The UUA is committed to ensuring that registered attendees at GA have access to the resources and accommodations needed to fully participate. Our mission is to support inclusion and belonging, raise awareness around accessibility, and provide equitable opportunities for full participation.

We acknowledge that different members of our community have different needs and risk tolerances. Our goal remains to balance these perspectives while ensuring that GA is accessible and inclusive. We also acknowledge that in-person attendance is not be a safe or viable option for everyone and we make significant investments in robust online participation options, ensuring that those who cannot attend in person still have the opportunity for a full and meaningful GA experience.

Accessibility consultants and volunteers are available to attendees for guidance and coordination of support during GA.

Available to Everyone

Many accessibility features, such as proper lighting, good acoustics, wide walkways, captioning, and ample break times, are essential for creating an inclusive environment for people with disabilities. However, these considerations don’t only support those with specific needs—they also enhance the experience for all participants. For instance, clear signage and well-lit spaces benefit everyone by improving safety and navigation, while captions can support attendees with varying levels of hearing ability or those who may be non-native speakers. By prioritizing accessibility, we foster an event environment that is welcoming, comfortable, and engaging for all attendees, leading to a more positive and productive experience for everyone involved.

In-Person Check-In at GA: Registration Kiosks and Identifiers

When checking in, in-person attendees will have access to the following options to ensure their comfort and privacy during the event:

• Color-Coded Stickers: Attendees can select a color-coded sticker to indicate their preferred level of physical distancing. This helps ensure that participants can engage in ways that align with their comfort level.
  • Green: Comfortable with close interactions
  • Yellow: Prefer some distance
  • Red: Prefer to maintain significant physical distance
• Red Lanyards: Attendees who do not wish to be included in event photography or videography can pick up a red lanyard at registration. (Close-up images will not be used, but individuals may still appear in large-group images.)
• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower ribbons

These options aim to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.

Captions

Captioning will be provided for all events on the GA schedule, both live and pre-recorded. While captions may be generated through live caption-writing or AI technology, please note that both methods may contain inaccuracies. We strive to make the captions as accurate as possible, and before event recordings are made available in the on-demand library, a team of volunteers carefully edits the captions for greater accuracy.

Electronic Documents

Written materials, including the Program Book and workshop handouts, are available in digital form prior to the General Assembly (GA) and are fully accessible to screen readers. In addition, desk copies of program materials can be obtained at the Accessibility Services table located in the Convention Center.

Fragrance Free Environment

In order to create an inclusive environment for all participants, we kindly ask that in-person attendees refrain from wearing any fragrances during the event. This request is made to accommodate individuals with allergies and environmental sensitivities. As part of our Event Covenant, we are committed to maintaining a fragrance-free space to ensure that everyone can fully participate and engage without health concerns. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

There will be a marked fragrance free zone in General Sessions (look for lilac seat covers) for those with extreme environmental sensitivities.

Sign Language Interpretation

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided for all General Sessions, Synergy Worship, the Service of the Living Tradition, Sunday Worship, and Featured Speakers, including the Ware Lecture. Additionally, on-demand videos of these events will be available both with and without recorded ASL interpretation. ASL interpretation for cohorts and other on-demand content will be offered at the discretion of the individual presenters.

Onsite Equipment

Equipment must be reserved by May 15.

Individuals reserving accessibility rental equipment will be asked to contribute an amount up to the actual cost of the equipment. All users of rented equipment must sign a Waiver of Liability at the time of checkout.

Available Equipment:

• Electric Scooter – $275
• Electric Wheelchair – $275
• Manual Wheelchair – $175
• Walker – $175
• Cane – Free
• Assistive Listening Device (PocketTalker) – $25
• Noise-Cancelling Headphones – $10
• Page Magnifier – Free

Reserved equipment and other materials will be available for in-person participants at the Accessibility Services table in the Convention Center during the General Assembly (GA). Volunteers will be on hand to assist with any concerns, troubleshoot potential barriers to full participation, and provide local accessibility information and other support as needed.

Support Services

We are committed to fully accessible and inclusive practices. If you experience ableism or encounter challenges where these goals are not being met, please reach out. During GA, you can access the GA Care Teams support system. At other times, contact generalassembly@uua.org to connect with GA planners.

Registrants can submit requests for individual support by emailing gaaccessibility@uua.org.

Available Services Include:

• Volunteer Outreach: Assistance via phone or Zoom to help with accessing General Assembly online.
• Convention Center Tour: For wheelchair or scooter users, and low-vision or blind attendees.

If we are unable to fulfill a specific request, we will follow up with the individual to explore alternative accommodations.

