We want all the resources at STScI to be accessible to all staff and visitors. That said, this is a work in progress, so if you need something and do not see it here, please contact Samantha Hoffmann (slhoffmann@stsci.edu) or Inclusion2@stsci.edu. This resource builds upon the precedent set by WisCon and their excellent Accessibility Policies.
STScI Without Steps
Space Telescope Science Institute meets ADA guidelines. There are curb cuts in all the sidewalks near the Muller building, where IA2 will be taking place.
The entrance to the Muller building is accessible: there is a ramp and there are power door openers to open the pair of glass doors.
There are several wheelchair parking areas in the auditorium, so you can stay in your wheelchair or scooter if you prefer.
There is one elevator in the Muller building, with control panels within seated reach.
There is long-term, accessible parking available in the parking area directly in front of the Muller building on San Martin Drive.
Below is a map of the area surrounding the Muller building, including accessible parking. A map of the public areas of Muller's interior will be given electronically to participants in their welcome packets. They are also available by request to conference participants.
All-Gender & Accessible Bathrooms
There are three all-gender bathrooms in the Institute's Muller Building, on floors G, 3, and 4. They are single stalls and can also be used as quiet rooms when necessary.
Two of the all-gender bathrooms (on floors 3 and 4) and each of the public gendered restrooms in the Muller building include a large accessible stall equipped with grab bars, etc.
Though the permanent all-gender bathrooms are not located in public spaces and thus require swipe-card access to use, the LOC is working with STScI to ensure that any and all conference attendees who need access to an all-gender and/or accessible restroom will have it by temporarily reassigning the public gendered restrooms for the duration of the conference.
Wheelchair-accessible shuttle vans -
A wheelchair-accessible shuttle will be available for the duration of the conference for travel between the hotel and Muller, and to R House for the banquet.
Health and Wellness Rooms -
There is a health and wellness room in the Muller building that contains:
- Mini-fridge
- Chair
- Chaise
- Tables
- Sink with soap and paper towels
This room is available to nursing mothers and people with recurring health conditions. Note that STScI employees do make reservations to use the room throughout the day, so it might not be available at all times.
Though this room is not located in public spaces and thus require swipe-card access to use, the LOC is working with STScI to ensure that any and all conference attendees who need access to the health and wellness room will have it.
Service Animals -
Service dogs are allowed in the Institute's Muller building as long as they are properly identified and tagged and on a leash at all times. This policy also holds for the R House banquet venue. The conference hotel (Doubletree Inn at the Colonnade) also permits service animals, but you should contact the hotel directly in advance to make arrangements. Please contact Samantha Hoffmann (slhoffmann@stsci.edu) if you are bringing a service animal.
Listening -
Electronic Hearing Assistive Devices are available with advance request. Please contact Samantha Hoffmann (slhoffmann@stsci.edu) or the conference email at Inclusion2@stsci.edu.
Reading -
We provide information in various formats, including paper, electronic PDF and electronic HTML. Large-print is available with advance notice. Braille signage is in limited use at STScI.
Breathing -
Our “zoned” fragrance policy balances two needs. For some members, fragrances trigger asthma, migraine, or illness. Some members need to use fragrance to manage pain and mood. Please leave scented products at home if you can do so without detriment to your own health. Those of us who react strongly to fragrances, dust, and particulates should bring an N95 mask.
Allies: How Every Member Contributes to an Accessible Institute
This section in particular draws heavily from the WisCon Accessibility page.
We all learn contradictory messages about people with disabilities. These conflicting stereotypes support a weird stew of fear and fascination. All members create a universally accessible Institute by paying attention to our own behavior and attitudes.
Beneficial behaviors for Presentations: Please see the Presenter Information section for a checklist and other resources on how to give an accessible presentation.
Elevators – convenience vs. necessity. If you can use the stairways to move between floors, please do to make the elevators accessible to those who cannot! If you can only travel down, that still makes an important difference. Some of us absolutely depend on the elevators just to access the Institute. The reason might not be visible (arthritic knees or limited breathing), or might be obvious (wheelchair or canes) — but the need is still there.
Maintain clear paths. STScI provides fantastic opportunities to talk, but clogged doorways and hallways make navigation time-consuming for all, and impossible for some of us. Tuck your belongings in front of your feet or under your seat. Remind members gathered in doorways or hallways of the need to share the limited space so all of us can move freely.
Respect Blue Zones. The blue aisles in program rooms permit members to enter and leave freely: please don’t sit or stand there. The blue squares mark wheelchair parking. The blue striped chairs up front are for people who need to be close to hear or see. Please don’t stand in the striped zones.
Share the air. Smoke and scents travel quickly. We ask that you limit your use of scented products if you can do so without negatively affecting your health. Fewer fragrances, vapors, and particulates make the Institute a place those of us with asthma, migraine, and chemical sensitivities can attend. The campus is completely non-smoking, and we ask that smokers use the dedicated smoking areas. Washing your hands after smoking makes a difference. STScI is not, however, fragrance-free. Please read more about this policy in Breathing.
Spread the word. Universal Design simplifies life by making products, communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal design benefits people of all ages and abilities.
Service Animal Etiquette. Although interacting with animals is tempting, please don’t pet, distract, or take photos of service animals at STScI. Those of us who rely on service animals need our animals to be able to concentrate on doing their jobs well. We would also like to talk to you about science, inclusion or other topics, rather than our service animal.
Helpful Attitudes
Offer help — don’t assume it’s needed. Many of us are taught to “help the handicapped,” but not “does this person want 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 disabled person finds works best.
Speak up! You don’t need to have a disability to advocate for access. If you see barriers, feel free to suggest how to clear them — whether this means talking respectfully to other members, or contacting a LOC member.
Don’t assume people with disabilities want or need fixing. Members with disabilities are here for the same reasons non-disabled members are. Talking about an interesting new book, a movie with problematic depictions of women, or a new podcasting tool you discovered, are much better conversation starters than “my nephew cured his fibromyalgia with a yak-milk diet” or “Don’t they have a wonderful new medicine for that?” or “Why take drugs when you just need a positive mental attitude and yoga?”
Privacy People are often curious about the details of a visible disability. A member’s medical history and details of how their body functions is private. Please do not ask how someone became disabled or assume their experience is the same as another person with a similar disability.
