Accessibility Information for Annual Meetings

AAR members with disabilities or any attendees who may have difficulty getting around the meeting are encouraged to note this during registration, as well as on the housing section of registration, if applicable. AAR will make every reasonable attempt to provide accommodations and assistance, whether by arranging services such as sign language interpreters, assigning accessible hotel room space, or through the AAR & SBL’s taxi reimbursement policy. Please contact Marchell Jackson if you have any questions.

Getting Around the 2019 Annual Meeting in San Diego

Access to and between the San Diego Convention Center and Main Hotels

Most AAR and SBL sessions will be held in two locations—the San Diego Convention Center and the Hilton Bayfront. The Employment Center will be located at the Grand Hyatt. Other Events and receptions will be primarily held at the Grand Hyatt, Marriott Marquis and Marina and the Omni Hotel. 

Note that there are not any talking crosswalks (for those with visual disabilities) in the immediate area of our facilities.

Coming soon- Approximate Distances:

Logistical Information about the Facilities

The Convention Center has provided some information on ADA services: link with more information coming soon. 

Shuttles

We will not have shuttle buses this year as all locations are within walking distance. 

For those who need transportation between the hotels, Convention Center and restaurants, it is recommended to utilize FRED. The Free Ride Everywhere Downtown San Diego, is a free, green (electric), convenient and ADA accessible transportation service. Download the app to request a ride and hop in the gas-free shuttle within minutes. Although, it is not expected, gratuity for drivers is recommended and acceptable.  

Hours of Operation

Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday 7:00 a.m. - Midnight

Saturday 8:00 a.m. - Midnight

Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Taxi Reimbursement

AAR & SBL will reimburse attendees with disabilities for the cost of a private taxi or ride-share service to travel between official AAR meeting locations, if needed. To receive the reimbursement, please submit all receipts with a letter detailing the nature of your disability, your departure point, and your destination. Only travel between official Annual Meeting locations (i.e., hotels and convention center) will be covered. Questions may be directed to reg@aarweb.org.

Wheelchair or Electric Scooter Rental

Attendees who wish to rent a wheelchair or electric scooter for use during the Annual Meeting are welcome to contact the following provider to arrange for service. They suggest you make your reservation as soon as possible to ensure availability.

Alternative Mobility has manual wheelchairs and motor scooters available. They will deliver it to you for a fee. You will need to call 1-619-427-2525 for reservations.

Onsite Accessibility Issues

Should you encounter an accessibility issue at the Annual Meeting, please notify the hotel’s front desk so they can get the issue resolved. You may also report the problem at the AAR & SBL Registration Desk, Friday 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday through Monday 8 am to 5:30 pm, and Tuesday 8 to 10 am, or email reg@aarweb.org.

Annual Meeting Program Accessibility

ASL Interpreter Services

AAR provides interpreter services for attendees who request ASL interpretation in advance of the meeting. To request interpreter service, contact AAR at annualmeeting@aarweb.org no later than September 1 to ensure that AAR has sufficient time to arrange for appropriate interpreters. If members inform AAR about their anticipated attendance at particular sessions, AAR staff will coordinate with presenters and session presiders to secure advance copies of papers for interpreters.

Assisted Listening System

We can equip any conference meeting room with an assisted listening system. AAR will provide receivers to attendees who request them in advance. If you would like to make use of this service, please email reg@aarweb.org by November 11.

Accessible Presentations

AAR encourages all presenters and presiders to make their presentations fully accessible to attendees with disabilities.  The following guidelines suggest best practices for accessible presentations: https://www.aarweb.org/annual-meeting/guidelines-for-accessible-presentations.

Materials in Alternative Format

Attendees who need materials in alternative formats should contact the presenters directly. If you need contact information, please email annualmeeting@aarweb.org. If members inform AAR about their needs and their anticipated attendance at particular sessions, AAR staff will do their best to coordinate with presenters and session presiders to facilitate the availability of handouts or other session materials in alternative formats.

Accessibility for Presenters

The room format for AAR sessions commonly includes a podium with a microphone designed for standing presentations.The rest of the head tables will be on the floor. Presenters who need an alternative format (such as a tabletop microphone or podium) or who anticipate a problem with the riser should contact annualmeeting@aarweb.org to arrange for appropriate presentation technology. 

Meeting Room Accessibility

All sessions at the AAR are accessible to attendees using wheelchairs. Meeting room chairs will be arranged to ensure two open spaces for attendees using wheelchairs.

Designated Room for Religion and Disability Studies Group Sessions

AAR has scheduled all sessions sponsored/cosponsored by the Religion and Disability Studies Group and the AAR Status of People with Disabilities in the Profession Committee in the same room at the Convention Center (room details to follow).

Sighted Guide or Mobility Assistance

Attendees who need a sighted guide or other mobility assistance to navigate the annual meeting should email reg@aarweb.org by November 12. 

Volunteer to Assist Your Colleagues

Are you able to devote a few hours of your time at the annual meeting to assist a colleague? Please contact reg@aarweb.org if you are able to serve as a sighted guide or to provide mobility assistance during a portion of the meeting. 

Employment Center Accessibility

AAR is committed to maximizing accessibility for employers and job seekers who are making use of the Employment Center. AAR can arrange for a quiet booth, to minimize noise or distraction from adjacent booths, or may be able to arrange for a private interview room if space is available. If you need a quiet room or have other accessibility needs, please contact careers@aarsbl.org as soon as possible so that we can adequately accommodate you.

Status of People with Disabilities in the Profession Committee

AAR has a Committee on the Status of People with Disabilities in the Profession (PWD), which works to assure the full access of people with disabilities within the Academy and to advance their status within the profession. Check back for updates regarding luncheons and special topics hosted by the PWD committee. 

Accessiblity Information from prior Annual Meetings:

2017 Boston
2016 San Antonio
2015 Atlanta
2014 San Diego
2013 Baltimore