Accessibility, Support & Safe Spaces Policies
We work to ensure everyone feels included at our convention.
The Arc is committed to creating a space where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We actively embrace and celebrate diversity in all its forms—disabilities, appearances, behavioral support needs, races, national origins, gender and trans identities, sexual orientations, ages, family and marital statuses, veteran statuses, and beliefs. That also includes people who communicate using speech and those who use augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) devices.
We encourage people to move around a room or leave and return, flap, rock, or play with a toy during a presentation to help them focus if needed. We want everyone to be able to take part in all aspects of the event, and we welcome ALL attendees.
Please send us your feedback and/or support needs to make our convention inclusive, enjoyable, and welcoming to all.
Important: Information about vendors and resources provided on this website does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by The Arc. It is your responsibility to verify and investigate vendors. The Arc assumes no liability of any kind for the content of any information transmitted to or received by any person in connection with the person’s use of the website. References on this website to any specific products, process, information, service, or organization do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by The Arc.
Financial Support
We offer discounts to people with disabilities and support staff to attend our convention. The registration costs cover the cost of hosting the event, with no added revenue for The Arc. We are unable to offer other discounts. If you require additional financial support to attend, please consider reaching out to your local or state chapter of The Arc or your state DD Council.
Convention Program
Please visit our on-site convention registration desk to get help with the program. Our staff can answer any questions you have.
Online Convention Program, Materials & App
Our daily schedules are available on our convention website and app. Through these platforms, attendees can view the most up-to-date schedule, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors, and access conference materials before, during, and after the conference.
Our website and app are published and shared with all attendees a week before the convention. We have free Wi-Fi available during the convention so that people can access the website or app on their mobile devices.
Printed & Large-Print Conference Program
If needed, please request a printed or large-print conference program when you register. We ask that you make your request no later than two weeks prior to the event.
Communication Access Real-Time Translation (Cart) Services
CART services are provided for all general and break-out sessions. Additional events may or may not offer CART. Please email events@thearc.org if you have questions about which events include CART.
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting
ASL interpretation is provided upon request. Please request this when you register or contact us at events@thearc.org at least 30 days prior to the event so we can support your needs.
Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) Access
We provide Wi-Fi so people can access our convention website, app, and any other needed internet services. The Wi-Fi name and access information is posted at the on-site registration desk.
Mobility Around Event Space
We work with the hotel to ensure that our convention space and area is accessible to people who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices. If you have any trouble navigating the conference space at the hotel, please let us know. We will have a team at our on-site registration desk.
Gender Neutral Bathrooms
We have dedicated gender neutral bathrooms in the event space. Please follow signs directing you to them or ask for directions at our convention registration desk.
Masks
Face masks are optional. We respect individual decisions regarding mask wearing. Please be considerate of the variety of comfort and risk levels within our community.
Flash Photography
We encourage people to take photographs and videos at our convention. Please do not use flash photography or strobing devices (e.g., flashing ringtones on your phone or rapid cuts/flashes in a presentation). Some people experience sensory concerns or photosensitive epilepsy that can be triggered by these settings.
Loud Noise
Some convention events will include music, audio, and/or other loud noises. You are welcome to bring ear plugs or other noise-cancelling devices and wear them as needed.
Fragrances
Perfumes and other fragrances can be challenging for people with sensory disabilities. Please avoid wearing strong fragrances during the event.
Quiet Room
We provide a quiet room for all attendees and speakers to use. This is a quiet, low-light, calm space for people to spend time away from the sights and sounds of the convention as needed. It is one large room that many people can use. Please do not use it for conference calls or meetings. Staff at our on-site registration desk can direct you to this room, and there will be signs around our convention space to aid with navigation.
Special Dietary Needs
Please share any special dietary needs with us when you register. We will do our best to accommodate all special dietary needs but cannot guarantee they will be met if they are not included in your registration. Hotels order their food several weeks ahead of events.
Space for Religious Worship
If you need any support for religious worship, please share with us when you register. Here is a list of nearby places of worship.
Support is Everyone’s Responsibility
The Arc’s events are welcoming, supportive spaces.
If you need support or help, please ask for it. If you see someone who needs support or help, please offer it to them if you are able. If you are unable to help them, please ask The Arc’s staff or event volunteers.
Local Resources
Check out these helpful local resources.
If you need support that is not listed here, email events@thearc.org and we will do our best to respond to your request.
