearsals squeezed in between. For many members, stepping up onto the platform to sing or read is a cherished part of the season.
For others, those few steps are the reason they sit it out. A longtime choir member who now uses a wheelchair, a grandparent who relies on a walker, or a guest speaker recovering from surgery may all want to take part but simply cannot reach the stage safely. This Christmas is a good time to ask a simple question: is everyone in your congregation able to participate, or only those who can climb stairs?
Why stage access matters during the holidays
Holiday services often draw the largest crowds of the year, including visitors, returning families, and older members who may not attend every week. When the platform is reachable only by steps, the message can feel unintentionally exclusive. When people of every mobility level can serve, sing, and lead, it reflects the welcome most congregations want to offer.
Access to the stage also matters for practical reasons. Volunteers carrying sound equipment, decorations, or instruments benefit from an easier route, and a safer path can help reduce the risk of trips and falls on narrow or poorly lit stairs.
What the law says, and what it leaves to you
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, religious organizations and entities they control are generally exempt from the Title III requirements that apply to businesses open to the public. That exemption does not always settle the matter. State and local building codes may still apply, particularly when a congregation renovates, adds on, or builds new space, and facilities used by outside groups or schools may raise additional questions. Because these rules vary from place to place, it is wise to check with your local code official or an attorney before making plans.
Many congregations choose to improve access regardless of legal requirements, simply because they want every member to have a place at the front of the room as well as in the pews.
Common ways to make a raised platform accessible
Every sanctuary is different, so the right solution depends on the height of the stage, the space around it, and how often it will be used. Options that churches often consider include:
- Vertical platform lifts, which raise a person standing or seated in a wheelchair straight up to the stage level and work well where floor space is limited.
- Inclined platform lifts, which travel along an existing staircase and can fold out of the way when not in use.
- Ramps, which can work for lower platforms where there is enough room to achieve a gentle slope.
You can see how these lifts work on our vertical platform lifts page, and our earlier article, When Should a School or Church Start Planning an Accessibility Lift Project?, covers budgeting and timelines in more detail.
Questions to ask before you choose
- How high is the platform, and how much floor space is available beside it?
- Who will use the equipment, and will they operate it independently or with a volunteer?
- Should the lift be key operated to keep children from playing on it?
- How will the equipment look in the sanctuary, and can it blend with existing finishes?
- What permits, inspections, and maintenance will be needed in your area?
Planning ahead for the season and beyond
Installation timelines depend on site conditions, permitting, and equipment availability, so a lift may or may not be in place before Christmas Day. Starting the conversation now still matters. An assessment this month can help your leadership team budget for the new year and have a plan in place for Easter, spring concerts, weddings, and every Sunday in between.
Help every member take their place on the stage
Lift-Aids, Inc. can visit your church, measure your platform, and walk your team through the options that fit your space and budget. Family owned and serving North Texas since 1968, our team will answer your questions in plain language. Schedule an appointment for an estimate and start planning a more welcoming sanctuary.
Request your estimate with Lift-Aids, Inc. today
Sources: ADA Title III Regulations, 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, ADA.gov Introduction to the ADA
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute safety, engineering, or regulatory advice. Equipment selection and outcomes vary based on application, environment, and usage.