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Epiphany Explorations 2009
Accommodating Persons with Special Needs
First Metropolitan is a heritage building with all the attendant problems related to accessibility that
this often implies. However, renovations made in recent years have greatly improved the
accessibility of most of the church's spaces. The Epiphany Explorations Team is committed to
assisting those with special needs in making the most of the conference. Please let the Epiphany
Explorations Planning Team know of any support you require as to mobility, visual and/or hearing
needs, by leaving your name and number at 250-388-5189 and a team member, experienced with
special needs, will contact you. It is imperative that we have such requests as early as possible to
be able to accommodate your needs.
Mobility Needs
Accessible parking slots will be made available to the best of our ability, based upon preconference
requests. There will also be an accessible drop-off/pick-up location. The Balmoral
Road entrance to the building is barrier-free. There is an elevator accessing the second floor and a
universal access washroom on each floor. All rooms where presentations and components of the
conference will be held are barrier-free, with the exception of the Sanctuary balcony.
Hearing Needs
The Conference opening, worship services, all main presentations and closing will take place in
the Sanctuary, where our regular amplification is augmented by an FM system. using 'ear plugs'
or a loop for your 'T' device. Workshops will be held throughout the building, where at the
present time, such amplification is not available. Reserved seating may be arranged for those who
lip-read.
Visual Needs
We produce large-print versions of all orders of service for those with visual needs. The use of
PowerPoint presentations has largely eliminated the use of handouts, though an occasional speaker
may use them. Large print versions may be made available provided that we have advance notice
of your needs. Special seating can also be arranged so that you may read the screens more easily.
For those with environmental sensitivities:
First Metropolitan is a smoke-free, scent-free church. However, we rely on the goodwill of
congregation members and guests to comply with the scent-free component of the policy. The
family room, equipped with windows onto the sanctuary and a sound system, is available for those
with acute sensitivities.
For those with special dietary needs:
We do our best to accommodate the dietary needs and preferences of guests. At refreshment
breaks, special muffins and cookies for those with gluten, dairy, peanut and tree nut intolerances
are available from the kitchen. At lunchtime, a vegetarian option is available that is also gluten,
dairy, egg and nut-free.
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