ABA is committed to making all of our events as inclusive and accessible as possible for all attendees.
INSTITUTE ACCESSIBILITY & RESOURCES
Social Media
Want to share photos and updates on social media? Use our hashtag #ABAChildrensInstitute
Please be sure to use pascal case (every word capitalized) as indicated so that screen readers are able to correctly interpret the hashtag.
Session, Keynote, and Rep Picks Accessibility
Rep Picks, where attendees will hear “speed dating” style presentations from publishers on their catalogs, are spread between several rooms instead of taking place in a single large space. Additionally, members with hearing, sensory, and/or processing needs may request access to the smallest Rep Picks spaces by contacting accessibility@bookweb.org. Space may be limited.
Closed captioning for Keynotes and Featured Talks will be available for attendees to access on their phones, and can be accessed via QR Code. Speakers will be visible on large screens during the keynotes.
In order to better accommodate attendees with hearing needs, ABA is offering a limited number of assistive listening devices for use during events taking place in the Napoleon AB Ballroom. As this is the first year we are offering this option at our events, we would love feedback on their usage, availability, and helpfulness. Feel free to email accessibility@bookweb.org for more information.
Accessible Seats
There are 2–3 seats clearly marked at the front and 2–3 seats at the back of each education session which are priority seats for booksellers with accessibility needs. In addition to this, there will be two hightop tables in the back of each education session room for those who prefer to stand.
Interfaith Prayer & Meditation Room
The Interfaith Prayer & Meditation Room welcomes all faiths and beliefs as a peaceful place for meditation, worship, and reflection. This room has space for attendees to sit, kneel, or set out prayer mats. This space is not available for meetings, but light conversation or worship in accordance with attendee religious and spiritual practices is welcome.
Quiet Rooms
The Quiet Room is intended to provide a quiet, calm space where attendees can spend time away from stimuli such as noise, bright light, and other stimuli of conference spaces. Put your feet up and relax, there will be chairs and an ottoman or two. Please note that this space is NOT available for conversations or meetings; there are additional spaces to sit throughout the Sheraton New Orleans.
Evergreen, 4th Floor
Tuesday, June 11 and Wednesday, June 12, 7:00 am– 7:00 pm
Wednesday June 12, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Lactation Room
Monday June 10 and Tuesday, June 11, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm; Wednesday June 12, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Edgewood A, 4th Floor
Water Fountains
There will be water coolers and cups located around the venue.
GENDER NEUTRAL & FAMILY RESTROOMS
Sheraton New Orleans 3rd Floor
Gender Neutral Restroom: The men’s restroom across from the Napoleon Ballroom has been converted into a gender neutral restroom during our programming.
Sheraton New Orleans 4th Floor
Gender Neutral Restroom: The men’s restroom across from Edgewood A and Estherwood rooms has been converted into a gender neutral restroom during our programming.
Sheraton New Orleans 8th Floor
Family Restroom: Adjacent to entrance to rooftop pool area
SANITATION & VENTILATION
Sanitation
There are several hand sanitizer dispensers on the event floors and in the main lobby.
Any room identified as having a COVID guest is closed for 3 days and then fully cleaned with full disinfectant protocols.
High touch surfaces are disinfected daily both in public areas (bathrooms, elevators, escalator rails) and in guest rooms unless service is refused.
Hallways are vacuumed and wiped down daily for high touch surfaces.
Ventilation System
The Sheraton New Orleans uses air filtration systems that meet the specified rating for COVID safety and pulls fresh air intake to be cycled throughout the system, including nearly 1,000 filters distributed through the hotel.
ARRIVAL AND SETTLING IN
ABA encourages bookstore owners, managers, and others handling logistics to take the extra care necessary to ensure their staff or travel companions are set up for success upon arrival.
Venue Accessibility
ADA accessible rooms are available in our Sheraton New Orleans hotel block on a first-come-first-served basis. Attendees booking their rooms via the ABA hotel block booking link can contact the hotel directly for availability. Attendees who are having their rooms reserved for them by ABA should contact hotel@bookweb.org.
The Sheraton New Orleans is both the conference center and hotel for Children’s Institute attendees, with programming located on meeting room floors. There is accessible on-site parking, and van accessible on-site parking.
Hotel Reservations & Credit Card Holds
Booking accommodations on a company card? Contact the hotel ahead of time to arrange to submit a credit card pre-authorization if necessary. Doing so ahead of time makes sure all members of your party will be able to check in easily, even if the card-holder is delayed.
Checking in with Chosen Names
While we spend considerable time discussing our expectations with event and hotel staff and management in regards to gendered forms of address, pronoun usage, and guest names, in order to further support attendees and mitigate harm, we ask that store owners, managers, and other travel planners do their best to call ahead to address any potential registration concerns. If you are encountering issues when checking in, or otherwise while attending our event, please do not hesitate to contact:
DEIA & Member Relations Manager Mariana Calderón
Email: accessibility@bookweb.org
Phone (call or text): (914) 406-7534
Local Mobility Aid Rental
For attendees who may want additional support to get around, there are several recommended mobility aid rental services in the area. ABA has a small fund to help members with the costs of wheelchairs and scooters on a first come, first served basis. Members who would like to discuss using this fund should contact accessibility@bookweb.org.
Mobility City of Greater New Orleans
3501 Severn Avenue, Suite 3B/C
Metairie, LA 70002
Phone: (504) 420-6625
Mr. Wheelchair
1201 Jefferson Highway
Jefferson, LA 70121
Phone: (504) 834-2810
Toll Free: (800) 548-9672
Total Access Mobility Services
500 Port of New Orleans Pl
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 534-3366
If you would like to discuss ways this event could be more accessible and/or inclusive, or if you have an accessibility question or need, contact ABA’s DEIA Member Relations Manager Mariana Calderón.