ADA
APSA is committed to making the conference accessible for all attendees through the use of assistive resources. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements are collected via the registration form. You can also email them to meeting@apsanet.org. Please notify us of any requirements six weeks in advance of the meeting so that we can arrange any requested services. 

All meeting venues are ADA accessible. 

Audio
We can work with you to get a sign language interpreter or CART equipment. Advanced notice is required.

Visual
We can provide complimentary registrations for aides or help arrange an aide to assist you during the meeting. We also have a limited number of magnifying sheets available at registration.

Mobility
A mobility device desk is available at Registration onsite. We will work with the venues to ensure there’s a space at the front row of each session for mobility devices. Mobility Scooters are available to rent from Scootaround on a first-come, first-served basis at the PCC’s UPS Store. For advanced rentals, call 1-888-441-7575 ext. 6101.

Service Animals
Service animals are welcome in meeting spaces.

Accessible Meeting Room Seating
We will work with the venues to ensure each meeting room has chairs removed from the first row to allow for mobility devices. The additional chairs in the front row are priority seating reserved for those who need to be closer to the front for other accommodations.

Accessible Sleeping Rooms
Accessible sleeping rooms can be requested in our hotel block.

Food Restrictions and Allergies
All food at the PCC, Marriott and Loews will be labeled with ingredients so that attendees can avoid allergens.

Fragrance-Free Environment
Attendees should refrain from wearing fragranced products, such as perfume and cologne.

Areas of Rescue Assistance
Areas of rescue are available for those needing assistance during an evacuation.

Make Your Presentation More Accessible

  • Consider making copies of your presentation and script for those who may request them
  • Use large fonts (24 point+) on your slides with a sans serif font (Arial, Verdana, Helvetica)
  • Use high contrast, easy-to-read color schemes on the slide 
  • Caption any videos
  • Provide alt text for any images
  • Describe your PowerPoint slides, images, and anything else displayed on the screen
  • PowerPoint has an Accessiblity Checker feature to check your presentation’s accessiblity
  • Avoid pointing and use words like “this, that, these, and those” as subjects or objects
  • Speak audibly and at a moderate pace
  • Keep your hands away from your mouth so that people who speech read can understand you
  • Ensure only one person speaks at a time
  • Do not walk in front of interpreters when they’re signing
  • When you address the person using an interpreter, look at the person, not the interpreter

All-Gender Restrooms 
All are welcome to use these restrooms. 

  • Loews:
    • Level 3 Restrooms
  • Marriott:
    • Level 3: Near Room 301
    • Level 5: Near Room 501
  • PCC:
    • Level 1: Near Room 109
    • Level 2: Near Room 202

Quiet Room
PCC Room 300 is a quiet space available for attendees to get away from the noise of the meeting. 

Lactation Rooms

  • Marriott: Conference Suite I
  • PCC: There are two Mamava Suites in the convention center, located near the Concierge Desk on Level 2 and between the Broad and Arch Concourse on Level 1.

Infant Changing Stations – more information coming soon!

APSA RESPECT
The APSA RESPECT Campaign encourages “professional respect” by and towards all APSA annual meeting attendees and participants at all times.  Respect stands for Respectful, Equitable, Safe, Professional, and Ethical Conduct Towards All.

APSA Ombuds
The APSA Ombuds will be available during at the 2024 APSA Annual Meeting to speak with any meeting attendee on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, consultation with anyone who believes that they have experienced any form of harassment, or have concerns about violations of the sexual harassment provisions of the APSA anti-harassment policy while participating in the 2023 Annual Meeting. You are also welcome to speak with the Ombuds if you, or your committee, organized section or caucus is facing challenges that you’d like to get the Ombuds advice on. Email: apsaombuds@gmail.com.

Contact Us
If you have any questions or issues related to accessibility, please contact us at meeting@apsanet.org. We are happy to help in any way we can!