It is all too easy to overlook the locations in which day-to-day activities are held; the activities that make up the more essential parts of our lives.

They are essential, perhaps, because our children rely on them; we need them for social contact and general well-being; they help us contribute usefully to the local community, or they allow us to relax by indulging our hobbies. Some such venues are a constant struggle; some have improved enormously over the last few years; some have gone out of their way to research ways in which they could be more helpful.

The places my family most regularly use are churches. The churches that are most important for us are our two local ones in Eaglescliffe and Hartburn. We visit these for activities ranging from church services, Brownies, a parent and toddler group and two youth clubs. At some we are helpers, some serve our children and others simply do us good, but all depend on my being able to gain access to the venues either as a leader, participator or taxi service for the kids.

Both churches have car parks, but neither has dedicated disabled parking bays - get there early or have someone drop you off is the clear message here then. Both buildings have ramped access to the main worship area but one has stepped access only to the area where clubs are held.

At services I can get flummoxed quite easily in crowds so it is reassuring to know that churches invariably, ours included, have people on the door ready to help. But do we necessarily know what is reasonable to ask for and does the army of churchwardens and sidesmen necessarily know the best answers to our requests? For example, both churches have wheelchairs available for use but neither has signs indicating this and therefore only those in the know would think to ask their whereabouts.

Faced, on entry, with the ubiquitous cheery "Good Morning" and the wad of pew sheets, service books etc.., who would think to ask about access to the communion rail, about hearing loops, braille texts or toilet facilities? In my experience, the only "problem" churches anticipate is that you may arrive with children. They have been singularly inventive in the provision of facilities to relieve struggling parents of these. However, how do parents whose children have a disability know whether these provisions will be suitable for their child? What information is posted inviting parents of such children to discuss their needs? What training is available to volunteers who may find themselves with children where a particular expertise in handling is required?

During services, I find myself most regularly wishing that the congregation would always remain seated. The minute everyone is invited to stand, I cannot see anything other than backsides in various states of rejoicing and this can get in the way of any worshipful feelings I might have had. If churches were football stadiums, there would be choruses of disapproval should anyone attempt to stand and sing.

Looking for groups that attempt to improve access in churches, I came across Church Access On Disability (Chad). They have a network of Friends Of Chad who work locally to help this national group achieve its objectives. Among their beliefs and aims is that "all people shall have access to the life and work of the church with easy access to premises, clear information and proceedings intelligible to all."

Feeling sure that most churches would share Chad's attitude, I wonder how many churches employ a disabling attitude to those of us with impairments? It is up to those of us with insight in this area to bring matters to the attention of church leaders. Churches, in their turn, would surely grab the opportunity to be at the forefront of eliminating such discrimination.

Fact File:

Church Action On Disability, 50 Scrutton Street, London, EC2A 4XQ. Tel: 020 7452 2085

Published: November 8th 2001