To make Facing Race as welcoming as possible, we’ve compiled key information to help create an accessible and inclusive conference experience. Below are details on Bathrooms, Physical & Emotional Accessibility, Language Access, Childcare, Religious Services, Safety Support, and Wellness Resources.
If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Bathrooms
Most bathrooms in the conference venue are designated by gender (Men/Women). In addition, multiple All-Gender Restrooms will be clearly marked and located throughout the conference space.
Please use the restroom that feels most comfortable for you, and allow others to do the same. Gender policing, including challenging someone’s bathroom choice, is prohibited.
Accessibility
Race Forward strives to make Facing Race 2026 accessible for all attendees. Please keep in mind that not all disabilities are visible.
Service Assistance & Guide Dogs
Please do not pet, feed, or otherwise engage with guide dogs or service animals. They are working and supporting the independence and safety of their handlers.
Physical Accessibility
- Feel free to move chairs to make space for participants using wheelchairs or mobility devices.
- Keep aisles clear to ensure safe and smooth movement.
- In public spaces (including elevators), leave adequate room for others to pass or enter safely.
Note: Information about local wheelchair and mobility equipment rentals will be provided once confirmed.
Language Accessibility
To support attendees whose first language is not English, please speak at a moderate pace and volume. When communicating with someone using an interpreter, address the participant directly, not the interpreter.
Facing Race 2026 will include the following language access support: Closed captioning, American Sign Language & Spanish interpretation will be available by request; interpreters and captioning will be available at mainstage plenaries, keynote, and performances, and if requested. Spanish interpretation will be offered for the breakout sessions by request.
We appreciate your understanding as Race Forward works to build capacity to offer additional language access services at future conferences.
Lactation Pods
A Mamava Pod will be available inside the convention center for private lactation use at any time.
Childcare
On-site childcare will be available during the conference:
Childcare must be reserved during registration. We are unable to accommodate on-site childcare registration requests.
Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Safety Team
A dedicated Safety Team will be on-site during plenaries and workshops to provide confidential peer support and advocacy. Team members will be identifiable by their badges.
The Safety Team offers:
- Conflict mediation
- Problem-solving and support
- Assistance for attendees experiencing harm or unsafe situations, including:
- Sexual, verbal, or physical harassment
- Police violence
- Harm caused by conference or non-conference participants
Our model is inspired by the Audre Lorde Project’s Safe OUTside the System Collective, centering transformative and healing justice. The team includes members of the local community, Black people and people of color, transgender people, women and femmes, and others trained or experienced in community-based crisis response.
For more information on the model for this work, visit alp.org.
Wellness Space
Facing Race 2026 will feature a dedicated Wellness Space designed to offer rest, reflection, and emotional grounding. This space provides tools, resources, and support for the heart, mind, body, and spirit. Recognizing the impacts of trauma and the need for collective care.