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TxDLA is fully committed to Accessibility. Accessibility touches all aspects of a conference, from traveling to and back, site selection and budgeting, to catering, social events, and onsite logistics. The TxDLA Accessible Conference Guide is being followed to ensure the TxDLA Conference is as welcoming and accessible as possible, with particular attention paid to ensuring that all digital platforms we use are accessible. This page provides more detailed information about Accessibility features and services being arranged and considered.
If any specific information is not provided, if any question is not answered on the FAQs page, or if the conference arrangements as described are not enough to allow you to attend, and if you have any further special requests, please contact the TxDLA Conference Committee by emailing lisa@txdla.org. We will work with you to the best of our ability to keep you informed and improve the accessibility of the conference.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Q1: Who and how do I notify the conference about my accessibility needs?
Q1: Who and how do I notify the conference about my accessibility needs?
Answer: When you register for the Conference, there will be a registration question labeled "Do you have a disability or special need which requires additional support?" In your response, please indicate your accessibility needs. You can also contact the Conference Committee at 512-402-7797 or lisa@txdla.org.
Q2: What are the taxi and public transportation options for getting to the Conference venue?
Q2: What are the taxi and public transportation options for getting to the Conference venue?
Answer:
Rideshare: Houston Hobby Airport and the Houston International Airport welcomes Uber and Lyft. You can hail a ride with your smartphone app and meet your driver outside Baggage area at Houston Hobby Airport.
According to current estimates, an Uber or Lyft from Houston Hobby to the cruise port each way would cost around $55 depending on the time of day, traffic conditions, and the specific ride type chosen. Key points to remember:
Price variation: The exact fare can fluctuate based on demand, surge pricing, and the route taken.
Check the app: For the most accurate estimate, use the Uber or Lyft app to input your pickup location at the arrival airport and destination at the Moody Gardens in Galveston.
Consider ride type: Different ride options like UberXL or Lyft Plus may be slightly more expensive if you need extra space.
The estimated cost is $80 for a ride from Bush Intercontinental to the Galveston port. Keep in mind that the fare is for the car, not per person like many other shuttle services.
Public transportation:
Houston Hobby Airport is pleased to provide a comprehensive list of approved limousine, taxi, shuttle, and charter bus services to help deliver you to and from the Moody Gardens Hotel. Please refer to the Houston Hobby Airport Ground Transportation website for more information.
Houston International Airport
Please refer to the Houston International Airport Ground Transportation website for more information.
Q3: How accessible is the hotel venue(s), including the conference venue, hotel, and offsite locations?
Q3: How accessible is the hotel venue(s), including the conference venue, hotel, and offsite locations?
Answer: When you visit Moody Gardens, you will find the entire property is designed to accommodate people with disabilities. There are more than 70 accessible parking spaces and curb ramps. All buildings have ramps that lead to entrances, and all of the restroom facilities are handicap accessible. Moody Gardens has several vans with wheelchair lifts for on-property transportation.
The attractions at Moody Gardens are wheelchair accessible and welcome service animals. The Rainforest and Aquarium Pyramids offer unique visual and tactile experiences. The theaters feature accessible seats with removable arms and areas for personal wheelchairs.
During the summer months, guests can enjoy the interactive splashpad, river, and wave pool at Palm Beach with ramps leading into the water. For guests staying overnight, the four-diamond Moody Gardens Hotel has handicap accessible rooms.
Q4: Who can I ask about accessibility at the hotel?
Q4: Who can I ask about accessibility at the hotel?
Answer: You can contact any of Moody Gardens customer service agents to provide you with assistance and information about accessibility at the hotel. Customer service agents are available at 409-741-8484. You can also inquire about accessibility at the front desk.
Q5: Can a volunteer assist me during the Conference?
Q5: Can a volunteer assist me during the Conference?
Answer: Yes. We will have a limited number of volunteers that can assist you during the Conference. Please contact the Conference registration desk when you arrive. Attendees who require personal care assistance should bring their own assistant. If you will require a personal care assistant at the conference, please contact us before registering to inquire about registration for a personal care assistant. You can contact the Conference Committee at 512-402-7797 or lisa@txdla.org.
Q6: What is the space at Conference like?
Q6: What is the space at Conference like?
Answer: When you visit Moody Gardens, you will find the entire property is designed to accommodate people with disabilities. There are more than 70 accessible parking spaces and curb ramps. All buildings have ramps that lead to entrances, and all of the restroom facilities are handicap accessible. Moody Gardens has several vans with wheelchair lifts for on-property transportation.
