ACRL/RBMS works to make sure everyone’s experience will be a pleasant and accessible one. Below are the features in place to ensure that RBMS 19 is inclusive and welcoming to all. In order to give us time to make appropriate arrangements, please make all accessibility requests to Tory Ondrla, ACRL Conference Manager before May 1, 2019.
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters
The ACRL team coordinates complimentary interpreting services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. To use the service, Interpreter requests should be made prior to conference attendance by contacting Tory Ondrla, ACRL Conference Manager.
Food & Beverage Choices
At the ABAA Booksellers Showcase Reception Tuesday night you’ll find appetizers and a cash bar including non-alcohol options. On Wednesday through Friday afternoon we offer morning coffee, decaf and tea before sessions and morning and afternoon refreshment breaks in the afternoon. Common items offered are bagels/muffins/pastry/yogurt/cookies/chips and whole fruit/crudites. When items are not obvious, we will label the contents and indicate Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten Free. No meals are offered at the conference. Hotels will often accommodate upon request if you would like to ask for a mini fridge in your room to accommodate your diet or medications.
Hearing Assistance
ACRL/RBMS has personal audio amplification devices (worn like standard headphones) available by request in advance, or at the registration desk onsite. If needed, ACRL offers personal Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) in which a certified CART provider listens to speech and instantaneously translates all the speech to text displayed on a mobile device.
Housing
We have accessible sleeping rooms in our hotel block including rooms for the deaf, blind, and attendees in wheelchairs. Please indicate your need on the registration form and a representative will contact you to make sure you are placed in an appropriate room.
Lactation
ACRL staff are happy to help arrange appropriate space for pumping, breastfeeding and/or refrigeration needs. Please make your request by May 1, 2019 to Tory Ondrla, ACRL Conference Manager.
Mobility Assistance
ACRL offers complimentary scooters upon request with advance notice. Scooter pick up and drop off will be located in or near the registration area. Scooter parking spots are available in session rooms.
Personal Assistants
Personal assistants/aides are welcome to attend the conference on a complimentary basis with prior approval in advance. Please send request and badge information for the assistant to Tory Ondrla, ACRL Conference Manager before May 1, 2019.
Photography/Video
Photography and/or video may be captured at all official ACRL/RBMS conference events and venues. Photography and video will be used for promotional and other purposes. Your attendance constitutes your consent to be included in photography and videos. If you do not want your likeness used, please go to the registration desk and we will be happy to help you.
Pronouns
Along with ribbons in the registration area you’ll find pronoun stickers to wear if you like. We offer She/Her/Hers, He/Him/His, They/Them/Theirs, Ze/Hir/Hirs, Xe/Xem,Xyrs, Ask, and fill in the blank options.
Presentation Formats
RBMS registrants have access to a variety of presentation types to suit your comfort level and learning style. From hands-on workshops or smaller participant driven sessions, to drop-by posters or seated plenary sessions of 500 attendees; from 5 minutes to 3 hours in length, there is a great deal of variety to suit your learning style.
Restrooms
ACRL/RBMS offers accessible restrooms and all-gender restrooms, please look for the appropriate signs.
Service Animals
Service animals of all kinds are welcome throughout the RBMS Conference. Let us know you are bringing a service animal and we are happy to provide a water dish at break times.
Transportation
We are happy to make accessible transportation arrangements from hotel to receptions upon request.
Visual Needs
If it is useful for your to have an advance copy of our program so you can print to your preferred font size, please let us know. We’re also happy to provide floor plans of the facility in advance for similar use.
More we can do?
Please let us know, we are happy to hear from you! Please contact Tory Ondrla, ACRL Conference Manager with your request.