Accessibility Information for 2023 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX
AAR & SBL members with disabilities or any attendees who may have difficulty getting around the meeting are encouraged to note this on your registration form, as well as on the housing section of registration, if applicable. AAR & SBL will make every reasonable attempt to provide accommodations and assistance, whether by arranging services such as sign language interpreters, assigning accessible hotel rooms, or through the AAR & SBL’s taxi reimbursement policy. Please contact the 2023 Annual Meetings at information@annual-meetings.org if you have any questions.
Accessibility in Downtown San Antonio
The city of San Antonio through the Disability and Access Office, Transportation and Capital Improvements, has been actively working to make the Downtown area and the River Walk accessible and usable to all people. Click here for River Walk maps that show ramps, elevators and paths. Information regarding Audible pedestrian signals in Downtown San Antonio, along with a map of their location can be found here.
Accessibility at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center has provided information regarding ADA services within the facility here.
Access to and between the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and Main Hotels
Most AAR and SBL sessions will be held in five locations—the Henry B. González Convention Center (mostly), Grand Hyatt, Marriott Rivercenter, Marriott Riverwalk, Hilton Palacio Del Rio, and Hyatt Regency. The Grand Hyatt is adjacent to the convention center. The Marriott Riverwalk is across the street, and the Hilton is across the street on the far side.
Approximate Distances from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center to:
* Grand Hyatt San Antonio - adjacent
* Hyatt Regency Riverwalk – 0.7 miles
* Hilton Palacio del Rio – across the street
* La Quinta Convention Center – 0.3 miles
* San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter – 0.2 miles
* San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk – across the street
* Westin Riverwalk – 0.8 miles
Taxi Reimbursement
AAR & SBL will reimburse attendees with disabilities for the cost of a taxi or ride-share service to travel between official Annual Meetings 2023 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, and only from November 18-21. Reimbursements should be directed to information@annual-meetings.org
Wheelchair or Electric Scooter Rental
Attendees who wish to rent a wheelchair or electric scooter for use during the Annual Meetings 2023 are encouraged to contact the following provider to arrange for service:
They are offering a 10% discount for AAR and SBL attendees, as well as free delivery to the convention center or hotel in
our room block. Call (210) 223-7878 or email tomswheelchair@sbcglobal.net.
Onsite Accessibility Issues
Should you encounter an accessibility issue at the Annual Meetings 2023, please notify staff at the AAR & SBL Registration Desk, or email information@annual-meetings.org.
ASL Interpreter Services
AAR & SBL provide interpreter services for attendees who request ASL interpretation in advance of the meeting. To request interpreter service, contact Annual Meetings 2023 at information@annual-meetings.org no later than September 1 to ensure that AAR & SBL have sufficient time to arrange for appropriate interpreters. If members inform AAR & SBL about their anticipated attendance at particular sessions, AAR & SBL staff will coordinate with presenters and session presiders to secure advance copies of papers for interpreters.
Materials in Alternative Format
Attendees who need materials in alternative formats should contact the presenters directly. If you need contact information, please email AAR & SBL at information@annual-meetings.org. If members inform AAR & SBL about their needs and their anticipated attendance at particular sessions, AAR & 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.
Meeting Room Accessibility
All sessions at the Annual Meetings 2023 are accessible to attendees using wheelchairs or scooters. Meeting room chairs will be arranged to ensure two open spaces for attendees using wheelchairs.
Sighted Guide or Mobility Assistance
Attendees who need a sighted guide or other mobility assistance to navigate the Annual Meetings 2023 should email information@annual-meetings.org by October 15.
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 Annual Meetings 2023.
To view more information regarding AAR & SBL committees dedicated to
people with disabilities please go to the links below.
AAR Status of People with Disabilities in the Profession (PWD)
SBL Disabilities and Accessibility Task Force
