A Guide to Planning Accessible Meetings

Tips for Attendees

 While there are standards to help ensure that meetings, events, and conferences are accessible to participants with a wide range of needs, the hard truth is that all systems are human.

Even planners who mean well may need to be educated about what will make the best experience for participants who have disabilities. Self-­advocacy remains the best way to ensure that an event will meet your needs.

• Communicate early and often with the event hosts; complete registration forms with as much detail as possible, and reach out to the hosts a few weeks before the event to ask if they have secured the accommodations requested.

• When the event includes an overnight stay, include explicit requests in your reservation. Contact the hotel management by phone a day or so in advance to follow up.

• Be patient but firm in your request; only through your continued push on the market will it consistently meet your needs.

• When faced with event or hotel staff who fail to understand your requests or their responsibilities, use this guide to help explain their legal obligations.