Updated on May 10, 2024
Information shown below pertains to MIR28 to be held October 17-20, 2024.
ACCESSIBILITY AT MIR
We welcome everyone to our event, regardless of their accessibility needs. We understand that everyone is different.
We have, and will continue to do what we can to provide an inclusive and accessible environment for all.
To that end we are providing this page to outline accessibility at MIR - The International Rubber Contest Weekend events.
DURING REGISTRATION
Our registration process includes a check box for individuals who may have accessibility needs. It also includes a text box where individuals can notify the organization of those specific needs. We will make every reasonable attempt to ensure that those needs are met. You may also email the registration team at registration@mirubber.com with any questions or inquiries regarding your accessibility needs.
PUBLIC TRANSIT, TAXIS, AND SIDEWALKS
The “Getting Around” page on our website provides general information regarding public transportation as well as taxi, shuttle and on demand services. Below is accessibility information for those services.
- All Chicago Transit Authority Buses and Trains & Pace Suburban Buses are accessible
- All buses are equipped with audio and visual announcements.
- All trains are equipped with audio announcements. Most trains are equipped with visual announcements.
- Both buses and trains have designated areas for passengers traveling in wheelchairs.
- Priority seating is available for those with disabilities on all buses and trains.
- Buses are equipped with ramps, and can kneel for those with limited range of motion.
- Train platforms are equipped with textured warning surfaces at the platform edges
- Train stations are equipped with ramps to bridge the gap between platforms and trains. See a station attendant for assistance with ramps.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Not all train stations are accessible. Visit the CTA website for information about accessibility of specific stations and status of elevators..
The City of Chicago provides Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV Taxis) via arrangement through the Curb App or by calling 1-888-WAV-CABS (1-888-928-2227). Individuals wishing to reserve a WAV Taxi are advised to call at least 24 hour in advance to reserve a WAV Taxi.
Most sidewalks in Chicago have accessible ramps, textured warning surfaces at street corners, and visual crosswalk signals at major intersections
Pace is the suburban bus and regional paratransit division of the Regional Transportation Authority in the Chicago metropolitan area. Pace operates fixed bus routes across suburban Chicago, connecting to both Metra and to CTA train lines. For those who cannot access the fixed route accessible buses, Pace offers reserved Paratransit services. Use of paratransit services requires certification in advance to access. Learn more on the Pace Paratransit website.
DURING THE CONTEST AND EDUCATION SESSIONS
American Sign Language Interpretation is provided for all educational classes and for our contest event. If you require ASL services, please notify a member of our registration team, and they will ensure that seating arrangements can be made so that you have easy sight lines to the interpreter and to the class presenter, or the contest. Events that are ASL Interpreted will be noted on our schedule of events with the ASL icon.
AT THE DOUBLETREE HOTEL
The Doubletree by Hilton, Skokie, is our primary venue for daytime activities, and is a fully accessible venue.
- The entry at from the parking lot is equipped with automated doors, activated by interior and exterior push buttons
- A total of 6 elevators serve all floors of the building, including the basement and rooftop ballrooms in the tower, and the executive wing at the rear of the hotel.
- Elevators are equipped with audible announcements.
- Elevators and room numbers are equipped with braille.
- Accessible parking is available in the front parking lot.
- Floors in all areas of the building are compatible with assistive mobility devices. Some floors are tiles and others are carpeted
- Accessible restrooms are available just off the main lobby.
- Accessible rooms with mobility assistance features are available.
- The fitness center, swimming pool, and business center are all accessible.
- Seating is available throughout the building, including all spaces used for MIR events.
AT THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The North Shore Center For The Performing Arts is our primary contest venue, and is a fully accessible venue.
- All entry doors are accessible.
- All washrooms are accessible for those with wheelchairs.
- All concession stands are all accessible.
- Infra-red assistive hearing devices are available upon request.
- Ramps provide access to all seating zones on the main floor of the theater.
- Wheelchair seating is available in designated locations, with companion seats.
- Staff are accustomed to working with individuals with accessibility needs.