God creates us full of potential, but with different abilities.
At BVU, members living with disabilities have shared that one of the gifts of this community is our effort to create a space where everyone can find belonging—highlighting the importance of “finding one another and building connections.” The connections we nurture together are deeply valued and important.
What We Believe
The United Church is committed to becoming an open, accessible, and barrier-free church, where people with disabilities can fully participate. To begin this journey, the church has been consulting with people with disabilities and their allies, while also exploring theologies of disability.
Jesus sought out those who lived with disabilities and who experienced marginalization in his society. He found ways to actively engage them in their communities. Yet today, people living with disabilities—a dynamic category that anyone may join at any time—often still find themselves on the margins of church life.
There is much for all of us to learn. Together, as BVU, we commit to dismantling barriers to full participation and to creating safe, trusting spaces that reflect the diversity of Christ’s body.
Equity & Accessibility at BVU
Here are some of the ways BVU seeks to provide equity and accessibility for our members and families.
Annonymous & Confidential Feedback
We invite your feedback as BVU continues to grow into an open, accessible, and barrier-free church, where people of all abilities can fully participate.
You are welcome to share your feedback anonymously or confidentially with a minister through this form.
Accessibility means creating a community where everyone can participate fully, safely, and with dignity, regardless of disability, language, sensory needs, mobility, or neurodiversity. At BVU, we strive to reduce barriers and make worship, programs, and spaces welcoming for all.
We acknowledge that we are still growing in accessibility. Due to echo and acoustics in our sanctuary space, some members may still experience difficulty hearing. However, we do have hearing-assist equipment, including a T-Coil hearing aid system. During Sundays and special events, please speak with the sound technician at the sound system booth for assistance accessing the T-Coil system.
At times, printed sermon copies are also available before Sunday worship services.
Worship services are projected on screens, and we strive to provide prayers and announcements with clear, high-contrast formatting for readability. Larger-print bulletins may be available upon request, though they are not currently provided regularly.
BVU seeks to reduce physical barriers through accessible entrances, clear pathways, elevator access where available, nearby drop-off access, and flexible seating arrangements.
In the Sanctuary, there is a building-code-compliant ramp from the floor to the chancel area, which is approximately three low steps in height.
We aim to provide wheelchair-accessible routes, accessible washrooms, seating spaces integrated throughout the sanctuary and gathering areas, and entrances that support independent access.
We recognize that some people may need a quieter, low-stimulation space for rest, prayer, regulation, or sensory breaks. Quiet spaces can be arranged whenever possible. Please speak with a greeter or ministry staff member for assistance.
We strive to create flexible and welcoming environments for neurodivergent people by considering sensory needs, clear communication, predictable structures, and opportunities to participate in different ways. We would greatly appreciate your feedback on how we can be more supportive. Please speak with a greeter or any ministry staff member.
Your presence is deeply valued here. We believe that the warmth with which we welcome one another connects us more deeply than language, and that language itself should never be a barrier to belonging. As you become more comfortable and get to know BVU, please let us know if there is any support you need. We will do our best to provide whatever support we can — for example, printed sermon copies in your language may be available.
BVU is a safe space that welcomes all peoples regardless of gender identity. To the left of the Commons area entrance, you will find our washrooms which are all gender-neutral.
