Offices guide
DISABLED ACCESS
The Church of Scotland is committed to meeting the guidelines
laid out in the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act which is
designed to end discrimination against people with special
needs. A guide to the 1995 act is available to download below
in Word [.doc], rich text [.rtf] and text only [.txt] formats.
Download the Disability Discrimination
Act guide:
The act enables the Church to continue to fulfil a duty to
welcome all people. Jesus' ease with people who made others
uncomfortable, embarrassed or threatened is a pattern for
the hospitality which is part of the declaration of the Gospel.
The act is therefore not simply a piece of legislation to
be conformed to but an opportunity to lead the local community
into a fuller acceptance of those who for various reasons
are, or feel, excluded.
Part of the act includes encouraging businesses and organisation
to make 'reasonable adjustments' to their buildings to enable
easy access for those with disabilities. The following is
an overview of how we are meeting this requirement in our
own offices.
121 George Street, Edinburgh
Charis House, Edinburgh
Regional offices: Glasgow, Inverness,
Perth
121 George Street, Edinburgh
In August 2004, the then Moderator of the Church of Scotland,
Dr Alison Elliot, and City of Edinburgh councillor, Douglas
Kerr, opened the new wheelchair access facility at the Church
of Scotland offices in George Street. The new wheelchair-friendly
access, which has been installed adjacent to the 'traditional'
entrance, means that physical access to the building is open
to all. Once inside the building, a lift enables those with
mobility problems to access all floors. A toilet for the disabled
is also available on the ground floor.
Dr Alison Elliot (centre left) cuts the ribbon in front of
Mr Kerr and some of 121 George Street's staff
There are also a number of parking bays for those with the
official blue disabled parking permits immediately outside
the office.
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Charis House, Edinburgh
As a former eventide home, Charis House offers easy access for
those with mobility problems. All meeting rooms are on the ground
floor, along with toilet facilities and the dining room. A lift
also serves the building and doors are wide enough to accommodate
wheelchairs. There are ample parking facilities in the grounds
of Charis House which are suitable for disabled visitors.
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Regional offices
Glasgow
While there are no specific arrangements for those with disabilities
visiting the regional office in Glasgow, staff are on hand to
assist any visitor who may have difficulties accessing the office.
Please call ahead to discuss your needs.
Inverness
Our Highland based office has downstairs meeting rooms which
are available for those with disabilities. Please telephone
the office to confirm your requirements prior to visiting.
Perth
Arran House Business Centre has meeting rooms on its ground
floor which can be used by those with mobility problems. Please
call ahead to the office to explain your needs and the staff
will be happy to help.
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