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: #ABAWinterInstitute
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 about their books, 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 the provided QR Code in the printed program or the link in the event app. 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 Plaza Ballroom B–F. 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.
Quiet Rooms
The Quiet Room is intended to provide a quiet, calm space where attendees can spend time away from noise, bright light, and other stimuli of conference spaces. Put your feet up and relax. This space is not available for conversations or meetings and is intended to be a place where individuals can go when feeling overstimulated.
Savoy, Majestic Level, Tower Building, and Governor’s Square 17, Concourse Level, Plaza Building
Sunday through Tuesday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Wednesday, 7:00 am to 4:30 pm
Bookseller Lounge
Sit and take a break from the conference in this space reserved for all booksellers.
Governor's Square 16, Concourse Level, Plaza Building
Sunday through Tuesday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Wednesday, 7:00 am to 4:30 pm
Water Fountains
There will be water fountains and bottle filling stations located around the venue.
GENDER NEUTRAL & FAMILY RESTROOMS
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel Plaza Building
Two all gender restrooms are available on the concourse level across from Plaza Ballroom E and D.
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel Tower Building
Two all gender restrooms are located on the Mezzanine level, across from the Silver meeting room and next to the Denver meeting room. And two all gender restrooms are located on the Second Level, near the elevators.
SANITATION & VENTILATION
Sanitation
- There are several hand sanitizer dispensers located around the venue.
- 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’s Koch MERV 8 pleated filters are changed quarterly. And, weather permitting, the hotel brings outdoor air directly into the building.
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 Denver Downtown 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 Denver Downtown is both the conference center and hotel for Winter Institute attendees, with programming located in both towers. 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 cardholder 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 hotel@bookweb.org.
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.
Aspen Medical Supply
250 E. Dry Creek Road, #114
Littleton, CO 80122-2625
Phone: 720-322-0101
www.aspenmedicalsupply.com
Colorado Lifestyle Medical
11914 W Cedar Drive
Lakewood, CO 80228
Phone: 303-988-4875
www.colifestylemed.com
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 accessibility@bookweb.org.