Conference Accessibility

For attendees with disabilities, here is accessibility information about programming and the Conference venue: 

Physical access needs:

o   The Portland light rail system (MAX) has ramps available and is wheelchair accessible.

§  Note- the Portland light rail system Red Line (between the PDX airport and the Gateway Transit Center) is undergoing maintenance and will not be available during the time of the conference. There will be a bus shuttle running between the airport and a nearby light rail station with Red and Blue lines. Here is the pertinent accessibility information from the TriMet/MAX website:

·         "All buses, trains, transit centers and stations are fully accessible to people using mobility devices."

·        "Buses are equipped with either a boarding ramp or a power lift. And about half of our buses are low-floor buses that can “kneel,” lowering the first step closer to the curb for easier boarding. Just ask the operator."

·        "The power lifts on buses can hold mobility devices up to 30 inches wide and 48 inches long, weighing up to 800 pounds when occupied."

More information about the bus bypass during the construction project is available on the MAX website.

o   Portland has several options for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV). Uber and Lyft have a ‘WAV’ option to book rides in those apps, and on-demand rides for WAVs can be requested through the Portland WAV program by calling 503-865-4928. To pre-schedule a ride with a taxi, contact either Radio Cab, Broadway Cab or Flat Cab.

§  For any questions about the Portland WAV program, email PDXWAV@PortlandOregon.gov or call 503-823-7483.

o   Portland buses are equipped with accessibility features, including a boarding ramp or power lift. (See more information in Portland bus accessibility website.)

Blind/Low vision access needs:

  •  Aira (Live, on demand, visual interpreting service via phone app) will be available at the Conference venue. To use it, download the Aira app on your smartphone, enter your mobile number, and select the ‘continue’ button. Aira will text you a temporary, 4-digit code to verify your mobile number.  

Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Language access needs:

  • Sign Language interpreters have been scheduled for all sessions where that service was requested. If you would like to ask about sign language interpreters for other conference activities, please ask at the main registration desk.
  •  CART Captioning will be automatically made available for all conference sessions on large screen monitors in each room. There is no need to schedule in advance.
  • Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) will be available at the registration desk. To borrow one at no cost, please inquire at the registration desk.

Sensory access needs:

  • A quiet room (Room A108) will be available for AHEAD Conference attendees with low lighting, reduced noise, and comfortable seating. Conversations in this room are not permitted. 

Other access needs:

  • Attendees are welcome to use their own transcription and notetaking devices, if desired. For example, Glean is available for all AHEAD attendees, free for 30 days. Just click the glean.co/ahead link, click ‘Get started’, create your account, and watch the introduction video.
  • ADA compatible nursing/pumping suites are available in the Oregon Convention Center. These private and secure suites are located near the A and E Meeting Rooms on Level 1.
  • There is a large grassy area outside of the Convention Center reception area for service animals to relieve themselves. Each of AHEAD's four hotels also has designated animal relief areas.  Please inquire at the hotel front desk for specific information.
  • All dietary accommodation requests have been communicated to the chefs to ensure there are options for everyone. 
  • Accessible eText versions of session handouts and/or slides will be made available on the AHEAD Conference website (see “Program Materials” and “Session Handouts” in right hand menu) and Conference App.
  • For anyone with scent sensitivities, all attendees are asked to refrain from the use of scented personal care products. 

Individuals who have already requested other accommodations have been contacted by the AHEAD team. 

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please ask any AHEAD staff member at the Conference, or contact profdev@ahead.org.