All Access Episode 13: Making the 2024 DNC Accessible

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) will bring more than 50,000 people to Chicago, from delegates and their families to staff, volunteers and press. It is a great opportunity for Chicago to show visitors that we are the most accessible city in the world!  

In this episode of All Access, Deputy Commissioner Christina McGleam and guest host Training Officer Clare Stanhope speak to Robin Jones, the Accessibility Advisor to the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC), on how she and her committee are making this large-scale event accessible. Robin talks about how her committee incorporates feedback from previous conventions as well as foreseeing accessibility needs related to the event, including making sure delegates with disabilities can sit with their peers rather than in a special section, ensuring that every shuttle bus to the convention is accessible and checking curb cuts around the United Center. 

Well known to the disability community as the director of the Great Lakes ADA Center, Robin started working on the 2024 convention in 2023 as a member of a disability advisory group headed by Senator Tammy Duckworth. She also served on the advisory committee for the 2020 Democratic National Convention, which was entirely virtual. Robin’s background is in occupational therapy, so Christina and Clare end the episode asking Robin about her career pathway and what advice she would give to someone who wants to work in occupational therapy.  

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