Q7: Will Conference be accessible by wheelchair or power scooter?
Q7: Will Conference be accessible by wheelchair or power scooter?
Answer: There is no charge to use Moody Gardens wheelchairs during your visit. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the Visitor Center and Aquarium. Guest Services staff will ask that you leave your driver's license as a form of deposit. Your license will be returned to you when you return the wheelchair.
Several companies currently offer mobility/Electric Conveyance Vehicle (ECV) equipment rental in the Galveston area:
Q8: What are the restroom facilities like?
Q8: What are the restroom facilities like?
Answer: All of the restroom facilities are handicap accessible in the public areas of the hotel.
Q9: Can I bring my guide dog?
Q9: Can I bring my guide dog?
Answer: Please contact any of Moody Gardens' customer service agents concerning service animals at the hotel. Customer service agents are available at 409-741-8484.
Q10: Can I attend Conference remotely?
Q10: Can I attend Conference remotely?
Answer: There is a virtual option available for participants to attend. See the TxDLA Conference website to register for the virtual only conference. Full face-to-face conference registration includes recordings of all virtual sessions. Please contact the Conference Committee for more information at 512-402-7797 or lisa@txdla.org.
Q11: How much walking or standing will be needed?
Q11: How much walking or standing will be needed?
Answer: The TxDLA conference will take place inside the Moody Gardens Hotel meeting rooms and ballrooms. Participants staying at the conference hotel will not be required to do a significant amount of walking or standing as the facility provides ample seating in the hotel lobby, hallways, meeting rooms and ballrooms.
Q12: Will audience members asking questions and speakers be using a microphone?
Q12: Will audience members asking questions and speakers be using a microphone?
Answer: The ballrooms are equipped with handheld microphones that can be used by the speakers and audience members. All meeting rooms are equipped with podium microphones only. Presenters have been asked to repeat audience members' questions, and responses using the podium microphone to ensure everyone in the meeting room has an equal opportunity to hear the discussions.
Q13: What food service will be provided?
Q13: What food service will be provided?
Answer: We will provide a variety of food and beverage services throughout the Conference, including a Monday evening reception, Tuesday & Wednesday breakfast and lunch, Wednesday dinner, Thursday brunch (included in your registration fee), several networking breaks, and receptions. Dishes will be labeled whenever possible. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate these clearly on your registration form.
Q14: Can Conference accommodate special dietary needs?
Q14: Can Conference accommodate special dietary needs?
Answer: Yes. Attendees who indicate special dietary requirements on their registration form will be provided with special meals when Conference catering does not accommodate them. If you have a severe allergy, please indicate this on your registration form.
Q15: Will the Conference be a smoke-free environment?
Q15: Will the Conference be a smoke-free environment?
Answer: The entire Conference venue is a no-smoking area. Smoking is permitted outside of the Moody Gardens Hotel, at least 30 feet from the entranceways.
Q16: Will there be loud music, strobe lighting, spotlights, or other strong sensory experiences?
Q16: Will there be loud music, strobe lighting, spotlights, or other strong sensory experiences?
Answer: We are still gathering information on all sensory aspects of the Conference, but yes, please anticipate that some events (such as concerts and performances within sessions) will include strong sensory experiences. Please indicate on your registration form if there are specific items you would like to know about in advance.
Q17: Will there be a designated quiet space at the Conference?
Q17: Will there be a designated quiet space at the Conference?
Answer: While the TxDLA Conference is an energizing and engaging event, we know that it can also be overwhelming for some, but there are plenty of spaces at the hotel where attendees can go to relax. Attendees staying at the conference hotel can escape to their rooms or find a quiet corner in the lobby to unwind and reflect.
Q18: What if I have a medical emergency or health problem during Conference?
Q18: What if I have a medical emergency or health problem during Conference?
Answer: In case of a medical emergency, call 911 for an ambulance. We are still checking on the distance to the nearest hospital. If you require non-urgent medical care, please contact the registration desk or the front desk of the hotel at (409) 741-8484.They will provide you with information about local doctors, specialists, chiropractors, etc. For non-resident attendees, buying travel insurance that covers medical expenses is strongly recommended as fees for emergency treatment can be very high.
Q19: I am a nursing mother. Will there be a space for lactation?
Q19: I am a nursing mother. Will there be a space for lactation?
Answer: Yes. Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas has multiple chairs with curtains for privacy. There is a counter with a sink to clean up and change the baby. Please contact the front desk for more information at (409) 741-8484.
3616 Far West Blvd., Suite #117-PMB 365
Austin, TX 78731
lisa@txdla.org
512-402-7797
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