• Make certain there is space for a wheelchair-user in your audience. There should be a space approximately two feet by four feet in the front row or at the end of the aisle – preferably towards the front of the room – to accommodate the wheelchair and allow that person to see well. A clear path of travel to the wheelchair space is also needed. This means wires, cables, or other obstructions should not block the pathway to the space you’ve created.
• Individuals with mobility-impairments may not be able to easily move about the room to form discussion or work groups. Please be sensitive to their needs if you are dividing up the audience during your session. If you are asking audience members to do some sort of physical activity, make it clear that it is optional.
• People with visual impairments will need to have access to printed material or material that is displayed. Save two or three seats up front for those who might have trouble seeing or hearing (hearing impaired individuals are discussed below).
• For low vision individuals, handouts enlarged to 18 point bold are very helpful. One set should be adequate. For those with no vision, be sure to have a set of handouts printed with no graphics, which can later be read electronically. Text should run across the page and not be presented in multiple columns. If possible, please provide it on a CD.
• Individuals who are deaf will require your direct involvement prior to beginning your session. The interpreters will approach you and discuss where they will need to stand. Expect two interpreters who will need to switch off during the session. Two seats up front will be needed – one for the deaf individual and one for the second interpreter.
• Hearing-impaired individuals may bring an FM wireless system to your session. The system is comprised of a transmitter (a small clip-on microphone) worn by the speaker and a receiver with an earpiece worn by the recipient. When wearing a microphone, make sure that it is not likely to brush up against your clothing as you move about. There may also be individuals who do not bring an FM system but will need to see your mouth as you speak. To accommodate such individuals, make certain that you face the audience as much as possible.

Please be aware that the number of individuals who will require these modifications is small, but some of you will absolutely have people with accommodation requests in your session.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact:

Deb and Alfred will be available at the convention headquarters in Boston to answer any questions and assist with accomodation requests.