SIOP is striving for a more inclusive annual conference by providing the following offerings:

SIOP Family Care Grant

The SIOP Family Care Grant will provide $500 awards for up to 20 members who require caregiving support to facilitate their attendance in Seattle.
Additional details provided here: https://0-www-siop-org.library.alliant.edu/Foundation/Awards/Conference-Awards

Ramadan

We recognize that this year’s conference takes place during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. If you are attending the conference in-person and would like access to our onsite resources for those observing this holiday (e.g., provision of Suhoor boxes, dedicated prayer room, etc.), please opt-in when registering for the conference and we will follow up with you directly to discuss option.

Dietary

SIOP strives to provide food and beverages that align with the needs and preferences of our attendees. We cannot guarantee that every conference-related event you attend will meet your specific needs, but please indicate your dietary restrictions when prompted during the registration process to aid in our planning.

The Hynes Convention Center is connected to the Prudential Center that features many restaurant options. SIOP volunteers have generously given their time to prepare this resource providing details about allergen-friendly menus and other dietary concerns.

Inclusive Food Options

Accessibility

SIOP invites registrants with specific health needs or disabilities to request reasonable accommodations for the conference when registering for the conference and we will follow up with you directly to discuss your needs for the in-person and/or virtual formats.

All presenters are strongly encouraged to adhere to the Presenter ToolKit that provides recommendations for preparing a successful and inclusive contribution to the conference. In addition, wherever possible, captioning and/or ASL interpreters will be provided (i.e., Opening Plenary).

The RIDE paratransit service provides door-to-door, shared-ride public transportation to people who can’t use the subway, bus, or trolley all or some of the time due to temporary or permanent disability.  Get details here: https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride 

Several companies in Boston provide scooter and wheelchair rentals. Online booking is available through Scootaround at https://scootaround.com/en and for Creative Mobility Group at https://www.creativemobilitygroup.com/wheelchair-vans-for-rent-michigan/scooter-rentals/

The John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center Accessibility Information is available here: https://www.signatureboston.com/attend/public-safety#ada

The Sheraton Boston Accessibility Guide is available here: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bosbo-sheraton-boston-hotel/overview/

The Boston Marriott Copley Place accessibility guide is available here: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bosco-boston-marriott-copley-place/overview/

Reception Accessibility Checklist - docx

Reception Accessibility Checklist - pdf

On-Site Physical Spaces

The following physical spaces will be available to registrants who travel to Boston:

• Reflection/Recharge Room
• Ramadan Meal Room
• Quiet Meditation and Prayer Room
• Lactation Room
• All-gender restrooms

Policies

All individuals engaging in the SIOP community, including the SIOP Annual Conference, must abide by and are subject to SIOP’s Anti-Harassment Policy. If harassment is experienced in the context of SIOP activities or programs, the Anti-Harassment Policy provides recourse for the impacted individual(s), including the availability of two SIOP Ombuds for confidential counseling on options made available through the policy.

To help ensure we are creating an inclusive environment, please reach out to conferenceinclusion@siop.org if you have any questions or concerns before, during, or after the SIOP Conference.