2.9 WAEA Accessibility Policy
- from current WAEA Policies
At WAEA, we believe that art is for everyone, no matter their gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, or disability. With that in mind, we take accessibility at our conference very seriously, and are doing everything in our power to have it be an amazing experience for all.
What is being accommodated:
If you have any specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact JEDI Committee Chair and Accessibility Coordinator, at [email protected] or in person at the Accessibility Table during the conference.
Allies: How we can all contribute to an accessible conference
What is an ally in regards to accessibility at a conference? Allies enable respect, dignity, and ability for all participants. Below are some examples of what that might look like at the WAEA conference:
- from current WAEA Policies
At WAEA, we believe that art is for everyone, no matter their gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, or disability. With that in mind, we take accessibility at our conference very seriously, and are doing everything in our power to have it be an amazing experience for all.
What is being accommodated:
- Temperature: All indoor areas of the conference are temperature controlled. However, because there are large spaces, it may get hot or cold during the conference, so be sure to bring layers.
- Mobility: Every break-out and gathering room is wheelchair-accessible. Some conference spaces are on the second floor, accessible by elevator or stairs.
- Reading: Conference-prepared materials will be made available to all participants with a dyslexia-friendly font. We will also have a PDF version available.
- Hearing: The conference space is providing a limited amount of assistive hearing device (hearing loops) for participants with hearing aids to use. ASL interpreters can be provided with at least one month’s advance notice. If you require either of these supports, please indicate this on your registration form or email the Accessibility Coordinator.
- Fragrance: WAEA is not a fragrance-free conference. We do not have a way to control this, as some people use aromatherapy and natural oils to help with physical, mental, and/or emotional disabilities. However, we also understand that strong scents can trigger migraines, asthma attacks, irritation, and other illnesses. We encourage participants to limit their use of fragrances at the conference. The hotel and conference spaces also use cleaning supplies that will most likely be scented. If you have a severe or strong reaction to scents, we recommend you bring an N95 mask.
- Assistance: Caregivers will be allowed free access to the conference in order to assist their clients. Caregivers, please have ID and company info ready (if relevant) when arriving. All service animals are allowed into the conference spaces in accordance with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
- Quiet room: We will provide a quiet break space for those who need to step away from conference activities for sensory, emotional, or other reasons.
- Restrooms: The conference venue has two all-gender staff restrooms on the second floor, which will be available for conference participants to use. ADA-accessible restrooms are available. We will endeavor to have an all-gender restroom available at the venue during the After Dark Art Party.
If you have any specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact JEDI Committee Chair and Accessibility Coordinator, at [email protected] or in person at the Accessibility Table during the conference.
Allies: How we can all contribute to an accessible conference
What is an ally in regards to accessibility at a conference? Allies enable respect, dignity, and ability for all participants. Below are some examples of what that might look like at the WAEA conference:
- Ask to help: Ask if someone would like help, instead of assuming they are incapable of helping themselves. Further, if someone requests accommodation for a disability, respect all requests. Not all disabilities are visible.
- The mindset of “capable,” not incapable: Treat others as capable and with abilities, rather than incapable and with disabilities. Do not assume individuals with disabilities want advice. As a default, use Person-First language (e.g. “person with a disability” rather than “disabled person”).
- Personal boundaries: Please respect others’ physical and emotional boundaries. As an example, do not touch someone’s wheelchair without permission, even to move it.
- Respect blue zones: Please be respectful of any areas at the conference marked with blue tape. For example, chairs or areas marked with blue tape are reserved for anyone with accommodations that need to sit up front in order to lip-read or effectively hear. Wheelchair spaces are also marked in blue.
- Keep pathways clear: Keep doorways and walkways unblocked and free of backpacks, personal items, or clutter. This is for everyone’s benefit as blocking walkways creates an unsafe situation. Be mindful of your surroundings when stopping to chat with others in the hallways and aisles.
- Air quality: Smoke and fragrances can trigger breathing issues and migraines. Please wash your hands if you smoke. Avoid wearing any type of perfume or cologne.
- Say something: You can be an advocate for accessibility by speaking up if you see something that can be a barrier. For example, if you see pathways blocked, politely ask for them to be cleared or let conference staff/volunteers know.
- Photography: Please try to receive consent from people before taking pictures of them.
