- Omni Shoreham Hotel – Major access issues (stair-rail lift to function space); uptown location is
too far for march to US Capitol;
- Marriott Wardman Park – Major access issues (perched atop a very steep hill); uptown location
is too far for march to US Capitol;
- Renaissance Washington DC Hotel – Lack of elevators to conference level similar to Grand Hyatt. Also, being the closest hotel to the new Washington Convention Center, they have
clearly refused to accept our business; and,
- JW Marriott Hotel, Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Capitol Hilton – all of which have nightly room rates well over $300.
I believe the lack of additional elevators is the only major access issue at the hotel. While this is a significant concern, we have also received feedback from members praising the hotel for its excellent customer service, dining, location, and amenities. Some of you have made it clear that you are offended by the suggested use of the service elevators in the hotel’s employee hallways. We wouldn’t dare challenge those perceptions – we understand the position and plenty of NCIL staff and board members share the sentiment. However, for other conference attendees, these additional elevators are a necessary accommodation. We are beholden to all members as we strive to strike this delicate balance.
I hope this explains why we have chosen the Grand Hyatt, despite its lack of additional elevators to the conference level.
Regards,
John Lancaster, Executive Director
Auxiliary Aids & Services
CART (Communications Access in Real Time), sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, personal assistants*, accessible materials, and other services will be provided upon request for all NCIL conference activities. Please make requests on your registration form.
*Personal Assistants will be available during conference hours only. Please see below for information on arranging your own personal assistant service.
Environmental / Chemical Sensitivities
For the safety and comfort of attendees with chemical or environmental sensitivities, please refrain from using perfumed products such as scented soaps, deodorants, colognes, perfumes, fabric softeners, etc. It is also essential that we maintain a smoke-free environment. Please refrain from smoking in paths of travel and doorways.
Personal Assistance Coordinators
ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (CIL)
703-525-3268 (V); 703-525-3553 (TTY)
Attn: Ruchika Lalwani, PAS Coordinator
Maxim Healthcare Services
(202) 545-6980 (V); Use 711 for Relay.
clduvall@maxhealth.com (E-mail)
Wheelchair & Scooter Rental and Repair
Area Access (rental and repair)
8117 Ransell Road
Falls Church, VA 22041
Phone (voice): 1-703-573-2111
Phone (voice): 1-800-333-AREA (1-800-333-2732)
http://www.areaaccess.com/
E-Car Corporation (scooter rental)
8673 Grovemont Circle
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Phone (voice): 1-800-890-4251
Phone (voice): 1-301-527-6119
http://www.scooterforrent.com/
E-mail: scooter@scooterforrent.com or ecar@poltron.com
Rent a 4-wheel scooter in DC and we will deliver and pick it up from your hotel
Rehabilitation Equipment Professionals (repair)
Alexandria, VA
Phone (voice): 1-703-370-2100
Phone (voice): 1-800-291-2360
Fax: 703-370-7985
E-mail: alex@rep-inc.com
http://www.rep-inc.com/
For repairs and sales for all types of wheelchairs both motorized and manual in the DC metro area.
Roberts Home Medical (rental and repair)
20465 Seneca Meadows Parkway
Germantown, MD 20876
Phone (voice): 1-301-353-0300
Phone (voice): 1-800-807-7290
Northern Virginia: (703) 385-8018
Fax: 1-301-916-2611
E-mail: jreeves@robertsoxygen.com
http://www.robertshomemedical.com
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