The accessible bathroom project continues to move along
From Aimée’s announcement to the congregation on Sunday, June 28, 2026
Good morning everyone. I’m here to give you a very quick update from the BC2 team. If you peek in the windows, you’ll see that our new accessible, all gender family restroom is well underway. The room has been framed and the partial dividing wall in the Godly Play classroom has been removed. Plumbing is up next, including some upgrades in the kitchen to better support internal and outside facility use.
At this month’s Vestry meeting, some directed gifts were accepted. You may notice the donated dishwasher and garbage disposal awaiting installation in the kitchen, and we have also had a very generous donation of a Universal Changing Station, which will arrive and be installed toward the end of the project. As someone providing care for an aging parent and from my experience caring for a pediatric cancer patient, I wanted to highlight this aspect of the project for everyone. We often don’t realize how invaluable accessible spaces are until we need them for ourselves or a loved one.
Over 20 million have limited mobility in the US, 16 million are living with cognitive disabilities, and upwards of 8 million people need help with daily self care for other reasons. Statistically, it is likely that 1 in 4 people you interact with each day has a physical or mental disability, and churches that take action to create accessible spaces for these people are growing. Universal Changing Stations are height adjustable and support up to 400 or even 500lbs, which means dignity, safe transfers, and hygienic conditions for those who need care, and reduced risk of injury for their caregivers. Babies and toddlers can be changed on them as well, which is why they are “universal.” This changing station, along with the ADA compliant layout and features will allow us to truly extend radical welcome in our community. No more need to rush home to deal with a restroom break, or staying home in isolation just in case nature calls. We will be eligible to join the Universal Changing Table directories from Changing Spaces, so when people are looking for a ability-inclusive church home in Indy, they’ll find us.
I’ve placed some information from the Changing Spaces and Ability Ministry in the lobby if you are curious about Universal Changing Stations or strategies to be more inclusive of those with disabilities. I believe it’s been said before, but this project is matching grant funded, which means the parish will pay for half of the cost of this resource that will have an impact far beyond just those of us who gather on Sunday mornings. We’ll be collecting donations and pledges for the capital campaign that will fund part of our match on Consecration Sunday. If you can’t wait until then to support the project, you can share your plans with Chris Kramer, Steve Polston, or myself, and we’re also here for any questions. Thank you!
To see the previous announcement, click here.
