Disability and Assistance

AAR and SBL 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 and SBL will make every reasonable attempt to accommodate you by arranging services such as sign language interpreters, assigning accessible hotel room space, or through the AAR & SBL taxi reimbursement policy. 

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 information@annual-meetings.org.

 

Getting Around the 2017 Annual Meeting in Boston

 

Access to and between the Hynes Convention Center and Main Hotels

Most AAR and SBL sessions will be held in four locations—the Hynes Convention Center, Hilton Back Bay, Marriott Copley Place, and the Sheraton Hotel. The Employment Center will be located at the Hynes. Additional meetings and receptions will be primarily held at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, Park Plaza Hotel, and Westin Copley Place. The Marriott, Sheraton, and Westin are connected to the Hynes via wheelchair accessible skywalks and two malls. All of the doors to access the buildings and skywalks below are unlocked from 6 am to 2 am. If you are traveling outside of those hours, you will need to go outside to access your hotel. Note that there are not any talking crosswalks (for those with visual disabilities) in the immediate area of our facilities.

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:

Boston Orthopedic Respiratory (http://www.aaawheelchair.com/index.html) is offering attendees a special rate for the Annual Meeting. Please be sure to tell them that you are with the AAR & SBL to get the special rate of $105 for a five-day rental for an electric scooter. Manual wheelchairs are available as well—please inquire as to price. Boston Orthopedic Respiratory will deliver and pick up the wheelchair or scooter to your hotel for $20. Please call Seval Yelaun at 617-337-5133 or 800-854-6370 or 857-258-0080 to make individual arrangements. They suggest that you make your reservation as soon as possible to ensure availability.

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 (located outside of Hall CD in the Hynes Convention Center) Friday 11 am to 6 pm, Saturday through Monday 8 am to 5:30 pm, and Tuesday 8 to 10 am, or email information@annual-meetings.org.