Transcending Boundaries is can be a loud, exciting and busy experience. People from all over the country are convening on the Mass Mutual Center for a weekend of education, fun and community organizing around a multitude of issues and identities. While this is absolutely fabulous, it does mean that attendees need to take gentle care of themselves to avoid stress and have a truly pleasant experience.  TBC has set up one (1) quiet zone, located on the 2nd floor at the landing. This space is for decompression, relaxation and stress management. At times, a TBC volunteer will be available to offer support and a listening ear should an attendee need support.

Transcending Boundaries conference materials are available in alternative format. The PDF and HTML version of the Conference packet will be available on the website prior to the Conference, about a week in advance of the Conference date. Braille and large print packets are available if you contact TBC by no later than October 15, 2012. Email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  to request a Braille or large print packet.

For the convenience of speech-readers, we set aside blue stripe seats front and center in every workshop room. Workshop participants use microphones in the larger workshop rooms. Contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  for any other accommodations.

Transcending Boundaries Conference is a chemical-free, scent-free conference. This means that the conference requests that all participants refrain from wearing perfume, cologne and other fragrances, and use unscented personal care products in order to promote a fragrance-free environment. Chemical-free fragrance-free hand soap will be available in all MMC bathrooms. For more information on chemical-free fragrance-free preparations, please see Peggy Munson’s blog here or the Think Before You Stink blog here.

Each of the conference workshop rooms is outfitted with blue painters tape marking space for wheelchair users to efficiently access and use the space. Additionally, chairs placed on blue lined space are intended for those with visual or hearing needs.  A tactile map of the MMC will be available at the registration table.

One of the greatest ways to make Transcending Boundaries accessible to people with disabilities is to educate ourselves, regardless of disability status on how to be allies to people with disabilities. When in doubt, remember that ‘person first’ is the best way to go. Disability is only part of a person’s life and story, and getting to know them rather than focus on their disability/ies goes a long way to being an ally.

 

• Don’t ask intrusive questions, however well-intentioned. Questions about medical conditions and personal health can be irritating, exhausting and demeaning.

• Don't assume people with disabilities want or need fixing.

• Offer help--don't assume it's needed. Most of us are taught to "help the handicapped" but not "does this person want and/or need help?" If you think someone needs assistance, just ask. If they say yes, don't make assumptions; instead listen to the details of what the person with disabilities wants. If they say "no thanks" don't be offended. What might look overly complicated or inefficient can be what that person with a disability finds works best.

• Ignore service dogs while they’re working. Do not pet, feed, or interact with them. If you would like to interact with a service dog, please ask the handler first. Respect a no answer! There are lots of reasons a person may not wish for you to interact with their service dog.

• Respect the blue lined space marking accessible locales for people with visual, hearing or mobility needs.