NVNR Announces New Accessibility Policy
New Voices New Rooms, the programming partnership between the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association and the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance, has adopted a new accessibility policy for its events, including the upcoming New Voices New Rooms 2026 conference, to be held August 2-5 in Baltimore.
The comprehensive policy formalizes and expands on NVNR's commitment to creating accessible space by focusing on removing barriers to participation. It considers physical access, language barriers, neurodivergence, gender inclusivity, chronic illness and immuno-compromised people, food sensitivities and allergies, and respect for diversity.
It is standard practice at NVNR to provide at least one accessible bus tour to area bookstores, a quiet room, all-gender restrooms, and a write-in space for personal pronouns on badges.
In the new policy, NVNR commits to a more expansive accessibility culture, including the introduction of an Accessibility Pass, which allows the holder to go to the front of the line for food, author signings, and entry to events.
Other accessibility measures at NVNR 2026:
- Live transcription of some program sessions
- Reserved front seating for hearing accessibility
- Free earplugs for noisy rooms
- Free event passes for accessibility aides
The full accessibility policy can be viewed at NVNR Accessibility.
NVNR Attendees can request an Accessibility Pass when they register, or contact the Accessibility Coordinator for the SIBA Region: Candice Huber, candice@sibaweb.com | Accessibility Coordinator, SIBA