The following is accessibility information for the 2025 Midwest Arts Writers Convening at Haymarket House (800 W Buena Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60613), which takes place April 27th through April 29th, 2025. If you have accessibility questions or requests, please contact us at info@sixtyinchesfromcenter.org.
Please note that this event is taking place in-person at Haymarket House, a rehabilitated residential and educational space located in Uptown. The building has been newly renovated for better accessibility, and as a historic building it still requires the use of special routes and entrances for our friends, supporters and attendees with disabilities. To speak directly with the Sixty team about accessibility and questions you have for this event, contact us at info@sixtyinchesfromcenter.org.
Captions + ASL Interpretation
Although we like to automatically offer ASL and Live CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation) at our events, for this event we will secure these services only by request. We are happy to provide ASL Interpretation and Live CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation) at the request of any attendees. Please contact us at info@sixtyinchesfromcenter.org to make a request. When ASL interpretation or Live CART is requested and offered, an area will be marked and reserved for those who need unobstructed access to these services.
Audio + Sound
Due to the size of the space, microphones and a PA system will be used during the event. For those needing closer access to the speakers during the event, we will work with you to prioritize the best location for you to hear and have direct view of the speakers and other attendees.
Masks
Masks will be required and we will provide free masks for those who don’t have one. While food and drinks will be served, we ask that attendees wear their mask when not eating or drinking.
Entrances, Elevators, + Restrooms
Haymarket House is a rehabilitated street-level and former residential and education space in a residential area. There are multiple entrances, two with stairs and one with a wheelchair-accessible ramp. The front entrance consists of a door that is 32″ wide and a door that opens inward.
The building has multiple floors where different aspects of the event might take place. Haymarket House has a wide and beautiful staircase and also a wheelchair-accessible elevator that can be used to access those floors when needed.
Haymarket House also has a multi-user, all-genders restroom with an entrance that is only 36″ wide and wheelchair accessible. There is also a wheelchair accessible stall.
Event Spaces
Most of the convening will take place in Haymarket House’s main event space on the first floor of the building. Chairs will be available for everyone in attendance. Accessibility seating will be marked and reserved for those who need easy and unobstructed access to seating while in the space. Also, if ASL interpreters are requested for the event, there will be an area marked and reserved for those attendees. The event has giant, beautiful windows throughout and the event takes place primarily in the morning and afternoon, so the space will likely be lit with a combination of natural light and overhead lighting. For evening events, the space will be lit by overhead lights.
Some elements of the event will also take place in other spaces throughout the building, including the kitchen, library, or conference rooms–all of which are accessible. As previously mentioned, an elevator and stairs are available to access those parts of the building.
We also welcome you to make yourself comfortable in the space–feel free to move around, stand, sit, grab snacks, and visit the restroom as needed. If you need to step out of the space to take a break for any reason, you can step outside and into Haymarket House’s garden space. April in Chicago can be unpredictable, so dress accordingly!
Photos
To help give you a better understanding of what to expect, here are some photos of Haymarket House’s internal and external spaces. You can find more detailed images of Haymarket House’s entrances, restrooms, and spaces here.
