Chicago prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming place to live and visit, making it the perfect location to host landmark events like the Democratic National Convention. This year, the DNC is committed to making the 2024 convention the most accessible in history. Discover how the city of Chicago and the DNC are working together to create a positive experience for convention attendees and city residents with disabilities.
Accessibility at the DNC
Creating an accessible and inclusive convention is a key goal for DNC organizers. Learn more about the various ways the event organizers are making accessibility a priority, from adjusting physical infrastructure to consulting with local experts.
Laying the groundwork
One of the DNC’s first steps has been tapping into the right experts. An Accessibility Advisory Council, composed of advocates and leaders from key local and city groups, advises the Host Committee on making the DNC accessible to all attendees.
The Host Committee has also hired Robin Jones, director of the Great Lakes ADA Center at UIC and a proven advocate with extensive experience in the disability space, to be the lead advisor on accessibility at the convention.
As the DNC’s Accessibility Advisor, Robin works closely with the United Center, McCormick Place, airports, hotels, and other venues to ensure the physical infrastructure and material presented during the 2024 Democratic National Convention meets and exceeds all relevant accessibility standards.
Historic accessibility efforts at the DNC
The Democratic National Convention has already announced several key accessibility milestones,such as the construction of an ADA-compliant ramp that will provide direct access to the convention floor.
A first in DNC history, the ramp will help to ensure that more delegates with ADA needs can be seated in the heart of the convention action.
Other accommodations at the 2024 DNC in Chicago will include:
- Designated accessible parking
- Wheelchair-accessible entrances
- Accessible restrooms
- Dedicated spaces at the United Center and McCormick Place for individuals with disabilities
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has made extensive sidewalk and curb repairs near key event locations and venues, including McCormick Place and other locations throughout the city.
CDOT has also ensured that traffic signals at different intersections around convention sites have full Accessible Pedestrian Signals. These signals communicate information using non-visual formats such as audible tones, speech messages, and/or vibrating surfaces.
The agency has also repaired ADA tiles at all corners around the downtown hotels where delegates and visitors will stay. These tiles help those with visual impairments safely utilize pedestrian crossings.
Accessibility throughout Chicago
Along with historic accessibility efforts by the DNC, the city itself is filled with accessibility resources and amenities that make experiencing Chicago convenient and comfortable for all visitors.
Accessibility at Chicago’s airports
O’Hare and Midway International Airports both offer a variety of accommodations to help travelers with disabilities get to and from Chicago safely and comfortably, including accessible parking, restrooms, service animal areas, and special accommodations during security.
In both airports, the new Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programis designed to support people with disabilities that may not be immediately visible, such as autism, dementia, mental health issues, or learning difficulties. People can choose to wear a lanyard bearing a sunflower logo as a subtle way of letting others know they may require additional support, assistance, or a bit more time.
Learn more about accessibility at Chicago’s airports.
Getting around Chicago
Chicago’s public transit system offers a variety of resources to increase accessibility for travelers with disabilities or mobility devices. All of Chicago’s 130 CTA bus routes use accessible buses, with features like lifts and ramps, priority wheelchair seating, and audio and text announcements with route information.
Chicago’s rapid transit train system, known as the ‘L’, serves more than 140 stations throughout the city and nearby suburbs. All CTA train cars are accessible to people with disabilities. Accessible features include Braille signage, accessible doors and ramps, and automated voice announcements. A majority of Chicago’s rail stations are accessible, with features and updates being added regularly.
Learn more aboutaccessibility throughout Chicago’s public transit system.
Home to accessible attractions
Chicago’s top attractions are an essential part of the Chicago experience for any visitor to our great city. From soaring observation decks to lush greenhouses to historic monuments, our accessible Chicago attractions have been thoughtfully designed to welcome all guests.
Check out the various ways Chicago attractions make accessibility a priority:
- Discover Chicago’s sensory-friendly attractions, including sensory amenities and special low-sensory days at many of the city’s top family-friendly museums and attractions.
- Explore accessibility at Chicago’s museums, from exhibits with tactile elements to complimentary wheelchairs and color-blind corrective glasses.
- Grab your tickets to accessible theatres in Chicago, which offer audio-described shows, pre-show touch tours, innovative SoundShirt technology, and more.
Learn more about Chicago’s accessible attractions.
