One thing I believe very strongly as a funeral minister and celebrant is that everybody should be able to access a funeral service in a meaningful and dignified way.

A funeral is one of the most important moments in a person’s life and also in the lives of the people who love them.

It is a chance to say goodbye.
A chance to remember.
A chance to feel included, supported, and connected.

For someone who is deaf, blind, visually impaired, partially sighted, or living with hearing loss, attending a funeral can sometimes bring additional worries and challenges at an already emotional time.

Sadly, accessibility is not always thought about as much as it should be.

But small changes can make a huge difference.

Every person deserves to feel included

One of the hardest feelings during grief is feeling isolated.

When someone cannot fully hear the service, see what is happening, read the order of service, or follow along with music and readings, they can sometimes feel disconnected from an important goodbye.

As a funeral minister and celebrant, I always believe that inclusion matters.

Nobody should feel forgotten simply because they experience the world differently.

Supporting people who are deaf or hard of hearing

There are many ways a funeral service can be made more accessible for someone who is deaf or hard of hearing.

Sometimes it can be as simple as making sure people know where to sit within the chapel so they can clearly see the person leading the service.

Speaking clearly and at a steady pace can also help greatly.

As celebrants and ministers, we should never rush through a funeral service.

Where possible, families may also wish to consider:

Providing printed copies of the service and readings
Using larger print orders of service
Using visual tribute screens to display words and photographs
Booking a British Sign Language interpreter
Using hearing loop systems where available
Ensuring webcast services include subtitles if possible

A number of crematoriums and chapels now have hearing loop systems installed to help people using hearing aids access the service more clearly. Sadly, many families are simply unaware these systems are available unless someone tells them beforehand.

Sometimes small practical conversations before the funeral can completely change somebody’s experience of the service and help them feel far more included and comfortable.

Supporting people who are blind or visually impaired

For somebody living with sight loss, funerals can also feel overwhelming and unfamiliar.

Simple guidance and gentle support can make a huge difference.

This may include:

Reading parts of the order of service aloud clearly
Helping describe what is happening during the ceremony
Explaining who is speaking
Offering assistance when entering or leaving the chapel
Ensuring walkways are clear and safe
Providing audio recordings of the eulogy or readings afterwards

Many people who are blind or visually impaired rely heavily on sound, tone, and atmosphere.

The warmth in somebody’s voice.
A piece of music.
The emotion within a tribute.

These things often become incredibly important.

Accessibility is about compassion too

Accessibility is not only about equipment or technology.

It is also about kindness, patience, awareness, and understanding.

Sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply ask:

“What would help you feel comfortable and included today?”

Every person’s needs are different.

Some people may want practical support.
Others may simply want reassurance and understanding.

Webcasting and remote access

Since the pandemic, many funeral services now offer webcast or live-stream options.

For some deaf, disabled, elderly, or visually impaired mourners, this can make attending a funeral far easier and less stressful.

It can also help those who cannot physically travel due to health conditions or mobility issues.

Families sometimes worry that remote attendance feels less personal, but for many people it can actually make the service more accessible and meaningful.

The importance of dignity

One thing I have learned over the years is that dignity matters enormously at funerals.

People do not want to feel like a burden.
They do not want attention drawn to their disability.
They simply want to be included like everybody else.

As a funeral minister and celebrant, I believe it is our responsibility to help create that safe and respectful environment.

Often, it is the small thoughtful details that people remember most.

Let’s make this work

Funerals should be accessible to everyone.

Grief already brings enough pain without somebody also feeling excluded, isolated, or unable to fully take part in saying goodbye to somebody they love.

As funeral ministers, celebrants, funeral directors, and venues, I believe we should always continue learning how we can make services more inclusive and compassionate for everybody attending.

Because at the heart of every funeral is something very simple:

Love.

And everybody deserves the chance to experience that connection, comfort, and farewell in a way that is meaningful to them.

If you would like to learn more about me, my background, and the services I offer, please visit my About Jon Matson-Higgins page or my Funeral Celebrant page.

I have created some basic information to help guide what to do after someone passes away, and some resources to support bereavement. I understand that planning a ceremony can sometimes feel overwhelming, so if you have any questions or would simply like an informal chat, please feel free to contact me through my contact page.

 

The information given in this blog is for information only

Written by Jon Matson-Higgins, Minister & Celebrant based in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Rutland and Northamptonshire