Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Conference: September 29 – October 1
Exhibits: September 29 – 30

EARLY BIRD ENDS:

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Conference Well-Being

Ensuring a welcoming and accessible experience for all participants.

Welcome to the NRPA Annual Conference

We are committed to making our event welcoming for all participants. Below, you’ll find information on the various accessibility services and resources available to ensure that everyone can fully participate in the conference experience.

Have Questions or Concerns?

Please visit the Hospitality and Accessibility Kiosk in the registration area, Level One in the West Concourse. The Hospitality Kiosk will serve as the central hub for participants to obtain information about the conference, including directions to General Sessions, Education Sessions and Well-Being Rooms. Additionally, the kiosk will facilitate the check out and return of mobility scooters and devices, ensuring a smooth and accessible experience for all participants.

Accessibility Services

  • ADA Shuttle Transportation
  • Early Seating Access: Participants who need extra time to find seating, have mobility devices, and those who need a closer view of the interpreter will have early seating access to the Opening General Session and Day 2 General Session beginning 45 minutes prior to the start time.
  • Mobility Devices: Visit the Hospitality Kiosk for easy access to mobility scooters or wheelchairs during the conference.

Communication Access

  • Sign Language Interpreter: A sign language interpreter will be available for the Opening General Session and Day 2 General Session. There will be reserved seating located in the front of the room for participants needing a closer view of the interpreter.
  • Live Captioning Services: Keynote speeches will be accompanied by live captioning services to ensure accessibility for all participants.
  • Alternative Format Materials: Copies of the schedule will be available in large print at the Hospitality Kiosk and the Member Area Booth.

Food Modifications

NRPA strives to create a safe and welcoming conference for all attendees. In order for us to better accommodate everyone, we include a question about food allergies, religious and/or dietary preferences in our registration process. The answers help guide our selected food options.

Well-Being Environment

At NRPA, we are dedicated to fostering a community environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. Here are some initiatives we have implemented to promote a welcoming environment:

  • Affinity Groups: Participants are invited to join Affinity Group Meet Ups where you can connect with others who share similar interests, backgrounds or experiences.
  • Family and All-Gender Restrooms: The onsite conference maps will assist attendees with finding Family and All-Gender Restrooms in the convention center.
  • Access for All Workshops: Don’t miss our conference sessions on accessibility for all! Use the app filters to easily discover talks on topics that help promote access for all.
  • Education Sessions: All education sessions will have chairs removed from the first three rows for participants with mobility devices or for those who would prefer extra space.

Lactation Spaces

The Pennsylvania Convention Center has two portable “Mamava” lactation suites. The lactation suite locations are near the Concierge Desk on the Convention Center’s second level between Halls A and B and a second unit is located on the street level on the Broad and Arch Concourse.

Well-Being Spaces

We encourage all attendees to take advantage of these tranquil spaces to prioritize their well-being and find moments of calm throughout the conference.

  • Meditation Room: This self-led space is available to refresh and refocus. Yoga mats provided.
  • Multi-faith Room: This is a welcoming space for attendees to practice and express religious and spiritual beliefs.
  • Quiet Room: This is a calm space for attendees to take a break from the noise, lights, and other stimuli around a busy convention center. Calming tools and adult coloring pages are available.

Request Accommodations

If you require specific accommodations or have any accessibility-related questions or concerns, please contact our Conference Team at events@nrpa.org. We are here to ensure that your conference experience is enjoyable and accessible.