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Accessibility Information


Constantly improving accessibility is essential to Getting Real. Our team is working to ensure that all participants are able to access our events and programming. Our staff and volunteers are undergoing accessibility training and our accessibility coordinator, Ani, is available to assist our patrons with navigating the program online and in person. If you would like to request additional accessibility services for the conference, including assistance registering by phone, please email access@documentary.org

A phone number will be made available to assist guests needing online and on-site assistance throughout the duration of the event. Please view our accessibility plans and consolidating information below. If you’d like to request additional access support for the event and any specific sessions, please let us know by Friday, September 16th. We will make every effort to fulfill requests after this date. 

We welcome and encourage all feedback and suggestions in our efforts to provide an environment where everyone can participate in the way that works best for them. Please check this page again as we get closer to the event as we will update accessibility notes while we continue to create more access. 

Hybrid by Design

This year we have designed a conference experience that will allow participants to attend from their own homes or wherever they wish to join online. On September 29, participants have the option to attend in-person at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles. 

Participants living near certain cities will have the option to participate at different Community Hubs we will announce soon. We will share direct contact information with organizers at each of the Community Hubs. Specific additional access features on these spaces will depend on what each local site has available, and screened for accessibility. We will make detailed accessibility information available as we receive it directly from the Hubs. Hubs located in the United States will comply with ADA laws. 

COVID-19: Please visit our Covid-19 policies for in-person attendance.

Casual Dress Code Policy: comfortable, practical clothing is welcome!

No/Low Scent Policy: We ask all guests who are joining us in person to arrive using no to low scented products. This means refraining from using perfumes, lotions, detergents, oils, and hair products with strong fragrances. We will supply scent-free soap pumps in each restroom and ask visitors to wash strong scents off as best as they can if they do attend having used any strongly scented products. Strong scents can trigger people with severe allergies, asthma, migraines, and people going through chemotherapy. Exposure can result in dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, irritation, and additional harmful reactions for people who are sensitive. 

Access Support People: Disabled guests whose access includes bringing an access support person or personal care aide can do so at no additional charge. Let us know by emailing access@documentary.org who you plan to bring when you register if you plan to bring an additional person, and you can check in together when you arrive at the venue.  

We have shared a list of best practices for presenting and creating accessible sessions with speakers. Our staff will be available to take and incorporate additional feedback we receive during the event as new access learnings or adjustments need to be made. 

Recorded Sessions: All our events outside of closed-group networking events and events closed to the press, will be posted online within 48 hours. They will be available for two weeks after the end of the conference for anyone with a pass to access at their convenience.

About the Online Experience 

This year we will be using Zoom as our conference platform. After you register and we get closer to the event, you will receive an invitation to create an account to join the platform or connect via an existing G-Suite account. You can sign up, stream, and attend sessions all using this platform. 

Some additional features we are working toward are high contrast options for low vision participants, and ensuring screen reader compatibility for people using JAWS and VoiceOver. Currently, screen readers will not automatically read aloud CART captioning, the question box, or the chat function. The easiest way to engage with the question box and chat function as a screen reader users is to scroll to the end of the page and move left rather than starting from the top of the page. When participants join the platform for the first time, they will have the option to enable a high contrast mode. 

We are working to customize the features of each meeting room to fit the type of programming for each session of the event. Depending on the event, this may mean limiting the public chat feature to allow participants to focus on the main event content. 

ASL & CART Captioning (Online & In-Person)

We will have American Sign Language (ASL) and CART captioning at all keynotes talks and panels produced by the Getting Real staff. They will also be available during select breakout sessions. To request ASL and CART in additional breakout sessions, email access@documentary.org. For any requests made after September 16, 2022, we will do our best to fulfill but will not be able to guarantee based on staffing capabilities.

For films with non-English voice tracks, we will show with burned-in English subtitles. We are working to have closed captions available in addition to English subtitles but cannot guarantee them at this time. We are working with the rights holders to see where Audio Descriptions can be made available. 

During the in-person events, the ASL interpreters will be well-lit on stage near presenters and seating will be reserved close to the interpreter. CART captioning will also be displayed on the screen.

Venue Information (Directors Guild of America, DGA)

Location: 7920 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90046. The building is on the Southeast corner of Sunset & North Hayworth Ave. 

Access Support People: Disabled guests whose access includes bringing an access support person or personal care aide can do so at no additional charge. Let us know who you plan to bring when you register and we will create a code to register them for free. You can check in together when you arrive at the venue.   

Service Animals: Guests with disabilities and their trained service animals are welcome at all IDA events. While we will reserve seats for guests with a range of disabilities, staff and volunteers can assist anyone find the best seat for them with space for their animal to sit comfortably too. 

Getting to the DGA 

Transit: Take the 217 bus (La Cienega - Jefferson Station) to Fairfax & Sunset. This line stops on the Southeast side of the intersection. At this time this stop does not have a bus shelter, and is about 1 block from the DGA. Use the crosswalk to cross Sunset, pass the RiteAid and the building will be on your left side at the end of the block.

Hotel Shuttles & Access Transport: Visitors staying at the Loew’s hotel will have shuttle access during morning and evening time blocks to and from the DGA. This schedule will be shared as we get closer to the event. An accessible shuttle will be available. Should you need additional accessible transportation options, contact access@documentary.org.

Drop off areas: People can be dropped off at the curb on Sunset Blvd near the ramp at the right of the steps. There is also space to be dropped off at the corner of N. Hayworth & Sunset. 

Sidewalks: Not all sidewalks have curb ramps. There is a curb ramp on the corner of N/ Hayworth & Sunset. The sidewalks surrounding the venue are in good shape, with some cement breakage and damage from tree roots. 

