ACCESSIBILITY

Staff member ready to help, raising her hand in the air, at a past AOTA INSPIRE.

Accessibility Information and Services at AOTA INSPIRE 2027

AOTA is committed to ensuring that AOTA INSPIRE 2027 | Annual Conference & Expo is a fully inclusive and accessible experience for all participants. Our goal is for every attendee—regardless of ability—to fully participate in all scheduled sessions, events, and activities. 

Navigating Boston with Accessibility Needs

Accessibility Features

All-Access Restrooms

Designated spaces at the Westin Boston Seaport and Thomas M. Menino Convention Center (MCEC). 

Family Restrooms

Family restrooms are located throughout the MCEC. During our accessibility review of the venue, we identified approximately 24 family restrooms, with a family restroom located adjacent to each public restroom bank. Attendees who use mobility devices, require caregiver assistance, or need additional space may find these facilities more accessible and comfortable than standard restrooms.

Conference staff and the Accessibility Desk can assist attendees in locating the nearest family restroom.

Green Space

There is no indoor relief area in the convention center.

Handlers may use any accessible green space directly outside the MCEC including the Lawn on D. 

Dietary Accommodations

Menus are designed with consideration for the various dietary needs of attendees.

Available options include dairy-free, gluten-free, nut allergies, vegan, vegetarian, Kosher and Halal. 

Parking

The closest accessible parking spaces are in the South Lot of the MCEC. Accessible shuttles are available from the lot to the convention center. 

Distance Markers

Convention centers are large spaces. Please plan accordingly as the distance to some sessions can take time.  Similar type sessions are grouped together to facilitate ease for attendees. Distance markers will be provided on signage.

Mobility support options are listed below.

Mothers' Lounge

Private, comfortable spaces for  parents will be located in the Westin Boston Seaport and the Thomas M. Menino Convention Center.

Prayer Room

A quiet, designated prayer room will be located within the Thomas M. Menino Convention Center.

Quiet Room

Convention centers and hotels can be overwhelming due to noise and sensory stimulation.

We recommend bringing earplugs or headphones to help manage your comfort during the event.

A deaf person is signing and catching up with a colleague.

Accessibility During Sessions

Live captioning will be provided for all general sessions.

Sign Language Interpreters or  CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) are available upon request. AOTA does not have interpreters or transcriptionists on standby. To ensure a local agency can provide interpreters or CART services, all requests must be made by March 11. 

Reserved seating is available for those with hearing or visual needs in the first row of all session rooms.

Speakers are required to use the AOTA presentation template which is designed with accessibility in mind. Presentations are reviewed in advance of the conference for adherence to guidelines.

Accessibility Requests

Attendees can identify accessibility requests during the registration process.

If you need to add or change requests after registration, contact AOTA at
conference@aota.org. Inquiries are reviewed by the Meetings and Events team and the Accessibility Chair of the Local Conference Committee. 

Once on site in Boston, please contact the Information Booth, North Lobby of the MCEC. 

Mobility Support

There are a variety of companies offering scooter and wheelchair rentals in Boston.  

Hotel Accessibility

AOTA-approved hotels are within easy walking distance of the MCEC. All have been assessed by an occupational therapist to ensure that they are in compliance with Title III of the ADA.   

The following hotels have ADA rooms:

  • Element Boston Seaport District
  • Hyatt Place Boston/Seaport District
  • Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
  • Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel
  • Westin Boston Seaport District  

For more specific information regarding each hotel, please download our Accessibility Chart here. 

Air Travel

The AOTA conference hotels are situated approximately 3 miles from the Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Please visit the airport website for additional accessibility information. 

Ground Transportation

Both Lyft and Uber service Boston-area hotels and the convention center, offering accessible ride options including ADA-compliant vehicles. 

You can find accessibility information for Boston’s public transit, MBTA, to plan your stay.

For any questions or on-site assistance, visit the Information Booth, North Lobby of the MCEC, or email conference@aota.org prior to arrival. Inquiries are reviewed by the Meetings and Events team and the Accessibility Chair of the Local Conference Committee. 

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