SSSP is committed to making the Annual Meeting accessible to all. Special services arranged in advance can be verified with Michele Koontz, Administrative Officer & Meeting Manager, upon arrival to ensure that you receive the assistance you require. Please see Michele if you encounter any problems or need further assistance. 

The SSSP has established an Accessibility Services Fund in order for members to be able to contribute directly to making the annual meeting accessibility services more affordable for attendees with disabilities. You can make a donation when you register for the annual meeting or join/renew your membership.

Air Quality – Smoking – Service Animals

SSSP requests that all participants refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, and other fragrances for the benefit of attendees with multiple chemical sensitivities. Smoking is not allowed in the meeting space or restaurants. Unless you yourself use a service or therapy dog or other credentialed assistance animal, we ask that you not bring companion animals to the book exhibit or areas where members are presenting. 

Area of Rescue Assistance

An Area of Rescue Assistance will be established and clearly marked with signage on the Mezzanine Level. In the event of an evacuation during meeting hours, facility staff will check these areas for attendees who require assistance.

Comfort Zone

The Comfort Zone provides a quiet environment for you to relax, reflect, and re-energize. This space is available to ALL conference attendees, no matter where you are staying. Please silence your devices and refrain from talking on cell phones in this area. Please feel free to bring your morning coffee or afternoon snack and relax, unwind, or get organized for the rest of your day. This space should not be used for committee meetings.

The Comfort Zone is located in Salon 7 (Mezzanine Level) and available during the following hours:

All Gender Restrooms

The All Gender Restrooms are located on the Mezzanine Level. These restroom facilities are available for use by all persons, regardless of their gender identity. The All Gender Restrooms will be marked with door signage. Please help make these facilities and the meeting an inclusive space for transgender and gender non-conforming attendees by respecting the right of everyone to use them.

Lactation Room 

The Lactation Room is designated for use by attendees requiring a private space for nursing needs. This room is not available for conversations or meetings. Please silence your devices and refrain from talking on cell phones in this area. The Lactation Room is located in the Salon 9 (Mezzanine Level) and is available during the following hours:

Sessions

SSSP strives to make its annual meeting as accessible as possible. Each presentation or session should be designed and conducted with the full participation of all in mind. Therefore, the Accessibility Committee requests that all presenters review the guidelines for accessible presentations and take the necessary steps to maximize programming access to all participants.

Accessibility Information

Philadelphia proudly offers visitors the ability to explore the city with a sense of independence. With accessible hotels, historic sites, restaurants, museums and services available, travelers of all abilities can be confident that they have choices in the City of Brotherly Love. View the Accessible Philadelphia guide which include information on using SEPTA.

If you have any problem or negative experience related to accessibility, including issues with housing, meeting sessions, travel throughout the city, restaurants, or any other accessibility related issue, please report the issue to SSSP staff at the registration desk. A team member will record the concern and will be your advocate in working to resolve the issue whenever possible. By informing us of any concerns that arise we can work toward making the SSSP Annual Meeting more welcoming and make the cities and hotels where SSSP meetings occur aware of issues.

If a need arises on-site, we encourage you to stop by the SSSP registration desk for assistance. SSSP is committed to making the annual meeting accessible to all. For more information on Accessibility Guidelines for program participants, presenters, and session organizers, visit https://www.sssp1.org/index.cfm/m/931/Accessibility_Guidelines_and_Services/.