Supporting Accessibility
As part of our organization’s commitment to equity, we prioritize hosting and participating in events that are fully accessible to convening attendees and presenters with disabilities.
Venues
Due to the conference location in 2025, the GIA team will not have the opportunity to conduct an accessibility review at each venue that will host an event. We recognize this is likely to create accessibility challenges for attendees. We will continue to gather information to share with presenters and attendees. We ask that you direct any accessibility-related questions or concerns to GIA2025Access@gmail.com.
GIA considers an accessible venue to include:
Access to single-stall or gender-inclusive restrooms
Wheelchair/scooter-accessible bathrooms (bathrooms containing a 60-inch diameter area to turn, grab bars behind and to the side of the toilet, etc.)
Ramp and/or elevator access
Doorways, aisles, and pathways wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs (minimum 36 inches*, ideally 60 inches)
Please note: *Many venues in the Twin Cities have 33-inch doorways. If you’d like to discuss how to make these venues more accessible for you, please reach out to GIA2025Access@gmail.com.
Step-free, wheelchair-accessible entrances, transitions, and path to and from drop-off location
Low sensory room or private space separate from the primary event space
Clear egress information provided to all in attendance; and a space that is protected by audible and visible fire alarms
Provide scent-free conference spaces in the main conference space of the hotel (e.g., removal of air fresheners, oil diffusers, etc.) and encourage conference participants to refrain from perfume usage.
The venues for this year’s conference include:
Main Conference Venues
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown, Main Lodging and Event Space (35 S 7th St)
Minneapolis Marriott City Center (30 South 7th St)
The Dayton’s Project (700 Nicollet Mall)
Northstar Center (625 S Marquette Avenue)
Guthrie Theater (818 S 2nd St)
Off-site Session Venues
Shawngrām Institute (1197 University Ave W)
Juxtaposition (2007 Emerson Ave North)
Midway Contemporary Art (1509 NE Marshall St)
Springboard for the Arts (262 University Ave W)
Minneapolis American Indian Center and All My Relations Gallery transition (1530 East Franklin Ave) **Please note, All My Relations has a steep ramp and tight turning spaces.
Raspberry Island Park Site **Please note, this site is outdoors. There are paths, but the terrain is bumpy. There is a water fountain and public bathrooms at this site.
An interactive map of the key conference venues is shared to the right.
Programming
It is critical that all keynotes, events, sessions, and workshops enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to fully engage. To this end, GIA requires all speakers, facilitators, and presenters to attend mandatory training on accessible presentations and sessions.
Keynotes
Keynote sessions take place at The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown. The following will be available:
Real-Time Captioning (CART) in English will be available during keynote plenaries.
Microphones to provide sound amplification.
Reserved seating available upon request.
Keynotes will be recorded and made available on GIA’s YouTube channel after the conference ends. This is at the discretion of each speaker and is not guaranteed.
Other accommodations, including American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish interpretation, will be provided upon request via Whova Registration Form.
Workshops, Sessions & Other Events
This year’s conference has events happening throughout the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. These include affinity group meetings, offsite sessions, and a closing party. You can see more details in the schedule.
If you have questions about specific programming, please email our Conference Accessibility Consultants at: GIA2025Access@gmail.com.
Microphones to provide sound amplification.
Reserved seating available upon request.
Accessible transportation upon request.
Other accommodations, including American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish interpretation, will be provided upon request via Whova Registration Form.
Requesting Accessibility Accommodations
Presenters and attendees can share their accommodations requests via Whova Registration Form. This information will only be shared with the GIA conference planning team. We will reach out to everyone who makes an accommodations request via email, within two weeks to discuss how to make the conference a successful experience for you.
Have additional questions or did not make your accommodation requests during registration?
Email the 2025 GIA Conference Accessibility Consultants at GIA2025Access@gmail.com.
Additional Resources
Below are recommendations for creating accessible spaces before, during, and after the conference. Throughout the convening, we encourage you to refer to this resource document: Tips for Accessible Presentations (Google Doc) & Tips for Accessible Presentations (PDF)
About the 2025 Conference Accessibility Consultants
Lily Lipman
Lily is a disabled educator and access worker who specializes in making cultural institutions more accessible for disabled folks to work at and to visit.
Jeanine Pollard
Jeanine is a Black, disabled, hearing educator, access worker, and ASL interpreter who plans, designs, and builds learning experiences.