With all active ATA members expected to attend teachers’ convention each year, those planning the events are looking at ways to offer supports for members who identify as having a disability.
This past fall, teachers’ convention association executives discussed the importance of ensuring that conventions are accessible for all members. The ideas generated at their meeting were subsequently shared at a listening circle for teachers who identify as having a disability, with feedback provided on the types of support that convention associations might implement to address concerns.
“We have heard about some challenges members who identify as having a disability encounter at conventions,” said Danny Maas, acting associate coordinator of the ATA’s Professional Development program area. “We want to be responsive to the needs identified.”
With this in mind, the ATA developed recommendations for convention associations to take into consideration when planning their 2025 events. Recommended supports that convention could consider piloting this year included setting up a quiet space; encouraging presenters to use live captioning; and offering printable maps of convention facilities to highlight quiet spaces, accessible spaces and the location of elevators.
Though the recommendations are just that — suggestions rather than policy — convention associations expressed willingness to find new and more effective ways to ensure all teachers can meaningfully participate. Maas said that he saw a spirit of support from all.
“Over the next few years, I think we will see an increase in supports across the province for our members,” he added. “For our conventions, it is about taking steps to move forward in that support to ensure that teachers can access and enjoy this opportunity to learn and grow.”
Acting associate coordinator, Professional Development
While options to increase accessibility are being explored and, in some cases piloted, the supports and accommodations each convention is able to offer this year may be limited by logistical, fiscal or policy restrictions. Looking forward, though, the convention planning teams are open to continuing to hear and learn from members on possible supports or accommodations.
“The credit for the movement forward this year belongs to the members, both members of the listening circle who had the courage to share their feedback and the convention boards who really led the response on what they might be able to do to ensure that this event can be truly accessible,” Maas said.