Accessible Parking: There are many accessible parking spaces in DGA’s underground parking structure off of N Hayworth Ave. Parking spaces are near two elevators. The elevators have grab bars. These elevators will take you directly to the middle of the Grand Lobby. The security desk is very near to the elevators should you need any assistance or information as you enter the Grand Lobby or exit to the parking structure. 

Step Free Entrances: Guests coming from the street can enter from the curb cut off of N. Hayworth & Sunset Blvd. This curb cut is closest to the ramped paths on the right side of the 4 steps (while facing the building entrance). This ramp connects to the building entrance doors. There are 2 sets of double doors that measure 63 inches when both opened, or 31.5 inches when one door is opened. At this time, there are no automatic door openers. Staff will be outside to guide and assist anyone.     

About the Space

For this event, we will be using the two lobbies, three Theatres, the reception area, the outdoor patio, and the Atrium all on the first floor of the building. There are a number of circular planters and columns within the space. In the middle of the Grand Lobby, there is a large circular information desk where both DGA and IDA staff can be found.

Flooring & Lighting: The majority of the space’s floor is low pile carpet for the exception of terrazzo concrete floor tiles in the Grand Lobby. The back patio floor is cement. The venue’s lobbies are filled with natural light and use recessed LED lighting. Theatres use recessed LED lighting and large angled wall sconces. Restrooms use LED lighting. 

Theatres: Theatre 1 There are over 20 spaces for people using wheelchairs, and 6 transfer seats. There is a ramp and lift to get to the stage. Theatre 2 There are 4 spaces for people using wheelchairs.  Theatre 3 is the smallest theater near the front end of the building. This has a maximum of 36 seats where there are designated 4 spaces for people using wheelchairs. 

We are working with DGA to remove additional seats as needed to increase their seating options for people using wheelchairs. We will reserve seating close to the ASL interpreters, in best sight of the captioning, near the wheelchair and transfer seating areas, and in the back for people who may need to get up during the programming. At any time, staff can assist guests find or move to the best space for them. All Theatres have red fabric covered plush seats with backs and armrests. None recline. Theatres will be cleared out and sanitized between each session.

Quiet Room: At this time we do not have a designated space inside of DGA for a quiet room and will try to make use out of rooms that are not being used upon time of need. Should you need a low sensory area, alert an access volunteer or a member of our staff who can help you find a quiet space depending on what programming is taking place. 

Restrooms: Two restrooms are located in the middle of the building, closest to Theatre 1. There are 2 accessible stalls in each of the two restrooms. At this time, both restrooms are multi-stalled and signs will designate which equipment is available in each restroom. Sinks use motion sensors to turn on and off. All sinks have 27 inches of space below the counters. We will provide scent free hand soap pumps, and work to remove air fresheners and other scented products during our event set up process. At this time, we cannot control what products DGA staff use to clean their space. 

Food & Beverage: Food & drinks will be available by staff service as well as self service. This is to help reduce lines, and ensure anyone needing assistance can be  supported. Some meals will be individually wrapped. During the reception, trays will be passed around. We will have vegetarian and vegan options available in addition to non-veg/vegan.

Coffee and tea will be available during day-time meals. Water stations will be available throughout the venue at all times. We encourage people to bring their reusable bottles 

Alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic drinks will be available during the reception and dinner portion of the event. 

Patio: The outdoor patio can be accessed down a carpeted hallway passed the restrooms through double doors. Long planter boxes break up parts of the patio. There are circular tables with adjustable heights and sun umbrellas.  ​

Inclusion Resources Created by FWD-Doc

FWD Doc Film Event Accessibility Score Card - attendees can use the survey to audit events and assist collect access-data as requested by the organizers. Event planners can use it as a baseline to organize access.   

FWD Doc Engagement Packet (in association with the BFI Doc Society fund) - This downloadable PDF contains resources aimed at filmmakers, commissioners, funders, buyers, decision-makers, business affairs and exhibitors, and includes templates for use across the industry. Pages 04-31 highlight concepts like Ableism, models of disability and inclusion, and intersectionality. Pages 32-73 highlight resources and tips for the industry including how to collaborate with the disability community and access tips for creating deliverables and producing film festivals 

FWD Doc Changing the Narrative of Disability in Documentary Film: A Toolkit for Inclusion & Accessibility (in association with Doc Society & Netflix) 

Best Practices to Create Access as an Attendee

State your name before you speak (“This is *name*...”). This allows interpreters and captions to let people know who is communicating and when presenters switch 

Speak at a comfortable pace, and not too fast. Session moderators will let you know if you need to adjust how you communicate to best support interpreters, captioners, and other attendees

Avoid ableist and additional oppressive language. Recognize that some terms ingrained in main-stream spaces (ex: cr*zy, l*me, ins*ne) are very harmful. Visit Self-Defined, for a holistic list of terms to understand harmful implications and to work on removing them from your daily life. Also avoid euphemisms when discussing disability.  

Additional Online Access Considerations:

  • Introduce yourself with your name, pronouns, and a brief visual description if you have your camera on 
  • We want you to turn off and on your cameras as you need to in the comfort of your own space. If it is possible, please turn your camera on when you speak to assist people who may benefit from reading your lips and facial expressions
  • If you plan to speak. Use headphones/headsets with a microphone. This will help interpreters and captioning pick up your speech
  • Recognize that people may be caring for children or other people while also attending the conference
  • Recognize that creating accessibility is an active, collective, and dynamic process. People’s access needs vary from person to person and day to day. Help us strive to create an environment where we all feel responsible to respond and adapt to people’s changing needs together   
  • Please be patient when technology issues arise. Many people, including conference staff and volunteers, will be using this technology for the first time. We will communicate who to contact if you need assistance using the technology as we get closer to the event