This year, our National Convention will be held from August 2nd-4th at the Westin Peachtree Plaza (hotel & conference center), in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The Westin Peachtree is one of only two union hotels in a city decimated by AirBnB. The hotel workers are members of Unite HERE, Local 23. Y’allidarity!
We incorporated the feedback we received from members after the 2017 Convention to help guide the changes for the 2019 convention. This year we have hundreds more delegates, yet the venue will be accessible beyond ADA compliance. You can find a map from the MARTA train here, with the wheelchair accessible entrance shown.
We will have four floors of the hotel, so all sessions are very close to each other in the same building. This is better for delegate access, and also easier to monitor for security, another important concern.
To help make our convention accessible to all DSAers, we ask everyone to use ASL applause rather than clapping. This helps DSAers who are sensitive to noise. You can find a video of ASL applause here.
Some delegates are sensitive to fragrances. Please limit your use of fragrances/scents while at the convention.
We have designed a Quiet Room for folks that need to get away from the sensory overload of the rest of the convention sessions. These are not social spaces. They are there for members that need a quiet and calm place.
Child watch is available for parents and guardians who requested this when they registered. While parents are welcome to breastfeed/chestfeed throughout the convention area, a Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Room will be available for comrades who want a quiet, private space to feed their child or pump.
Right now we’re setting up livestreaming for the convention. This will allow alternates to access debates and members to follow the convention from home.
If you have accessibility questions while on-site, you can email [email protected] or talk to Elizabeth Yoo at the Info Table.