Accessibility and Inclusion
As a Unitarian Universalist Congregation, UUCOD believes that every person is inherently worthy and has the right to flourish with dignity, love, and compassion. We also act to dismantle racism and all other forms of oppression in ourselves and our institutions. Accordingly, UUCOD strives to ensure access to our building and grounds, as well as to ensure full inclusion by members, friends, and visitors, in our services, various programs, and congregational life.
Physical Access
The UUCOD campus is located in a quiet section of Rancho Mirage. There is ample parking immediately near our building, with ten accessible parking spaces designated for disabled individuals. A ramp leads from the parking lot to our building.
Our building is one story with double doors that accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices. A side door is also available to the Sanctuary as well as one available to our Community Room.
Our Sanctuary has moveable chairs. The arrangement of chairs can easily be modified to provide extra space, or chairs can be removed to accommodate a wheelchair or walker. Please ask one of our greeters about your specific needs.
Restrooms
Our restrooms are located to the right of our lobby. The restrooms have large, accessible stalls with bars that accommodate wheelchairs. If assistance is needed with accessing the restrooms, please ask a greeter.
At this time, our restrooms are designated as male and female. Please feel free to use the one that is most comfortable for you.
Common Space
As weather permits, post-service coffee hour and many other congregational events are held on our outside terrace facing the parking lot. This is a large, unobstructed, open space that accommodates mobility devices.
There is also some outdoor seating that can be used by caregivers or others who may accompany a member or visitor to Sunday services.
In hotter weather, we have misters on the patio to help mitigate heat effects for people gathered there.
Virtual Access
Our Sunday services are available online for those who cannot attend in person or who find it easier to participate from home. In addition, many church meetings are conducted through online platforms or have digital meeting availability for those wishing to participate remotely.
Auditory Access
Our services are captioned on two large monitor screens in the Sanctuary. We also have a Bluetooth-enabled app that broadcasts our services to hearing aids. Please ask at the front desk for assistance using this system.
Service Animals
We welcome only certified service animals to all church functions. Other animals, including comfort or emotional support animals, should stay outside or at home. View our animal policy for further information
Sensory Experiences
Quiet space is often available in our Community Room, should you or someone with you need to step away. Please ask one of our greeters or staff members if there is something specific that we can do to make your UUCOD experience more comfortable.
Accessibility and Inclusion Liaison
At UUCOD, we might be small in size, but we believe we have a big heart. Accordingly, we have a designated liaison who can work with you to seek an accommodation, listen to your suggestions, and provide feedback from the appropriate congregational staff or committee. You are not alone. Please let us know how we might be helpful. You can contact our Liaison, Steven Toporoff (he/him/his), by sending him an e-mail. All contacts with the liaison will be held in confidence. He will try to seek answers to your accessibility and inclusion concerns in a reasonable time.