Working Together for Accessibility at Summer Institute 2022

As a community that strives to be inclusive, view we attempt to make the Institute as accessible to those with disabilities as possible. Everyone should read this section for pertinent information. 

Our community includes many long-time attendees and newcomers with disabilities of various types, as well as people who do not identify as having disabilities but may have specific requests for how to make the week easier for them. Please contact accessibility@havurah.org to discuss any needs you have! In the past, our efforts have included:

Text Formats:

We have asked all presenters provide helpful materials in print.

Captioning:

Community-wide programming is going to be amateur live-captioned.

Building Accessibility: We strive to locate classes, workshops and community events at buildings that have wheelchair access. To avoid any trips, falls or physical barriers, please do keep the hallways and outdoor pathways clear of book bags, supplies and furniture that have been moved from elsewhere. Do be conscious of how you stand along major throughways. Please report to the Office if you have trouble getting into a building or if you notice a classroom is not accessible.

Cafeteria Assistance: A volunteer will be located near the ice cream freezer at the beginning of lunch and dinner to assist folks who desire an extra hand going through the line and getting seated. It is a good idea to arrive during Family Seating if you would benefit from having more space and time to maneuver through the cafeteria with assistance.  During the meal, if you see someone who might have difficulty managing the process of getting food to their table, offer to help.

Cafeteria Quiet Tables: A few tables (designated by placards) on the lower level are going to be reserved for quiet conversation (to serve people with hearing loss, people who might feel overwhelmed, people who need to have meetings, etc.) or non-conversation meals.  Please respect that space by sitting there if you would like to make use of the quiet space feature and by moving away from those tables if you are having a louder meal.  We are aware this space isn’t accessible without using stairs.  Ideas for improvement in the future are welcomed, please brainstorm with us!

Social Butterflies: Designated on their badges, they are happy to talk to you if you at any time if you need a companion!

Community Announcements: To make community announcements or speeches more audible and accessible to all participants, please wait until chair shuffling, applause, or other extraneous noise has quieted before speaking. Signal by raising your hand before beginning to speak. Upon seeing the hand, listeners encourage each other to quiet down. If a microphone is available, do use it! Please keep your hands away from your face and try not to turn your back to the listeners. Presenters, do wait in place for a few minutes after making announcements to see if anyone comes up to you for further clarifications or if they couldn’t hear the announcements. Please also post a copy of all announcements on the community bulletin board.

Getting Around Campus: Mobility Scooters can be ordered through the University of Hartford.  Please reach out to the Office if you are interested.

Golf Carts: There will be volunteers driving golf carts between classes and workshops to assist those needing transportation between buildings.  You must have a driver’s license to volunteer to operate the golf carts. Please reach out to the Office if you would like to volunteer to drive a golf cart for the week.  You can indicate that you benefit from using a golf cart during registration.

Assistance Etiquette:

To aid someone with a disability, do ask an empowering question such as “How can I help?” instead of acting on an assumption of what they might need. Do offer to commit to help at a time that may not be at the moment but rather at a later time or day.

Accessibility of all kinds is a central value of NHC and we strive to make our Summer Institute a smooth experience for all. For information about financial accessibility, please email grants@main.havurah.org.  Or, head to our webpage about tickets and financial accessibility.

Accessibility Guidelines for Presenters:

Learn how to prepare for Institute and meet certain requested needs.