Accessibility
ALA works to make sure that your experience will be a pleasant and accessible one!
Below are the features in place to support and encourage a welcoming environment for all at the ALA Annual Conference. In order to give us time to make appropriate arrangements for your visit, please submit your requests before May 29, 2026.
Accessibility questions should be emailed to [email protected].
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We caption our main sessions, (e.g., Opening, Closing, President’s Program, Council Meetings, and other sessions, as requested by organizers).
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Our shuttle bus company offers accessible buses. Instructions on how to obtain your ride are available in each hotel and in the convention center.
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Service animals of all kinds are welcome throughout the conference.
- We provide accessible sleeping rooms in our hotel block. Rooms for the deaf, blind, and attendees in wheelchairs will be made available. Just check the box on your housing form and an onPeak representative will contact you to make sure you are placed in an appropriate room.
Mobility Assistance
Based upon availability in each city, ALA maintains a limited number of wheelchairs and scooters on a first-come / first-serve basis for attendees who require mobility assistance. ALA offers complimentary scooters to be used during regular session hours in the Convention Center.
Scooter pick up and drop off will be located in the McCormick Place Convention Center. Please see the attendant for assistance. You will be asked to sign out and return the scooters daily with the attendant. Any scooters returned past the closing time noted will be subject to a $25 fee.
If you would like to reserve a scooter prior to the show, please request one during registration. Reservation requests cannot be taken after this deadline. However, additional scooters may be available onsite for use during the conference based on availability.
Scooter hours coming soon.
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters
Conference Services coordinates interpreting services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. To use the service, interpreter requests should be made prior to conference attendance while registering.
An interpreter will also be on-call in the Conference Services Office in the Convention Center, Thursday through Monday. Services are available on a first-come / first-served basis.
Mothers Room
There will be a private and comfortable space allocated to nursing mothers in the Convention Center.
McCormick Place Chicago - Convention Center
McCormick Place Chicago strives to create the best possible experience for every guest, every time. Should you or someone from your organization require assistance while attending an event at McCormick Place, the following amenities may assist your team during their visit.