The Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research (SABER) is committed to ensuring all members and participants have equal access to our programs, events, and activities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities so they may participate in our regional and national meetings and other organizational events.

Reasonable Accommodations Available
Reasonable accommodations are determined on an individualized basis and may include, but are not limited to:

• Large print, digital copies, Braille, etc.
• Sign language interpreters or real-time captioning, such as CART
• Accessible seating, stage access, etc.
• Dietary modifications for meals and receptions
• Other reasonable supports needed for equal access

Physical Access and Architectural Barrier Accommodations
For events held at third-party facilities, responsibility for providing accommodations related to the physical accessibility of the premises, including removal of architectural barriers, accessible routes, entrances, seating, restrooms, and other facility-based access features, rests with the owner or operator of the event site, consistent with obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

SABER will coordinate with the host facility to confirm that the location meets applicable accessibility requirements and to facilitate communication regarding accommodation requests. SABER will not independently modify or alter third-party facilities but will work with the venue to ensure reasonable access is provided.

Requesting Accommodations
To allow sufficient time to arrange accommodations, participants are encouraged to submit requests as early as possible, and no later than six (6) weeks before the event. Early requests help ensure the widest range of accommodation options are available. 

SABER does not treat the six (6)week timeframe as a hard cutoff. Requests submitted after this timeframe will not be denied solely on timing grounds. SABER will continue to engage in an interactive process and make reasonable efforts to provide effective accommodations or reasonable alternatives based on the nature of the request, available resources, and event logistics.

Participants whose access needs arise unexpectedly or change are encouraged to submit requests as soon as the need becomes known. 

Accommodation requests should be submitted through:

1. The event registration form, or

2. Directly to the Managing Director at conference@saberbio.org (in the case of a Regional event or other organized event, the request should be submitted to the appropriate event organizer). 

Documentation
SABER is committed to minimizing barriers in the accommodation process. Documentation may be requested when the disability and/or the need for the requested accommodation is not obvious or otherwise known. Any documentation request will be limited to information necessary to establish that the individual has a disability and that the requested accommodation is needed due to functional limitations. Documentation will not be required for requests involving readily apparent disabilities or routine accessibility modifications.

Documentation may be requested when the disability is not obvious, the need for the requested accommodation is not obvious, and the information is necessary to evaluate the request.

When documentation is requested, it will be limited in scope and will:

1. Come from a qualified professional, as appropriate
2. Describe functional limitations relevant to participation in the event or activity
3. Provide general information about accommodations that may support access

SABER is not required to provide personal devices or personal services. Participants who need such support should make their own arrangements in advance of the event. Examples of items or services that remain the responsibility of the participant include (but are not limited to):

• Personal mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, scooters)
• Travel or lodging expenses related to disability needs
• Personal care attendants or individual aides
• Service animals and their related care or equipment
• Other personal services*

*Personal Services
SABER provides reasonable accommodations, including qualified interpreters, to ensure effective communication. However, SABER does not provide services of a personal nature, such as interpreters or aides who have been specifically trained to work only with one individual using personal communication methods. This would be the participant's responsibility.

We will work in good faith with participants to identify reasonable accommodations, which may include alternative methods of communication when a participant’s preferred provider is not a possibility (e.g., CART captioning, recording).

Reasonable Accommodation Selection
When a participant requests a specific service provider (e.g., a particular interpreting agency), we will give full consideration to the request. SABER retains discretion to select among effective, reasonable accommodations identified through the interactive process, consistent with ADA requirements.

Participant Responsibilities
Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own travel and lodging, including any personal preferences or upgrades related to disability needs (e.g., room location preferences, additional space, or extended stays), unless otherwise specified by SABER. 

Cost of Accommodations
SABER is responsible for the cost of providing reasonable accommodations that ensure equal access to our events and activities. Participants will not be charged for accommodations required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

For questions or assistance with the accommodation process, please contact:

Managing Director, SABER
emily@saberbio.org