SEIU Local 503 is committed to providing as much support as possible for members to be able to attend and be involved in Union Events. The following are the most common ways that we provide accessibility support. There are some accommodations for events that we are not able to provide due to liability reasons or challenges with implementation. Requests for Accessibility support should be included on the Attendee’s Registration so we can prepare the necessary items. If you have any questions regarding support, please work with your Organizer to help you through the process.

  • Language Support:
    • Interpretation & Translation of Materials
  • Hearing or Vision Support:
    • American Sign Language Interpretation
    • Translation of Materials into Braille or Large Print
    • Use of Microphones or other sound enhancing technology
  • Mobility Support:
    • We try to ensure all locations are wheelchair accessible and, when necessary, have elevators and ramps.
    • As event schedules are set, we try to ensure there is sufficient time for members with mobility issues to move between meeting spaces before meeting functions begin.
    • For multi-day events at a site (like General Council), Rental of Motorized Scooters and/or Wheelchairs.
  • Lodging Support:
    • We work with hotels that follow State and Federal ADA Laws. These accommodations may include:
      • Accessible ramp to enter/exit building.
      • Accessible parking, and ramps available near parking/sidewalks.
      • Elevator access to all floors/parking when appropriate.
      • A lower counter available for guests, during check-in process.
      • A fixed lift in the pool room, to give accessibility to the pool.
      • TTY (teletypewriter) kit is available upon request for any hearing-impaired guests.
      • Accommodation for guests with assistance animals.
      • ADA Rooms with some or all of the following:
        • Bathrooms have grab bars near the toilet.
        • Bathroom counters at a lower height.
        • Walk in/Wheel in showers.
        • Double latches for guest door, second one is at a lower height.
        • Handles on curtains.
        • Door frame for the bathroom is wider to accommodate wheelchairs.
      • Other potential accommodations that may be able to be provided include:
      • We ask that Members keep in mind that some ADA rooms with these accommodations may not have two separate beds.
    • Dietary Support:
      • We try to provide meals at events to meet:
        • Common dietary requests (such as Vegetarian, Vegan)
        • Common medical or religious dietary needs (Diabetic, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Halal, Kosher).
        • Usually, event venues and caterers restrict food orders to three or four variations of meals at events.  We try to plan menus keeping in mind as many food allergies as possible.
        • We work with hotels as much as possible to label foods and identify potential allergens so attendees going through the buffet line can easily identify the appropriate dishes for themselves. Hotels do not always allow us to label special meals with individual names for dietary concerns.
        • If we are not able to meet your dietary needs for a planned event, we will try to notify you before the event so alternate arrangements can be coordinated.
      • Transportation Support:
        • Members are encouraged to drive themselves or carpool to events, however we know that sometimes vehicles are unreliable, not suited for driving that distance in poor weather or are “in the shop”. If needed, we can provide alternate transportation options including:
          • Rental Vehicles (if needed to be wheelchair accessible)
          • Public Transportation Tickets or Reimbursement of Tickets
          • Uber Vouchers
        • Technology Access Support:
          • For some Union Events where technology is needed to view support materials, the union can provide a tablet or other computer for members who do not have their own devices.
        • Family Support:
          • At Conferences, a room is made available for members requesting privacy to pump breast milk or for other wellness needs.
          • In accordance with our Administrative Policies & Procedures, Members may receive a reimbursement for dependent care while they are on authorized Union business. Please see the AP&P’s for additional details regarding this policy.

Homecare/Personal Support Clients & Non-Member Guests:

We try to make as many options for accessibility available to guests in attendance, especially in regards to mobility, lodging, dietary and transportation support. Please note that interpretation and technology support is prioritized for members and guests who are participating in the event.

We are not able to rent medical devices or other equipment on behalf of members for use in hotel rooms, including medical lifts, hospital beds, or sleep chairs.