Convention Accessibility

The National Communication Association (NCA) is dedicated to ensuring a safe and accessible convention experience for all attendees. We collaborate closely with our convention venues and vendors to provide reasonable accommodations as needed.

 

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Accommodations for Attendees

To assist attendees with disabilities, we offer the following accommodations:

  • Sign language interpretation
  • Sighted guides
  • Wheelchair rentals
  • Accessible seating
  • Ramps and elevators
  • Quiet areas

 

Attendees are encouraged to communicate any specific needs when registering, making hotel reservations or arranging participation in program sessions and events. If you need accommodations, please complete our detailed accessibility request form by September 30 to ensure we can provide appropriate support. We’re committed to ensuring all attendees can fully participate. NCA staff will follow-up after this date to confirm receipt and to coordinate arrangements. Requests received after September 30 will be accommodated to the best of our ability, though advance notice helps us provide optimal support.

Venue Accessibility

Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Address: 6700 North Gaylord Rockies Blvd, Aurora, CO 80019
Phone: (720) 452-6900

The Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is a fully accessible facility that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. The resort features accessible lobbies with appropriate thresholds and doormats, and door-service personnel are available. Restrooms throughout the facility are wheelchair accessible and have tactile signage.

Booking Accessible Rooms

Use the official NCA convention booking link: Start your reservation

When booking, please:

  • Select “Accessible Room” in the “Requests” section of the booking form
  • Use the “Additional Requests” box to specify any specific accessibility needs

To view available accessible room types and features, visit: Gaylord Rockies Accessible Rooms

Important: Always book through the NCA convention link above to ensure you receive group rates and are counted in the NCA room block

 

Facility Accessible Features

Entrances:

  • Multiple accessible entrances throughout the property, including ADA-compliant main entrances and convention center access points with no steps or stairs.

 

Parking:

  • Accessible parking spaces available near entrances
  • Accessible spaces located conveniently in parking garages and surface lots
  • Van accessible parking spaces available
  • Self-parking: $33 per day, Valet: $48 per day

 

Guest Rooms:

  • 1,501 guest rooms and 114 suites total
  • Accessible rooms available with mobility and hearing accessible features
  • Options include rooms with roll-in showers and ADA-compliant bathrooms

 

Restaurants: All on-site dining options are accessible, including:

  • Old Hickory Steakhouse (fine dining)
  • Mountain Pass Sports Bar & Grill
  • Vista Montagne (Italian cuisine)
  • Monte Jade (Pan-Asian cuisine)
  • Cantina Montana (Mexican cuisine)
  • Arapahoe Springs Bar & Grill
  • Rockies Marketplace (grab-and-go)

 

Convention Space:

  • All meeting rooms accessible via elevator
  • Meeting spaces comply with ADA requirements

 

Additional Accessible Facilities:

  • Arapahoe Springs Water Park with self-operating lift or sloped entry (indoor/outdoor pools, lazy river, water slides)
  • Relâche Spa with 17 treatment rooms
  • Fitness center
  • Business Center
  • Service animals welcome without fee or documentation required

 

Detailed Guest Room Accessibility Features

  • Mobility accessible rooms available
  • Hearing accessible rooms and kits available
  • Roll-in showers available
  • Accessible vanities
  • Adjustable height hand-held shower wands
  • Bathtub and non-slip grab rails in bathrooms
  • Toilet seats at wheelchair height
  • Lever handles on guest room doors
  • Lowered deadbolts, night guards, and viewports on doors
  • Self-closing guest room doors with safety chains/latches
  • Electronic room keys
  • Closed caption TV capability
  • TTY/TTD compatible phones
  • Alarm clock telephone ringers
  • Flashing door knockers for hearing accessibility

 

For detailed accessibility information about specific rooms or services, contact the resort directly at (720) 452-6900

Local Resources and Transportation

Transportation from Denver International Airport (DEN): 

  • Airport is 10 miles from the resort 
  • A-Line train service connects DEN to downtown Denver Union Station ($10 each way) 
  • All RTD buses are wheelchair accessible 
  • R-Line light rail serves Aurora with accessible stations 
  • Specialized accessible transportation available with advance notice:  
  • Metro Taxi: (303) 333-3333 (48-hour advance notice recommended) 
  • Denver Ambulette: (303) 493-1790 (24-hour advance notice) 
  • Mobility Transport Service: (303) 295-3900 (24-hour advance notice required) 

 

Local Aurora Resources: 

 

Wheelchair/scooter charging station available in the exhibit hall. 

