Accessibility to events and programs is a highest priority – and our expertise

Accessibility to programs is a priority for us. Our staff has extensive experience and a high comfort level in working with people with disabilities. Two have worked with the Partners in Policymaking program for more than six years. Another has been on the staff of Courage Center. A fourth has a sibling with a developmental disability.

 

GTS staff members pay attention to the following details on an ongoing basis:

Site Inspections

• We check-out restrooms, sleeping rooms, front desks, hotel signage & meeting rooms (sometimes with tape measures).
• We make sure that the assigned meeting rooms will accommodate the extra space needed for wheelchairs, PCAs, etc.

Identifying Individual Needs

• We ask for information as part of the registration process, and then follow-up by phone to review, clarify, and double-check what is needed.
• We make sure to check with presenters as well as participants, and make arrangements for ramped stages, etc., as needed.

Support/Accommodations

• We have experience in buying services for people with all types of disabilities to ensure access—commodes for sleeping rooms, spots for service dogs to relieve themselves, accessible transportation, interpreters, personal care assistants, sign language interpreters, just to name a few.
• We have interpretation equipment that can be used by one interpreter to provide translation services in any language (plus we have a vendor from whom we can rent additional sets.)
• Educational materials are provided in large print, audio as needed. We have also provided Braille translations.
• We have two sets of table risers to increase table height for better access.
• We are used to working with hotels to meet a wide variety of food issues.

Communications

• We use TTY when appropriate.
• Our website was restructured by a consultant who specializes in access and ease of use.