Accessibility

How we’ll support accessibility at convention
Kiwanis International strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. We continually work to improve the member experience and apply accessibility options where possible. 

To ask additional questions or request accommodation, please contact Kim Stephenson at accessibility@kiwanis.org. You can also call +1-317-875-8755 or +1-800-549-2647. Please allow at least four (4) weeks of advance notice to help us respond to any accommodation request. We will attempt to accommodate late requests but cannot guarantee they will be met. 

Kiwanis International includes the following accessibility options: 

• Accessibility and requirements of The Americans with Disabilities Act are considerations when we contract with convention centers, hotels and restaurants for official Kiwanis International events, whether in North America or elsewhere. We cannot guarantee those requirements will be met at hotels outside of our designated room blocks. 

• Inform your hotel of any accessibility accommodation needs when making reservations and confirm them ahead of arrival. 

• Reserve your hotel room early to ensure accessible rooms are available. 

• If there is a problem, reach out to the hotel first. 

• Events in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center are fully accessible in accordance with The Americans with Disabilities Act.  

• The David L. Lawrence Convention Center has complimentary nonmotorized wheelchairs available for guests to use while on-site. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are located at the East Lobby security desk, West Lobby security desk, and the Spirit of Pittsburgh Ballroom security desk. These wheelchairs are not permitted to leave the property.  

• To secure a rental scooter, electric wheelchair or nonmotorized wheelchair for use throughout Pittsburgh, contact Mobility Plus: 

mobilityplus.com/pittsburgh/rent 

pittsburgh@mobilityplus.com 

+1-412-426-9144 

Please call as early as possible to secure your equipment. Scooters must be delivered and picked up on the contracted dates. In some cases, the vendor will deliver the equipment directly to the member’s hotel upon request. The David L. Lawrence Convention Center, corresponding hotels and Kiwanis International are not responsible for providing, holding or returning rental wheelchairs or scooters. 

• Kiwanis International allows a mobility aide or assistant accompanying a member to register at the guest rate, which includes meals and special events included in regular registration. (Note: This does not apply to any member serving as an aide or assistant who is also a voting delegate. In that case, the full registration must be paid.) 

• Kiwanis International will provide a non-English language or American Sign Language interpreter when there are 50 or more members attending convention who need the service to participate. The deadline for determining this service is 45 days prior to the start of convention. 

• Kiwanis International has requested that all presenters (staff, external volunteers and paid talent) turn on auto captioning for slide decks or provide captions in recorded video. 

• Kiwanis International requests that supporting material for education sessions (such as handouts) be available electronically by the start of the convention. If that is not possible, the materials should be available electronically within seven (7) days after the event ends. Some presenters may provide hard copy English language materials onsite. 

• Dietary restrictions (including food allergies) are requested on the registration form, and reasonable accommodations are made for meals included in regular registration. 

• Kiwanis International and the event venue do not make power outlets available in the exhibit hall, ballroom, auditorium or other event spaces. Please ask about available power outlets if you have an accessibility need onsite during the convention. If you are not familiar with the convention location’s power sources and plugins, please ask about voltage requirements before using the power outlets. 

• Kiwanis International has created best practice guidelines to help members, leaders, volunteers, vendors and staff host accessible meetings and events and inclusive presentations. Those guidelines are available online as PDFs at kiwanis.org/diversity.
   

Limitations and alternatives
Despite our best efforts to ensure accessibility at the Kiwanis International convention, there may be some limitations. Known limitations are: 

• Communication Access in Real Time captioning service and/or closed-captioned videos are not available. 

• Assistive listening devices are not provided, but you may bring your own. 

• Alternative formats (large print, Braille) of printed materials are not available. We recommend accessing electronic versions of the materials and using a screen reader. 

Contact us
We welcome your comments and questions. Contacts us via any of these options: 

Phone: +1-317-875-8755 or +1-800-549-2647
Email: accessibility@kiwanis.org
Postal address: 3636 Woodview Trace, Indianapolis, IN 46268 U.S.