CSTE Meeting & Event Accessibility

CSTE is committed to a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment that enable all attendees to engage fully at CSTE meetings and events, including individuals with non-obvious disabilities and/or chronic health conditions, and people of all ages and body types. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility to participate in CSTE meetings and events, including the Annual Conference, please complete the following form:

ACCESSIBILITY REQUEST FORM

Accommodation requests may include, but are not limited to:

Accessible sleeping room when booked through the group block
Assistive Listening Devices for in-person attendees
Reserved seating for in-person sessions
Live captioned videos through Zoom technology for virtual attendees
Wheelchair access in facility and throughout meeting rooms
Dedicated lactation room at the CSTE Annual Conference and National Office
Dedicated non-denominational room at the CSTE Annual Conference and National Office
Dietary consideration of restrictions for small group meetings where meals are provided and gluten-free and vegetarian options at the CSTE Annual Conference for optional breaks
Advance copy of the slides available on meeting platform if provided by the presenting author at the CSTE Annual Conference
Service animal access for in-person events
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for in-person events
Single-Use restroom in the main meeting venue

This is not an all-inclusive list and individuals whether already registered or considering attending a CSTE meeting or event should request through the above link or contact the National Office at [email protected] or (770) 458-3811 to discuss individual needs. All meeting and hotel facilities are wheelchair accessible as a required ADA.

As a standard practice at the CSTE Annual Conference, a lactation and non-denominational rooms are provided in the main meeting venue. Location information can be found in the conference app and online agenda, once available, in the weeks before the Annual Conference.

Accessibility at the CSTE Annual Conference

Grand Rapids, MI | DeVos Place

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking is available in the DeVos Place parking ramp located below DeVos Place with entrances on Michigan Street and Lyon Street. Parking lots and ramps surrounding DeVos Place also offer accessible parking. Please refer to the City of Grand Rapids Parking Guide for parking locations or contact The City of Grand Rapids Parking Services at 616-456-3290. To gain access to accessible parking, proper vehicle registration is required as well as a current disabled placard with a matching identification card.

Building Access

The convention center is equipped with automatic doors for easy access. Concession stands, counters and drinking fountains are at a convenient height for everyone.

Elevators & Escalators

Elevators are located in the east end of the Grand Gallery lobby, next to the Box Office in addition to the west end of the Grand Gallery lobby. An additional elevator is located near Ballroom A on the main floor / Chase Board Room on the top level.

There are two sets of escalators within the Grand Gallery located on the east and west ends.

Emergency Evacuation Plan

DeVos Place personnel have been properly trained in emergency evacuation procedures to ensure the safe evacuation of all patrons, including those guests with ADA requirements, in the case of an emergency. Please pay careful attention to the personnel instructions should an evacuation situation arise.

First Aid

Certified personnel from AMR are on site for every event. If you are in need of attention from AMR, please notify the nearest building staff member.

Service Animals

Trained guide dogs, signal dogs, or service animals assisting guests with disabilities are permitted inside DeVos Place. Please identify such animals to security or any DeVos Place employee who requests. The ADA Facilitator can be contacted at 616-742-6600. Requests for aid and service should be made at least (2) weeks prior to event. The ADA Facilitator may be unable to fill a request if made less than (2) weeks in advance.

Transportation

DeVos Place is accessible by The Rapid public bus service and the DASH public bus. For more information about bus routes, please visit ridetherapid.org.

Wheelchair Availability

Wheelchairs are kept in the First Aid office for emergency use only. AMR or Security will operate wheelchairs in the case of an emergency. DeVos Place will have a limited number of wheelchairs on site at all times for guests to use as needed, based on availability. The DeVos Place security office will handle the distribution of all wheelchairs in conjunction with AMR and the Event Services staff. All users will be required to sign a wheelchair release form at time of check out.

Lactation Room

Dedicated lactation rooms are located on the Street Level and Overlook Level on the west side of the facility.

For additional questions or information, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 616-742-6600.