Disability and Assistance
AAR and SBL members with disabilities or any attendees who may have difficulty getting around the meeting are encouraged to make this known during registration, as well as on the housing section of registration if applicable. SBL and AAR 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’s taxi reimbursement policy. Please contact Annual Meetings 2019 at information@annual-meetings.org if you have any questions.
Getting Around the 2019 Annual Meeting in San Diego
Access to and between the San Diego Convention Center and Main Hotels
Note that there are not any talking crosswalks in the immediate area of our facilities.
Approximate Distances:
· The Hilton San Diego Bayfront and Marriott Marquis & Marina are 0.2 miles from Convention Center Entrance.
· The Grand Hyatt is 0.3 miles from Convention Center entrance.
· The Omni Hotel is 0.5 miles from the Convention Center entrance.
You may view a hotel map with all hotels and distances here.
Taxi Reimbursement
AAR and SBL will reimburse attendees with disabilities for the cost of a private taxi or ride-share service to travel between official Annual Meetings 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.
Logistical Information about the Facilities
The Convention Center has provided some information on ADA services. A link with more information will be coming soon.
Shuttles
We will not have shuttle buses this year as all locations are within walking distance.
San Diego offers a free, green (electric) and ADA accessible transport service- FRED. The Free Ride Everywhere Downtown San Diego will offer transportation between the hotels, Convention Center and restaurants. Download the app to request a ride and hop in the gas-free shuttle within minutes. Although, it is not expected, gratuity for drivers is recommended and acceptable.
Hours of Operation
Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday 7:00 a.m. - Midnight
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - Midnight
Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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 providers to arrange for service. Please make your reservation as soon as possible to ensure availability.
Alternative Mobility has manual wheelchairs and scooters available. They will deliver it to you for a fee. You will need to call 1-619-427-2525 for reservations.
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 at the 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.
Annual Meeting Program Accessibility
ASL Interpreter Services
AAR and SBL provides interpreter services for attendees who request ASL interpretation in advance of the meeting. To request interpreter service, contact AAR and SBL at information@annual-meetings.org no later than September 1 to ensure that AAR and SBL have sufficient time to arrange for appropriate interpreters. If members inform AAR and SBL about their anticipated attendance at particular sessions, AAR and SBL staff will coordinate with presenters and session presiders to secure advance copies of papers for interpreters.
Assisted Listening System
We can equip any conference meeting room with an assisted listening system. SBL & AAR will provide receivers to attendees who request them in advance. If you would like to make use of this service, please email information@annual-meetings.org by November 11.
Accessible Presentations
AAR and SBL encourages all presenters and presiders to make their presentations fully accessible to attendees with disabilities. The following guidelines suggest best practices for accessible presentations: https://www.aarweb.org/annual-meeting/guidelines-for-accessible-presentations.
Materials in Alternative Format
Attendees who need materials in alternative formats should contact the presenters directly. If you need contact information, please email information@annual-meetings.org. If members inform AAR and SBL about their needs and their anticipated attendance at particular sessions, AAR and SBL staff will do their best to coordinate with presenters and session presiders to facilitate the availability of handouts or other session materials in alternative formats.
Accessibility for Presenters
The room format for AAR and SBL sessions commonly includes a podium with a microphone designed for standing presentations. The head tables will be on the floor. Presenters who need an alternative format (such as a tabletop microphone or podium) or who anticipate a problem with a riser should contact information@annual-meetings.org to arrange for appropriate presentation technology.
Sighted Guide or Mobility Assistance
Attendees who need a sighted guide or other mobility assistance to navigate the Annual Meeting should email information@annual-meetings.org by November 11.
Volunteer to Assist Your Colleagues
Are you able to devote a few hours of your time at the annual meeting to assist a colleague? Please contact information@annual-meetings.org if you are able to serve as a sighted guide or to provide mobility assistance during a portion of the meeting.
Employment Center Accessibility
AAR and SBL is committed to maximizing accessibility for employers and job seekers who are making use of the Employment Center. AAR and SBL can arrange for a quiet booth, to minimize noise or distraction from adjacent booths, or may be able to arrange for a private interview room if space is available. If you need a quiet room or have other accessibility needs, please contact careers@aarsbl.org as soon as possible so that we can adequately accommodate you.
