What is Universal Design?
Universal design has the same goal regardless of the context in which the term is used: designing something that is barrier-free and can be used by nearly everyone. Motion-activated faucets work for everyone even if you cannot grasp and turn. All passengers can use a ramp to deplane on a tarmac including travelers with wheeled luggage as well as persons who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Images demonstrating how to complete a task, like putting together furniture, are equally useful for a person who does not speak the dominant language in the culture and a person with an advanced degree in the language itself.
Parishes naturally incorporate some elements of universal design. For example, most offer multiple Mass times to meet the needs of parishioners' schedules and have opportunities to engage in a wide range of ministries that speak to different interests but also require different skillsets and time commitments. These options help eliminate barriers to participation and engagement, not because the parish knows what every person needs or wants, but because choices were made with the goal of meeting the needs of everyone.
Rationale for creating the framework
Theologically, all persons have a place in the Church; however, many persons meet real barriers to finding their place, barriers that are embedded in individual parish cultures. Parish leaders express frustration that, upon meeting barriers, persons with disabilities often do not self-identify and solicit help removing obstacles to their participation. However, expecting a person to tell you how to adjust the environment to create a place for them means they did not have a place to begin with. Incorporating the elements of universal design for parishes (UDP) will not change the number of persons who self-disclose a disability, but it will help parishes make true for ALL persons Pope Francis’ statement that “The Church is truly your home.” The UDP framework draws from Erik Carter’s dimensions of belonging, combining ten dimensions into six Facets of Belonging. Belonging is a multifaceted concept, and each facet represents a unique element that
helps a person feel at home in their parish:
- Present
- Invited
- Welcomed
- Known and accepted
- Supported and cared for
- Befriended and needed
Parishes are urged to consider each of the six facets across four areas of parish life. Click on each for an explanation and NCPD resources:
Learn More
Look for NCPD's detailed resource on the Universal Design for Parishes Framework, due to be published in 2026. It includes the detailed framework with ideas for assessing your parish and resources for advancing the universality of the parish. Includes two bonus features:
- Universal Design for Parishes AND Catholic Schools
- Team Workbook for Advancing Universal Design in Your Parish