Mobility Equipment Rental Services

Mobility City of Denver
Address: 2750 W. Hampden Ave, Englewood, CO 80110
Phone: (303) 762-1000
Website: denverco.mobilitycity.com
Services: Mobility scooters, wheelchairs, power chairs, daily/weekly/monthly rentals, delivery available 

 

Mobility Plus Colorado
Address: 5151 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial, CO 80122
Phone: (303) 770-2225
Website: mobilitypluscolorado.com
Services: Full range of mobility equipment, rentals and sales, hotel delivery available 

 

Colorado Mobility
Address: Service area throughout Denver metro
Phone: (720) 515-7100
Website: coloradomobility.com
Services: Mobile repair services, rental delivery to hotels, wide range of equipment 

 

Aspen Medical Supply
Address: 8031 Southpark Cir #B, Littleton, CO 80120
Phone: (303) 794-6100
Website: aspenmedicalsupply.com
Services: Hospital beds, mobility scooters, wheelchairs, delivery available 

 

Cloud of Goods
Phone: Available for booking online
Website: cloudofgoods.com
Services: Lightweight mobility scooters, rates from $25/day, hotel delivery 

 

MobilityWorks Aurora
Address: 15635 E Iliff Ave, Aurora, CO 80013
Phone: (877) 275-4915
Website: mobilityworks.com
Services: Wheelchair accessible van rentals, short and long-term rentals 

 

Important: Attendees are responsible for vetting and securing the services of mobility equipment vendors. NCA does not guarantee service quality. 

Convention Program and Support Services

Accessible Presentations 

Presenters are encouraged to review our guide on creating accessible presentations. Additional tips are available in the Convention Resources Library. 

If you would like to confirm the location and accommodations of your presentation room or a meeting room that you plan to visit, please contact the Convention Team. Room relocations/reassignments must be requested before August 19. 

 

Convention Program Access 

The NCA convention schedule is available  through an interactive website (in mid- to late-July) and mobile app (mid- to late-October), allowing attendees to customize their schedules and search for speakers. Free Wi-Fi will be provided for all attendees. The Wi-Fi network name and access key will be posted on signage throughout the venue and also available at the Registration counter and Information Center. 

To get support with the Convention program or app, visit the App Support Desk in the exhibit hall. A staff member or volunteer will help you with any questions. 

 

Supportive Accessibility Measures

  • Large-Print Schedule: Available upon request at the NCA Registration and Information Desks. 
  • Assistive Listening Devices: Available for General Sessions (Opening Session, Carroll C. Arnold Distinguished Lecture, and the Presidential Address and Awards Presentation) at the Registration counter. 
  • Captioning: Provided during General Sessions, with reserved seating for those needing closer access to speakers. 

Additional Accessibility Options

  • Quiet Room: Available during convention hours on Thursday – Sunday, offering a calm space away from noise and stimuli. 
  • Loud Noise: Some events at the convention will include music, amplified audio, or other loud noise. If you have sound sensitivity, you are encouraged to bring noise-cancelling earmuffs with you. 
  • Evacuation Assistance: Clearly marked areas of evacuation assistance will be available on each floor. If you need assistance locating this area, please contact an NCA staff member or hotel employee. In the event of a hotel evacuation during convention meeting hours, staff will check this area for attendees who require assistance. In the event of a hotel evacuation outside of convention hours, attendees who require assistance are instructed to remain in their guest rooms. Attendees requiring assistance should indicate this upon check-in. 

Health and Safety Considerations

  • COVID-19: Face masks are optional; please respect individual choices regarding mask-wearing. 
  • No Flash Photography: To accommodate attendees with photosensitive epilepsy, flash photography and strobe effects are prohibited. Also, some rapid audio beats can have a similar effect, so if in doubt, do not include such media in presentations. 
  • Fragrance-Free Spaces: The Disability Issues Caucuses designated room space at the convention venue will be fragrance free. For the health and safety of facilitators and participants, it is important that everyone come fragrance-free to the designated meeting space. 

 

Feedback and Communication

We welcome your feedback and encourage attendees to communicate their accessibility needs in advance. Please indicate any requirements for hearing, visual, or mobility accommodations when registering and on the Accessibility form (below), no later than September 30. 

 

Creating an Inclusive Convention Experience

The NCA Convention thrives on a culture of support and inclusivity. We encourage all attendees to assist those in need and to seek help from NCA staff or volunteers when necessary. Together, we can create a welcoming environment for everyone. 

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns about accommodations, please contact convention@natcom.org. 

Accessibility Request Form

We’re committed to ensuring all attendees can fully participate in our convention. Please complete this form by September 30 to help us provide the best possible experience.