Convention Officials Create Information Guide, Hire Accessibility Expert to Ensure Accessibility at July’s Democratic National Convention
Boston, MA Continuing its unconditional commitment to host the most accessible and integrated Convention in history, the 2004 Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today released a comprehensive “Accessibility Guide” for delegates with disabilities. The guide contains detailed information concerning relevant services and products in the Greater Boston area to help ensure accessibility for delegates participating in this year’s Convention.
The DNCC also announced today the hiring of an accomplished leader in the arena of accessibility for public and private facilities. The addition of Kevin G. McGuire to the existing DNCC team is the latest step in a comprehensive effort to guarantee the participation and accessibility of Democratic delegates with disabilities. “Accessibility for all people with disabilities at this year’s Convention has been a top priority for the DNCC staff,” said DNCC CEO Rod O’Connor. “Giving delegates our ‘Accessibility Guide’ and adding Kevin’s expertise will support these efforts and help ensure that all delegates can fully participate at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.”
The DNCC is taking numerous steps to make the Democratic National Convention accessible, including assembling a team of volunteers to provide support to individuals with disabilities in utilizing appropriate transportation services, accommodations, and access in and around the FleetCenter during Convention week. The volunteer team will manage a “Guest Services Desk” at the arena, which will provide assistive listening devices and printed materials in alternative formats, including Braille.
The DNCC will also provide a wide range of technologies at the arena, including ASL interpreters on stage during all Convention proceedings, which will also be captioned. Accessible phone service and computer service will be available at the FleetCenter and DNCC hotels.
McGuire has served as an accessibility consultant during design, construction, or renovation at numerous area arenas and public facilities, including the New England Patriots’ Gillette Stadium, the Wang Center for the Performing Arts, the Shubert Theatre, Boston Symphony Hall, and FleetCenter. McGuire advised these facilities on a host of disability-related access issues, including wheelchair access and captioning policies for the deaf and hard of hearing. He also led sensitivity trainings of both management and frontline staff. McGuire will perform similar duties for the Convention.