Accessibility and Inclusion Resources—AERA 2019 Annual Meeting
 
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Accessibility and inclusion resources

​AERA is committed to offering an accessible and welcoming environment to all of our community by providing ADA services and inclusion amenities.
 
ADA Services:
The Association strives to support persons with special needs while they are attending the Annual Meeting. In addition to providing ADA services, AERA requests that each presentation or session is designed and conducted with the full participation of all in mind. All presenters are encouraged to review Accessibility Information for Presentations (PDF) and Accessibility Presentation Tips (PDF).
 
Special Needs Requests:
During the registration process, please check the appropriate box to request special needs. This includes requests for sign language interpreting or any other special assistance. If you have any specific questions you can email the AERA Meetings Team at annualmtg@aera.net or call 202-238-3200.
 
Onsite Assistance: 
If you have any problem or negative experience with housing, sessions, travel throughout the city, restaurants, or any other accessibility related issue, please report the issue to the Information Services Desk at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. An AERA Meeting Services team member will record the concern and will be your advocate in working to resolve the issue.
 
ADA Services Desk:
An Accessibility Services Desk will be located at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The service desk will be open during registration hours:
 
  • Thursday, April 4, 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
  • Friday, April 5 – Monday, April 8, 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 9, 7:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
 
For assistance regarding ADA compliant hotel rooms, please contact housing customer service at aera@connectionshousing.com or call 800-262-9974 or 404-842-0000.
 
Wheelchair and Scooter Rentals:
Email annualmtg@aera.net to request information on how to rent a scooter or wheelchair. To get the group rate when renting a scooter or wheelchair, mention the American Educational Research Association.
 
Quiet Room:
During the Annual Meeting, persons with disabilities who desire a place to relax may visit the AERA Quiet Rooms located in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Fairmont Royal York, and Sheraton Centre Toronto.
 
  • Thursday, April 4, 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 14 – Monday, April 16, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 17, 8:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m.
 
Shuttle Service:
AERA is pleased to offer a complimentary shuttle service for attendees needing mobility support. The service will be operated between the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Fairmont Royal York, Sheraton Centre Toronto, and the Westin Harbour Castle. Shuttles will depart approximately every 30 minutes and will loop continuously throughout the day. AERA signs will be posted at all boarding sites identifying the location as an AERA Access Shuttle pick-up and drop-off site. The shuttle will operate during the following hours:
  • Thursday, April 4, 11:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
  • Friday, April 5 – Monday, April 8, 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 9, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
 
ASL Interpreting Services:
AERA offers interpreting services for Annual Meeting attendees. To prepare the team to ensure the most comprehensive and highest quality of interpreting services for your conference experience, please follow these steps.
  1. Email annualmtg@aera.net to inform us of your intent to attend the Annual Meeting.
  2. Register for the Annual Meeting and specify your need for ASL interpreting. 
  3. Respond to the ASL Interpreting Services online survey you will receive in March 2019. Only registrants who have indicated a need for ASL interpreting will receive the survey. The ASL Team will be in touch with you to discuss your interpreter preferences.
  4. If you are unable to register by the early bird deadline on February 28, 2019, but are still planning to attend the meeting, please send a draft list of sessions you plan to attend to annualmtg@aera.net so that we can ensure services for you.
 
Additional Inclusion Amenities:
Lactation Room:
Mother’s Rooms are provided for parents with lactation needs. Go to the Information Services Desk at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to ask for assistance in accessing private rooms at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Fairmont Royal York, and Sheraton Centre Toronto.
 
Gender-Neutral Bathrooms:
AERA is committed to making the meeting accessible and welcoming to all of our community. Gender-neutral bathrooms are an important part of making the AERA Annual Meeting more inclusive. They have signage on the doors saying “Gender-Neutral Bathroom: All Genders Welcome.” Gender neutral bathrooms will be available at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and AERA Headquarter Hotels.