Convention Accessibility

Accommodations for Attendees

To assist attendees with disabilities, we offer the following accommodations:

• Sign language interpretation
• Sighted guides
• Wheelchair rentals
• Accessible seating
• Ramps and elevators
• Quiet areas

Attendees are encouraged to communicate any specific needs when registering, making hotel reservations or arranging participation in program sessions and events. NCA cannot guarantee accommodation for requests made after September 30. NCA staff will follow-up after this date to confirm receipt and to coordinate arrangements.

Venue Accessibility

All hotels have accessible lobbies. Thresholds and doormats comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, and door-service personnel are available at both properties. Lobbies have marble floors and/or low-pile area carpeting. All hotels have accessible registration desks or provide clipboards to guests to complete registration documentation. Elevators connect all levels of each hotel. Each elevator has a wheelchair-accessible keypad, Braille numerals beside each control button, and audible direction. Restrooms in lobbies and on meeting room floors are wheelchair accessible and have tactile signage.

If you require an accessible guest room, please follow the instructions provided on the Hotel and Travel Information webpage.

New Orleans Marriott

• Entrances: Accessible via a small elevator lift at the main entrance on Canal Street; the parking lot entrance on Chartres Street is also accessible.
• Parking: Valet-only parking is available at the Chartres Street entrance.
• Guest Rooms: 34 accessible rooms, including six with roll-in showers.
• Restaurants: All on-site dining options, including 5 Fifty 5, 55 Fahrenheit, Canal Street Burger Bar, and Canal Street Pantry, are accessible.

View Floorplan               View Virtual Tour            Safety & Emergency Procedures

Sheraton New Orleans

• Entrances: The Canal Street entrance has stairs with no ramp; wheelchair users should use the main valet entrance at Camp and Canal Streets.
• Parking: Accessible parking spaces available; enter on Camp Street.
• Guest Rooms: 84 accessible rooms, with options for roll-in showers or tubs.
• Restaurants: Accessible dining options include Roux Bistro, Starbucks, and Pelican Bar.

View Floorplan               View Virtual Tour            Safety & Emergency Procedures

Local Resources and Accessible Public Transportation

For wheelchair rentals, Visit New Orleans recommends Mr. Wheelchair and Mobility City of Greater New Orleans, which provides free delivery to hotels.

Additional local resources, including ground transportation and DSP services, can be found on the Visit New Orleans and our Hotel and Travel Information webpages.

A wheelchair/scooter charging station is available in front of the exhibit hall at the Marriott and in the Evergreen Room (4th floor) at the Sheraton.

RENTAL SERVICES

Total Access Mobility Services

Address: 500 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone: 504.534.3366 

Website: totalaccessmobility.com

Discount Code: NCANO24

Mr. Wheelchair

Address: 1201 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121

Phone: +1.800.548.9672

Website: mrwheelchair.com

Mobility City of Greater New Orleans

Address: 3501 Severn Ave, Ste 3B/C, Metairie, LA 70002

Main: (504) 380-9031 | Direct: (504) 628-4610

Email: michele.varon@mobilitycity.com

Website: mobilitycity.com

Important: Attendees are responsible for vetting and securing the services of the above vendors. NCA does not guarantee service quality.

Accessible Presentations

Presenters are encouraged to review our guide on creating accessible presentations. Additional tips are available in the Convention Resources Library.

If you would like to confirm the location and accommodations of your presentation room or a meeting room that you plan to visit, please contact the Convention Team. Room relocations/reassignments must be requested before August 19.

Convention Program

The NCA convention schedule is available through an interactive website and mobile app, allowing attendees to customize their schedules and search for speakers. Free Wi-Fi will be provided for all attendees. The Wi-Fi network name and access key will be posted on signage throughout the venue and also available at the Registration counter and Information Center.

To get support with the Convention program or app, visit the App Support Desk in the exhibit hall. A staff member or volunteer will help you with any questions.

Supportive Accessibility Measures

• Large-Print Schedule: Available upon request at the NCA Registration and Information Desks.
• Assistive Listening Devices: Available for General Sessions (Opening Session, Carroll C. Arnold Distinguished Lecture, and the Presidential Address and Awards Presentation) at the Registration counter.
• CART Captioning: Provided during General Sessions, with reserved seating for those needing closer access to speakers.

Additional Accessibility Options

• Quiet Room: Available during convention hours on Thursday - Sunday at both hotels, offering a calm space away from noise and stimuli.
• Loud Noise: Some events at the convention will include music, amplified audio or other loud noise. If you have sound sensitivity, you are encouraged to bring noise-cancelling earmuffs with you.
• Evacuation Assistance: Clearly marked areas of evacuation assistance will be available on each floor. If you need assistance locating this area, please contact an NCA staff member or hotel employee. In the event of a hotel evacuation during convention meeting hours, staff will check this area for attendees who require assistance. In the event of a hotel evacuation outside of convention hours, attendees who require assistance are instructed to remain in their guest rooms. Attendees requiring assistance should indicate this upon check-in.

Health and Safety Considerations

• COVID-19: Face masks are optional; please respect individual choices regarding mask-wearing.
• No Flash Photography: To accommodate attendees with photosensitive epilepsy, flash photography and strobe effects are prohibited. Also, some rapid audio beats can have a similar effect, so if in doubt, do not include such media in presentations.
• Fragrance-Free Spaces: The Disability Issues Caucuses designated room space at the convention venue will be fragrance free. For the health and safety of facilitators and participants, it is important that everyone come fragrance-free to Preservation Hall Studio 2 in the New Orleans Marriott.

Feedback and Communication

We welcome your feedback and encourage attendees to communicate their accessibility needs in advance. Please indicate any requirements for hearing, visual, or mobility accommodations when registering, no later than September 30.

The culture of the NCAs Convention is everyone’s responsibility

The NCA Convention thrives on a culture of support and inclusivity. We encourage all attendees to assist those in need and to seek help from NCA staff or volunteers when necessary. Together, we can create a welcoming environment for everyone.

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns about accommodations, please contact convention@natcom.org.