SSSP is committed to making our annual meeting accessible to all. The Board of Directors has approved an in-person meeting, and health and safety protocols mandated by local authorities will be enforced in alignment with SSSP’s Accessibility Statement, Liability Waiver, and Anti-Harassment Policy.

For accessibility-related questions, please contact Dr. Rahsaan H. Mahadeo, Accessibility Committee Chair, maha0134@umn.edu.

Statement on Annual Meeting Accessibility: SSSP aims to make the annual meeting an accessible and inclusive space. The Accessibility Committee strives to ensure that all facilities at the annual meeting are accessible to disabled participants to encourage and assure their full participation. In addition, SSSP upholds an Anti-Harassment Policy to create a safe and welcoming space. We offer a number of travel awards to support attendance by students, lower-income members, and international scholars from the Global South, as defined by the American Sociological Association, and other oppressed areas outside the U.S.

All SSSP Annual Meeting attendees will be required to follow any COVID-19 related protocols mandated by local authorities at the time of the meeting. SSSP strongly recommends that attendees receive COVID-19 vaccination in advance of participation and use masks while we are together in Chicago. As you navigate the meeting space, please do your best to help protect all of our colleagues. SSSP may choose to enact stricter protocols should they be warranted by public health circumstances closer to the meeting time. 

Adhering to such precautions is both a political act and a statement of solidarity. Cultivating a more just and sustainable world requires a commitment to transnational solidarity and thus an awareness that an “injury to one is an injury to all.” Similarly, COVID-19 made it terribly clear that no one is safe until everyone is safe. To this end, we ask all attendees to prioritize relationality and a praxis of care, by considering what it means to be accountable to themselves and to others during the conference.

Remote presentation options will be made available for paid meeting registrants who have a disability and people who have a medical condition for which a medical professional would advise against in-person attendance. SSSP is optimistic that all remote presentation requests can be accommodated, but depending on demand and available Wi-Fi bandwidth, remote presenters should be aware that the Wi-Fi could potentially fail to support the presentation. Therefore, registrants are asked to only request remote presentation if truly necessary to increase the chances that sufficient bandwidth will be available to those who need it. A request for remote presentation must be made by July 15, 2025. To request remote presentation, contact Michele Koontz, Administrative Officer & Meeting Manager, mkoontz3@utk.edu.

Program Accessibility Guidelines: Accessibility means proactively accounting for the diversity in our communities and planning for it, not compromising our presentation style or goals. These simple changes will enable people with disabilities to participate fully in the important conversations we have at conferences – and we all benefit from more accessible spaces.

  • Visual Materials: Presenters are responsible for ensuring the access of the materials which they share with their audience. If visual material is presented, briefly describe the pertinent aspects of what you are displaying on the screen.

If you distribute handouts, include copies in a larger (18-point) font and be prepared to share them electronically. It is a good idea to make available several print copies of the script of your presentation. You may include a disclaimer asking participants to refrain from distributing your presentation without your permission. Reasonable efforts on your part and a willingness to relay additional materials later to attendees at your session are certainly acceptable.

  • Air Quality & Service Animals: SSSP requests that all participants refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, and other fragrances for the benefit of attendees with multiple chemical sensitives. Unless you yourself use a service or therapy dog or other credentialed assistance animal, we ask that you not bring companion animals into the conference space.
  • Accessible Seating: Chairs will be removed from front row seating for mobility assistive devices. The rows next to the areas with removed chairs are reserved for anyone who needs to be closer to the front, whether for mobility, auditory, sight, sensory, or other needs. Attendees are welcome to move, sit, lay down, and stand as necessary during sessions. Please do what your body needs you to do to ensure you are able to meaningfully participate in the meeting.
  • Sign and Voice Interpreting: There may be American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter(s) present during your session. Do not block the view of the interpreter and be sure the interpreter can hear you. Speak at a moderate pace, no need to pause or slow down unnaturally. Give your attention to the person using the interpreter, not to the interpreter. To facilitate the work of interpreters and facilitators and for other logistical purposes all program participants must send a copy of their paper to the session presider and/or discussant no later than June 30.
  • Audio Equipment: Presenters with soft voices should request the use of a microphone so that their presentations will be more easily audible. If there is a microphone, please use it. Speak clearly and in a reasonable tone into the microphone.
  • Discussions: All speakers should state their names in discussions, whether speaking from the session panel or from the audience.

We appreciate your efforts in ensuring that everyone can have a great conference experience. If you need accommodations or have any questions or concerns, contact Dr. Rahsaan H. Mahadeo, Accessibility Committee Chair, maha0134@umn.edu, no later than June 30. Every reasonable effort will be made to assist attendees onsite; however, SSSP may not be able to provide all services or equipment due to availability or the time required to obtain them. The Accessibility Committee Chair will contact you about service arrangements.

Area of Rescue Assistance: An Area of Rescue Assistance will be established and clearly marked with signage on all levels of the conference space. In the event of an evacuation during meeting hours, hotel staff will check these areas for attendees who require assistance.

Comfort Zone: A Comfort Zone will be established for use by attendees, no matter where you are staying, to provide a quiet environment to relax, reflect, and re-energize. This space is not available for conversations or meetings. Please silence your devices and refrain from talking on cell phones in this area.

All-Gender Restrooms: The SSSP will designate All-Gender Restrooms in the conference hotel. These restrooms are available for use by all persons, regardless of their gender identity and will be marked with door signage. Please help make these facilities and the meeting an inclusive space for trans and gender non-conforming attendees by respecting the right of everyone to use them.

Lactation Room: The Lactation Room is a dedicated space for attendees with young children to privately care for their children’s needs. Babies, nursing or not, are welcome in sessions. This room is not available for conversations or meetings. Please silence your devices and refrain from talking on cell phones in this area.

Accessibility in Chicago: Chicago is committed to being an inclusive and accessible city. Visitors can find resources to help plan their trip, including information on transportation, attractions, diverse neighborhoods, dining, museums, sports, theatres, and more. Explore accessibility information and resources to help plan your trip.

Should a Problem Arise While in Chicago: If you experience any accessibility concerns during the conference (e.g., issues with housing, meeting sessions, travel throughout the city, or venues), please visit the Registration Desk. A team member will record your concern and advocate to resolve the issue whenever possible. Your feedback helps SSSP improve accessibility for future meetings and informs hotels and cities of areas needing improvement.