Young Writer Retreat Accessibility Policy

The YWW Retreat is a magical event, and we want it to be that way for all YDubbers. It’s particularly important to us that any attendees with disabilities are accommodated so you can have the best experience possible at the event. 

If there is something you feel might hinder your experience, safety, learning, or ability to interact with others, we would love to know so we can make this event as accessible as we can for you. Because we’ll need adequate time to prepare certain accommodations, please reach out as soon as possible to make us aware of these needs. You do not need to be registered to submit a request for special aid. The sooner we’re aware of what you’ll need, the better we’ll be able to try and meet it. You can reach out to us by emailing [email protected] 

We have included some common situations below. Whether your need is listed or not, please reach out to us so we can make sure your time at the YWW Retreat is the best experience it can be. 

Service animals

While pets and emotional support animals are not welcome on retreat grounds, service animals certainly are. While not required, we request that you email us ahead of time if you plan to bring a service animal at [email protected]. Whether you email us or not, upon your arrival at the retreat, you will be asked the following two questions.

1. Is the service animal required for a disability?
2. What work or task they are trained to perform? 

In the event that these questions are not answered, we reserve the right to ask you to remove your animal from the premises. Should, at any point, your animal display signs of aggression, disobedience, or poor housebreaking, we reserve the right to ask you to remove your animal from the premises. 

Because of the nature of the lodging options at the venue, we request that you stay in a hotel room rather than a bunkhouse should you plan to bring a service animal. This is solely due to the more compact nature of the bunkhouses, while a hotel room will provide more space for you and your service animal.  

Blind attendees

We’re happy to provide aid in the form of a guide, reserved front-row seating during sessions, braille, advanced layout of the venue and its buildings, and more. Please reach out to us to let us know what your needs are and what kind of accommodations you may require. It will help us to know (if you’re comfortable with sharing) the extent of your disability and exactly what assistance you expect during the retreat.

Deaf/HoH attendees

We’re happy to provide ASL/SEE interpreters, reserved seating, and more. Please reach out to us to let us know what your needs are and what kind of accommodations you may require. It will help us to know (if you’re comfortable with sharing) your preferred form of communication and exactly what you expect to need during the retreat.

Attendees in a wheelchair

The venue’s meeting spaces, hotel rooms, and dining hall are all 100% wheelchair accessible. They are fully equipped with proper ramps, elevators, and accessible bathrooms. Please reach out before booking any on-site lodging so we can ensure you’re placed in a wheelchair accessible room. If you anticipate needing any further aid, please reach out as soon as possible with a description of your needs. 

Other Needs

We’re happy to accommodate you to the best of our ability. Please email [email protected] with information regarding your disability and what you will expect to need during the retreat.