For Events Not on the GA Schedule:
If you plan to attend meet-ups or private events during GA, please make your accessibility needs known directly to the event hosts.

Commitment to Accessibility at GA Events

In planning and developing events, we uphold the principles of Universal Design, aiming to create environments that are accessible and inclusive for all participants, regardless of their age, ability, or life circumstances. We strive to ensure that every individual, including those with visible and hidden disabilities, can fully engage in the event experience.

Commitment to Accessibility

Hidden Disabilities include conditions such as traumatic brain injury, the lingering effects of chemotherapy, heart ailments, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, mental health conditions, and others that may not be immediately apparent. We recognize that these disabilities can affect participants in ways that require additional accommodations or considerations.

Best Practices for Accessibility

To support this commitment, we provide program presenters with guidelines and resources designed to foster accessibility. These include:

1. Use Plain Language: Presenters are encouraged to simplify language whenever possible to ensure clarity and understanding for all participants.
2. Provide Accessible Materials: Presenters are asked to submit any materials in advance so they can be made available in accessible formats (e.g., large print, audio, etc.) and to provide a transcript for any pre-recorded videos.
3. Verbal Descriptions: Presenters should describe visual content verbally, ensuring that individuals with visual impairments can follow along. Additionally, they are encouraged to include a brief visual description of themselves during introductions to assist participants who may have visual disabilities.
4. Legible Presentations: Presenters should avoid using small print on slides or materials that may be difficult to read from a distance.
5. Use of Microphones: Speakers should always use microphones, and repeat audience questions before responding to ensure that everyone can hear clearly, including those with hearing impairments.
6. Pacing and Clarity: Presenters should be mindful of their speaking speed, making sure to speak slowly and clearly, avoiding the overlap of speech with background music or sounds that might create distractions.
7. General Awareness: We encourage all participants to be mindful of accessibility needs throughout the event, fostering an environment of respect and inclusion.

By adhering to these practices, we aim to create an environment where all participants can engage fully, feel valued, and have equal access to the event experience.

Not Available at This Time

• Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Services: PCA services will not be available during the event. We are currently exploring potential solutions and encourage participants to make their own arrangements for personal care needs prior to the event.
• Printed materials: To minimize our environmental impact, we will not provide printed copies of the program book, workshop materials, or other resources. We are working on ensuring that all materials are available digitally in advance through the GA app, which will be screen reader accessible.
• Audio description services are not fully available yet, but we are taking steps to enhance accessibility. The following actions will be implemented:
  • Presenters are encouraged to provide a brief visual description of themselves during their introductions.
  • We are instructing presenters to verbally describe any visual materials used in their presentations.
  • For videos without verbal narration (such as video montages set to music), we will provide a transcript of any on-screen text and a written description of the visuals in advance.

Instructions for Reserving ADA Housing at GA

Those in need of accessible hotel accommodations should use the same housing reservation system as all other General Assembly (GA) attendees. Please note that reservations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. GA staff will monitor all ADA-related requests to ensure that as many individuals as possible are accommodated according to their specific needs. In previous years, we have been able to meet the vast majority of ADA requests.

To reserve an ADA room, please follow these steps:

1. Go to the Online Housing Reservation Form:
   Access the reservation form through the provided link.
2. Select Your Guest Type:
   Under the “Please select your guest type” section, choose “Attendee ADA Accessible” from the drop-down menu.
3. Complete the Reservation Form:
   Fill in all required information, such as check-in/check-out dates and personal details. Once completed, click “Find” to proceed.
4. Choose Your Hotel and Room Type:
   The system will display a list of available hotels. Select your preferred hotel, then choose the appropriate room type based on your needs (e.g., king bed, double/double, tub, or roll-in shower).
5. Confirm Your Reservation:
   Verify your room selection and dates, then click “Next.”
6. Specify Additional Requirements:
   In the “Additional Requests” section, please list any additional assistive features you may need, such as grab bars or a raised toilet seat.
7. Proceed to Payment:
   After confirming your details, click “Next” to proceed to payment and finalize your reservation.

Important Notes:

• Please only request accommodations that align with your specific needs. This helps ensure that more individuals can be accommodated.
• Resources for accessible rooms are limited, so we encourage you to make your reservation as early as possible.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us make this process as efficient as possible for everyone.

For more information contact gahousing@uua.org

Registration for Personal Aides

Personal aides who are attending solely to assist another individual may register at a special rate of $35 for full conference access. This rate applies exclusively to individuals whose presence is necessary to support a General Attendee (GA) with disabilities or limitations that would prevent them from attending without assistance. Contact generalassembly@uua.org to arrange registration for a personal aide.