Accessibility Information for 2025 Annual Meeting in Boston, MA
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 2025 Annual Meetings at information@annual-meetings.org if you have any questions.
The Hynes Convention Center has provided information regarding ADA services within the facility here.
Most AAR and SBL sessions will be held in five locations—the Hynes Convention Center (mostly), Sheraton Boston, Marriott Copley Plaza, Westin Copley Place.
Approximate Distances from the Hynes Convention Center to:
- Colonnade Hotel - .03 miles - 7 minute walk
- Courtyard Downtown - .1.2 miles - 30 minute walk
- Doubletree Downtown - .1.3 miles - 30 minute walk
- Fairmont Copley Plaza - 0.4 miles - 10 minute walk
- Hilton Back Bay - .0.1 miles - 3 minute walk
- Hotel AKA Back Bay– 0.7 miles - 17 minute walk
- Hotel Commonwealth - .0.6 miles - 15 minute walk
- Hyatt Regency Boston – 1.3 miles - 30 minute walk
- Lenox Hotel – .0.2 miles - 5 minute walk
- Marriott Copley Plaza – 0.4 miles - 8 minute walk (accessible via indoor walkway)
- Omni Parker House - 1.5 miles - 33 minute walk
- Park Plaza Hotel - 0.9 miles - 20 minute walk
- Revere Hotel - 1.0 miles - 22 minute walk
- Sheraton Boston Hotel - 0.1 miles - 3 minute walk (accessible via indoor walkway)
- Westin Copley Place - 0.4 miles - 10 minute walk (accessible via indoor walkway)
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 2025 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 22-25. Reimbursements should be directed to information@annual-meetings.org
Onsite Accessibility Issues
Should you encounter an accessibility issue at the Annual Meetings 2025, please notify staff at the AAR & SBL Registration Desk located at the Hynes Convention Center, 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 2025 at information@annual-meetings.org no later than September 1 to ensure that AAR &SBL have sufficient time to evaluate and approve since interpreters services are limited.
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 2025 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 2025 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 2025.
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
