We strongly encourage participation by individuals with disabilities and are committed to making every effort to meet accommodation requests. Accessibility is a fundamental provision and SCMS aims to work with and learn from advocates, scholars, and members with disabilities to address concerns and foster a more inclusive environment.

You can access the accommodation request form using this link. We ask that requests be submitted at least one month before the meeting whenever possible. This provides both the SCMS and our contracted facility time to provide optimal access. For any question regarding physical access at the conference venue, we encourage you to reach out to the office ahead of your participation or visit.

We also ask that any groups or organizations hosting meetings and receptions for SCMS members prioritize accessibility, ensuring that access needs are met at all event locations.

Airports & Ground Transportation

Chicago prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming city for both residents and visitors, with accessibility playing a key role in ensuring everyone feels at home. The information in this section is provided by Choose Chicago (the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau).

Chicago Airports

O'Hare and Midway International Airports both offer various accommodations to help travelers with disabilities get to and from Chicago safely and conveniently, including accessible parking, restrooms, service animal areas, and special accommodations during security. Learn more in the Midway Airport accessibility guide and O'Hare Airport accessibility guide.

Buses and Trains

Bus accessibility in Chicago

The Chicago Transit Authority operates around 130 bus routes that include more than 10,000 stops in the city, neighborhoods, and surrounding area. Learn more in this how-to guide on riding the bus.

See schedules and routes, status alerts, and accessibility FAQs.

Buses: All of Chicago's CTA bus routes use accessible buses for riders with disabilities.

Bus Shelters

Many shelters include estimated arrival information in the form of an outward-facing LED sign.

Each bus shelter sign is equipped with a push button and speaker to announce the estimated arrival times, reroutes, and service alerts. The push button is located inside the shelter, typically on the left front pole when facing the street.

'L' train accessibility in Chicago

Chicago's rapid transit train system, known as the 'L', serves more than 140 stations throughout the city and nearby suburbs. Learn more in this how-to guide on riding the train.

See schedules and routes, status alerts, and accessibility FAQs.

Train cars: All CTA train cars are accessible to people with disabilities. Accessible features include:

Train stations: A majority of Chicago's rail stations are accessible, with features and updates being added regularly. CTA personnel and customer assistance buttons are available at every rail station. Other accessibility features at rail stations include:

Bus and train resources

Accessibility

Schedules and general information

System status updates

Fare information

Cabs and Rideshare

Passengers can request a ride in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle by calling 1-888-WAV-CABS (1-888-928-2227) or by downloading the CURB app.

Passengers can also request a wheelchair-accessible vehicle in Chicago with the Uber app.

Parking

Vehicles with eligible local disability placards are exempt from paying parking meters in Chicago. The city also honors disabled parking placards from most states and foreign countries, though these placards don't receive a meter exemption. Learn more about accessible parking and transportation in Chicago.

Reservations at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park & Swissotel

Tips for Making Your Hotel Reservation

To secure an accessible room, we recommend the following steps:

• Call the hotel directly: Contact Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park at (312) 565-8000 or Swissôtel at (312) 565-0565 to reserve your accessible room for the desired dates.
• Request email confirmation: Ask the hotel to email a confirmation that clearly notes the accessible room reservation.
• Confirm your reservation in advance: Call the hotel 24 to 48 hours before your arrival to confirm that your accessible room is reserved.

When booking through a nationwide reservations call center, they may not have the capability to "block" wheelchair-accessible rooms with the individual hotel property. For this reason, we recommend calling the hotel directly and speaking with the front desk to ensure your accessible guestroom is properly reserved and blocked.

If you need assistance with booking or encounter any issues, please email us at hotel@scmsconference.com.

Conference Sites

Accessibility Information for Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park & Swissôtel Chicago

Both the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park and Swissôtel Chicago are dedicated to providing an accessible environment for all guests. These properties offer ADA-compliant rooms and accessible public areas with features thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort, safety, and inclusivity.

Guest Rooms

Mobility Accessibility: Accessible rooms feature doorways with a minimum clear width of 32 inches, roll-in showers, grab bars, wheelchair-height toilets, adjustable hand-held shower wands, and lowered vanities, deadbolts, outlets, and peepholes. Accessible routes connect public entrances to guest rooms.

Hearing Accessibility: Rooms are equipped with visual fire alarms, TTY devices, and TVs with closed captioning or decoders.

Public Areas

Restaurants and Meeting Rooms: All meeting rooms and restaurants at both hotels are wheelchair accessible. Elevators connect all floors and are equipped with Braille numerals beside each control button.

Parking: Both valet and accessible self-parking are available, including accommodation for vehicles outfitted for wheelchair drivers.

Amenities: The properties offer accessible fitness centers.

Conference Events

All SCMS conference events at both hotels are accessible via elevator.

For accessibility details related to individual sessions, please refer to our presenter guidelines, "Removing Barriers."

Health and Safety Information

Conference Hotel Air Filtration Information: Information coming soon.

Mask Distribution at Registration: While there is no formal mask mandate, the health and safety of our members remain a priority. K/N95 masks will be available at the registration desk for members who wish to upgrade their mask.

On-Site Accessibility Assistance

For assistance with specific access needs, please contact Guest Services at the lobby registration or concierge desk. If you encounter accessibility issues during SCMS 2025, notify the hotel's front desk for immediate support, or email us at hotel@scmsconference.com.

Equipment and Scooter Rentals

For those requiring mobility equipment during their visit, several services offer rentals:

Scootaround: Provides a variety of mobility scooters and wheelchairs for rent in Chicago. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1-888-441-7575.

Cloud of Goods: Offers mobility scooter rentals with delivery to hotels, residences, or attractions in Chicago. Reservations can be made through their website.

Midwest Mobility: Provides rentals of mobility scooters, powerchairs, and other equipment, with options for pick-up and delivery. Contact them at (847) 604-3444 for more information.