13th December

When planning your Christmas services, consider those who experience sight loss. Candlelight can be very disorientating for those who might rely on identifying familiar sights or objects to navigate in your building.

Trying to read a service sheet by candlelight is also difficult as holding the candle close enough to see brings a dazzling light source into the field of vision. Have a number of torches available for those who need or prefer this.

Print your service sheets on a nonreflective cream or pastel coloured paper, definitely do not use white.

If you have a lit Christmas tree at the front, keep the lights subdued to avoid extra glare, and definitely do not have them flashing. Keep the lights on as people arrive and find a seat. Make an announcement a few minutes before you switch the lights off to warn people that this will happen. Put the lights on when the service ends so people can comfortably talk to their neighbours and leave safely.

Next day: 14th December

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