The Library Publishing Coalition is committed to providing an inclusive environment at the Library Publishing Forum, and we will do our best to accommodate requests for assistance. This page describes the accessibility features of the Forum venue to help you make an informed decision about whether the Forum will be accessible for you. Please contact us if your question is not answered here or if the arrangements, as described, are not enough to allow you to attend. We will work with you to the best of our ability to make the Forum accessible.
How do I communicate accessibility needs to Library Publishing Forum organizers?
If you are ready to register for the Forum, please note on the registration form where it states, “Please indicate any accommodations you require to participate fully in the Forum.” Please let us know how we can make the Forum accessible to you.
If you aren’t yet ready to register, or are determining whether attendance is feasible for you, please email us at contact@librarypublishing.org. The earlier we know what kind of support you need to attend, the more likely it is that we will be able to provide it. Please reach out as soon as possible!
Who do I ask if my question is not answered here?
Email contact@librarypublishing.org with questions and accommodation requests.
Will sign language interpretation or captioning be available? What about an induction loop in the meeting rooms?
As a small conference (around 200 people), we do not routinely provide sign language interpretation and other accommodations for hearing impairments. However, we may be able to do so with enough notice! Please reach out to us as early as possible and let us know how we can support your attendance.
Will there be a dedicated lactation space?
Yes! UMASS Medical School has several private lactation spaces. Please let us know if you will require access to these rooms and we will make sure they are available to you.
Will there be a prayer/meditation space available?
Yes! UMASS Medical School’s campus is in close quarters with the UMASS Memorial Health Care facility, and a short walk away from Forum proceedings is a dedicated worship space that has prayer rugs available.
Where can I find information about getting around in Worcester?
Worcester offers assisted public transportation via their PARATRANSIT program. If you plan on taking public transportation while you are in Worcester, please contact them to set up a trip.
What are the taxi and public transport options for getting to the Forum venue?
Locally, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority‘s #24 bus (Belmont Street/Lake Avenue) provides service to the UMass Medical School Campus. Please call the WRTA at 508-791-9782 for the route and schedule.
Additionally, both Red Cab (508-792-9999) and Yellow Cab (508-754-3211) provide taxi services, and Uber and Lyft are available.
More information about Worcester is available at http://www.worcesterma.gov/getting-around-the-city.
Is there accessible parking nearby?
Accessible parking for visitors to UMass Medical School is most convenient in the South Road Garage (campus maps). Valet parking is also available from the entrance to the Remillard Family Pavilion (main hospital entrance).
- Rates: Six hours (6) or more: $8.00
- For more parking information, see https://www.umassmed.edu/parking/.
Who can I ask about accessibility in Worcester?
Please go to the City of Worcester’s Disability Services web page, http://www.worcesterma.gov/disabilities
University of Massachusetts Medical School contact: TBD
Can a volunteer assist me during the Forum?
Yes! We would be happy to match you up with a volunteer. As with other accommodations, the more advance notice we have, the better.
Are the entrances accessible for those with limited mobility?
All entrances to the UMASS Medical School Facilities are on the ground floor and have accessible door widths and automatic-opening capabilities. There are plenty of accessible elevators within the buildings to provide access to Forum proceedings on other floors of the Albert Sherman Center, where most of the Forum proceedings will take place.
What is the Forum space like? Will it be accessible by wheelchair or power scooter?
The majority of the LPC Forum will be held in the recently renovated Albert Sherman Center. This building has brightly lit and wide hallways, accessible entrances, and plenty of elevators. The space where meals will be held will be arranged to allow plenty of room for people using wheelchairs to navigate.
What are the restroom facilities like?
**There are accessible bathrooms located on every floor. Currently there are no designated gender-neutral bathrooms, but we are working with our facilities to provide them for the Forum. Progress on this front has been slow due to code restrictions within our university system.
What are the arrangements for presenters with accessibility needs?
We are happy to support our presenters who have accessibility needs. Please reach out to us as early as possible and let us know how we can support your participation and attendance.
Can I bring my guide dog?
All registered service animals are welcome anywhere on the UMASS Medical School and UMASS Memorial Health Care campus. Currently, emotional support animals need to go through an additional vetting process before being welcomed on campus. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Can I attend the Forum virtually?
We are planning to livestream many sessions via Twitter. Check back from more information about virtual participation.
How much walking or standing will be needed?
All Library Publishing Forum events will include ample seating, and elevators are readily available for transportation to other levels of the Albert Sherman Center, where the Forum will be hosted.
Will speakers and audience members be using a microphone?
Except in very small rooms (under 20 people), we will have microphones for presenters and audience members, and will encourage everyone to use them.
What food service will be provided? Can the Forum accommodate special dietary needs?
We will provide breakfast and lunch each day and heavy hors d’oeuvres at the reception. We always have lots of vegetarian options and regularly provide vegan and gluten-free meals for attendees who request them. We may be able to accommodate other dietary restrictions as well, but please let us know your needs as soon as possible.
There is also a Cafeteria on site, on the first level of the Albert Sherman Center. It is located directly across from where our dining area will be. They are open 7am-10am for breakfast, 11am-2pm for lunch and regularly offer gluten-free and Halal options. There is also a café that serves Starbucks products open 7am-4pm in the same location.
Will the Forum be a smoke-free environment?
Smoking is not permitted on the UMASS Campus or within buildings. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment, however.
What if I have a medical emergency or health problem during the Forum?
We are fortunate to be located mere buildings away from UMass Memorial Health Care hospital. Should you be involved in an incident where you or someone else require emergency assistance or medical attention, calling 911 will bring our emergency services to you.
FAQs based on: http://www.sigaccess.org/welcome-to-sigaccess/resources/creating-a-conference-accessibility-faq-page/