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.

 

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. Take a break and relax! This space is not available for conversations or meetings.

337, Level 3, DLCC

  • Monday, February 23: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday, February 24: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday, February 25: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
  • Thursday, February 26: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

 

Bookseller Lounge

Sit and take a break from the conference in this space reserved for all booksellers.

326, Level 3, DLCC

  • Monday, February 23: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday, February 24: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday, February 25: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Thursday, February 26: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

 

Lactation Rooms

The DLCC offers a dedicated space (on the second level) for parents of newborns/infants to be used as a private space for nursing mothers. When at the DLCC, please ask a staff member for the location and how to gain access.

 

Water Fountains

There will be water fountains and bottle filling stations located around the venue.

 

ALL-USER & FAMILY RESTROOMS 

David L. Lawrence Convention Center:
Family restrooms are located throughout the DLCC.

 

SANITATION & VENTILATION

The David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC) is committed to a healthier environment, and has earned the LEED® Platinum, the highest level of certification.

Visit pittsburghcc.com/sustainability to learn how the building’s unique design and other practices make it a sustainable convention center.

 

 

Oregon Convention Center in Portland

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. This includes that attendees are aware of any hotel requirements related to check-in requirements for a legal ID that matches the room registration name, ensuring that disabled attendees have accessible rooms, and that attendees have either a credit card or a credit card pre-authorization on file with the hotel if their store is paying for them.

 

Venue Accessibility

ADA accessible rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis across all hotels within the ABA hotel block. 

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.

Our event location, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, has 17 accessible spaces throughout the on-site parking garage. Both Entrance/Exit doors from garage and vestibule have ADA push button door openers.

 

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. 

Mobility Plus
4136 Library Road, Ste A-1
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
Phone: (412) 426-9144
Email: pittsburgh@mobilityplus.com
mobilityplus.com/pittsburgh/rent

Scoot Around
Phone: (888) 644-6695
Email: info@scootaround.com
scootaround.com/en

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.