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WHA CONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY: TRAVEL, LODGING, AND MORE BEST PRACTICES FOR ACCESSIBLE PRESENTATIONS . |
PLANNING FOR THE CONFERENCE WHA PROGRAMS Programs will be available to download in PDF format. The program is word searchable and supports screen readers. Please visit the 2026 Conference Program page. WHA LARGE-PRINT PROGRAMS Large-Print programs (for the inset *Program of Sessions* only) will be available on a limited basis by request only. Please send your request to our office before September 7 and make plans to pick it up at the registration desk in Portland. Please Note: This is for requests for a printed inset of the program of sessions only, not the entire program. WHA BEST PRACTICES FOR PRESENTERS A best practices guide for conference presenters is available here and on the 2026 WHA Program page. WHA TOURS and ACCESSIBILITY Due to the nature of the tours, they each have their own level of accessibility. Please review this information in the program or at westernhistory.org/2026/travel. Contact the WHA if you have any questions before booking the tour. WHA ON-SITE QUESTIONS If you have any immediate needs or requests during the conference, please stop at the registration desk and we will have staff on site to assist you. PERSONAL ASSISTANTS OR INTERPRETERS Any personal assistants or interpreters needed for accessibility purposes will receive complimentary conference registration. Out of courtesy to the WHA staff, please make these requests by September 7. The WHA will have a registration packet and name badge ready at the registration desk. | PLANNING YOUR TRIP AIRPORT Out-of-state visitors to the conference will fly into the Portland International Airport (PDX). You can find the accessibility guide for the airport HERE. PDX offers all-gender family bathrooms in multiple locations: Mezzanine (Level 3, Pre-Security) and in Concourses B, C, D, and E (Post-Security). There are three designated pet relief areas in the Portland International Airport. One pre-security location can be found on the baggage claim level. Two post-security relief stations are located in the South Concession Hall and near Gate D5. View an interactive map of the airport HERE. PORTLAND Planning on exploring the city during your trip? Portland provides a resource guide for accessibility that you can visit HERE. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TriMet, Portland's public transportation system, is lauded as one of the most accessible in the nation. The MAX light rail line and Portland Streetcar are especially accessible. Visitors may be eligible for Portland's LIFT Paratransit Service. Please contact their eligibility office at 503-962-8200 to inquire about applying for Visitor eligibility status. Read HERE for more information about the accessibility features on Portland's public transit. COVID PRECAUTIONS The WHA recommends getting fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to the conference. Complimentary masks will be available at the registration desk for those who wish to wear one. | HILTON PORTLAND DOWNTOWN ADA ELEVATORS The Hilton's main elevators are located on the west side of the lobby (behind the reception desk) and access the guestrooms and meeting spaces. NURSING ROOM The WHA will reserve a dedicated nursing room for conference attendees. Check back soon for its location! ALL-GENDER BATHROOMS The WHA will designate an all-gender restroom for conference attendees. Check back soon for its location! AIR FILTRATION The Hilton Portland Downtown utilizes air filters that are rated MERV 10. Filters are changed bi-annually or more often as needed. All mechanical units are monitored and checked 3x daily per shift. Fresh air intake, CO2 levels, and all exhaust systems are monitored and alarmed, as well as physically checked 3x daily per shift. SERVICE ANIMALS Service animals are welcome at the Hilton Portland Downtown. There are no designated pet relief areas. The closest green space is 2 blocks to the northwest in the South Park Blocks. Searching "Shemanski Park" on Google Maps will provide walking directions. ACCESSIBLE HOTEL ROOMS Please inform the hotel that you require an accessible hotel room when completing your booking. Including notes about your specific needs when making your online reservation is helpful but not required. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Hilton hotel. The staff will be happy to help! |
WHA ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT The Western History Association (WHA) is committed to fostering an environment that is inclusive and open to all. It strives to produce a conference that is accessible and provides for maximum participation in all conference events. To that end, our annual conference will aim to meet the needs of all attendees through inclusive design and accommodation.
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WHA CONFERENCE ACCESSIBILITY The Western History Association is taking more steps to improve accessibility services offered at the annual conference. This is work that needs to and will continue beyond the year 2026, especially with the establishment of the WHA COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY. The items the WHA will be able to accomplish this year merely serve as a foundation upon which to build in the future. Please contact the individuals listed below if you are interested in accessibility advocacy. Conference registrants may notify the WHA office at any time to discuss accessibility needs for the conference. You may also note these requests on the physical and/or online registration form. To ensure that our staff is able to meet everyone's needs in a timely manner, we ask that all requests reach our office by September 7 (pre-registration deadline). Email wha@westernhistory.org or call us at 785-864-0860.
If you have any immediate needs or requests during the conference, please stop at the registration desk and we will have staff on-site to assist you. |
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