Physically Challenged Services

New Requirement for 2008

To better serve delegates requesting physically challenged services, we now require delegates to register by June 1, 2008 through the online site, www.regonline.com/pcform2008.

Delegate Registration for Physically Challenged Delegates

All delegates who qualify for Physically Challenged Services must register for the R.A. at Delegate Registration. (This is a change from past years when registration took place in the Physically Challenged office.)

To qualify for Physically Challenged Services, a delegate must present at Delegate Registration one of the following (even if the same documentation was sent to NEA to request special services):

• A signed letter from your physician on his/her letterhead indicating the need for Physically Challenged Services.
• A signed physician's prescription form indicating the need for Physically Challenged Services.
• A state-issued vehicle registration card with Physically Challenged endorsement.

Upon registration, delegates must make a choice for the remainder of the Representative Assembly concerning voting options:

• voting in specially designated area closer to the RA floor, or
• voting in the regular voting area.

Any injuries sustained at the Annual Meeting should be reported to Emergency Medical Services. If an on-site injury requires special services or voting location, Emergency Medical Area personnel will provide documentation which the delegate needs to present to personnel in the Physically Challenged office (for services) and at the Delegate Registration (to change voting location).

Transportation for Physically Challenged Delegates

To receive special transportation services, delegates who qualify for Physically Challenged Services must fill out the online Physically Challenged Delegates Request Form through RegOnline and submit it no later than June 1, 2008.

Transportation is provided for official Annual Meeting events only and does not include airport transfers.

Transportation is limited to qualifying delegates only (not friends, family, and guests). If a companion is required to assist a delegate, a physician's note is required.

All transportation requests require advance notice and will be coordinated with other delegates' requests.

Never assume service will be provided without confirmation from the Physically Challenged Office. If you have not received a call from NEA by June 1st, please call Sean McCoy, (202) 822-7603.

If you have requested transportation service for an official Annual Meeting event (Resolutions Committee, for example) which occurs prior to July 1st, make sure you confirm this with Sean McCoy, (202) 822-7603, by June 1st.

To request transportation to the convention center starting July 1st, call the Physically Challenged office. (The phone number will be printed on NEA Shuttle Bus Brochures and signs available in hotel lobbies.) Because transportation needs to be coordinated with fellow delegates, allow a half-hour for variance either way from the time you request pick-ups.

Transportation on the first two days prior to the Representative Assembly (July 1st and 2nd) will follow the 'llbus schedule used for motor coaches. Last pick-up from hotel will be at 3:30 p.m. and last return to hotel will be at 6:00 p.m.

Once the Representative Assembly starts on July 3rd, transportation will mimic the bus schedule used for motor coaches. However, a physically challenged vehicle will be available at the convention center for delegates who need to return to their hotels before the Representative Assembly ends. The departures will be every hour on the half-hour.

After registering at the Physically Challenged office, delegates will be asked to submit a daily schedule. While you may request a particular pick-up time, don't assume you'll get the specific time you request. Pick-up times need to be coordinated. Call the Physically Challenged Office to confirm your time.

If you have a mobile phone, give the phone number to the Physically Challenged office to make communication easier.

Important note: If changes need to be made, the NEA Transportation Coordinator will phone you at your hotel or leave a message for you at your hotel. Always check with your hotel for messages.

Delegates will also be given a special transportation pass to show the driver that they are entitled to the service. If companions are necessary to assist Physically Challenged Delegates, they too will be issued a pass.

If you need to change your pick-up time, inform the NEA Transportation Coordinator, not the bus driver or another delegate. Because each pick-up affects another pick-up, it's important that delegates give notice of changes. Bus drivers are instructed to wait no more than five minutes past the appointed pick-up time. If bus drivers wait more than five minutes, the entire schedule is thrown off. If you miss your scheduled pick-up call the Physically Challenge Office.

Good communication is the key to good service. Be sure you understand exactly where the bus will meet you.

Please be on time, and keep schedule changes to a minimum.

RA Seating Options for Physically Challenged Delegates

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: Physically Challenged delegates have an option to be seated with their state delegations or in the Physically Challenged designated area. To guarantee seating with your state delegation, you must submit your request via the online Physically Challenged Delegates Request Form by June 1, 2008.

NEA will make every effort to arrange floor seating if notified by June 1st.

While it may not appear complicated, RA seating is a challenge combining skills in art, science, and politics. Once you make your seating decision, please stay with the decision.

Wheelchairs, Electric Scooters, and Medical Supplies

Physically Challenged delegates who own their own chairs are expected to bring their own equipment.  NEA rents several wheelchairs for people who need a chair to navigate the convention center, but are not regular users of wheelchairs.

Motorized wheelchairs or electric scooters can be rented, at the delegate's expense, by contacting Jennifer Turcan, Scootaround Inc., toll-free at (888) 441-7575 ext. 260, by fax at (204) 478-1172, by email at info@scootaround.com, or through their website at www.scootaround.com/rentals/n/nea. (Please note that the NEA/Scootaround rental page is presently under construction. You should check back periodically as information is updated frequently.)

Oxygen tanks are also available by contacting ScootAround, Inc. Medical appointments for dialysis and other ongoing treatment can be arranged with advanced notice.

Airport Transportation

NEA does not arrange for, or pay for, airport transportation. This transfer is the responsibility of the delegates. Super Shuttle provides wheelchair accessible vehicles that must be reserved at least 24 hours ahead of time.