FAQ's

Find FAQ's for specific topics:

Call for Papers

DSA Membership

Exhibits Info

Hotel/Reservations

Layaway

Registration

Tours

Workshops *

* coming soon

If I purchased a combo ticket for DSA 2011 Chicago Conference, is my DSA membership due included?
Yes it is included. Your DSA membership does NOT start till the DSA 2011 Chicago Conference. It will expire at the DSA 2013 Baltimore Conference. To stay up to date with DSA till the DSA 2011 Conference, we encourage you to join DSA now. Their newsletter will have our most recent conference information in it!

How much does it cost for the DSA membership dues?
It is $20 dollars (per person) for two years: from conference to conference which is always held in the odd numbered year.

How do I pay for the dues?
Click here to go to Deaf Seniors of America's Membership web page. Print the form. Fill out the form and mail it with the check of $20 (per person) to Joe Rose (DSA Treasurer).

What are the DSA membership benefits?
You will receive quarterly newsletters "New Horizons". There may be periodic new release through the web site.

Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers Information

Sheraton Hotel Info (Rooms, Restaurants & other info)

DSA 2011 Chicago Conference has its group block that sets up and OPEN for reservations when a person is reaching the in-house reservations (Sheraton Hotel). Persons can call the hotel directly (in-house reservations) and they will be able to make the reservation. Suppose if persons call after business hours (8 am to 4:50 p.m.): during the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) or if it is busy (not able to answer after 3 rings), the calls will be transferred to Central Reservation System. Please call at 1-800-233-4100. Please do not use the number 312-464-1000 because it is the hotel general number.

Can we make reservations?
Yes, we can. You need to call the hotel at 1-800-233-4100 during the business hours (from 8 am to 4:30 pm – Central time). Be sure to ask for DSA 2011 rates. You can now make the reservation with a SPECIAL link made available by Sheraton for the DSA 2011 Chicago!! Click here to go and make your reservation today.

Can we make reservations after business hours and weekend?
You can, but Central Reservation System will answer the call. It is not a good idea to call after business hours and weekend because the Central Reservation System will not recognize (know) the hotel reservations until March 27, 2010.

Why can’t Central Reservation System recognize the reservations?
The Central Reservation System is currently not able to accept reservations beyond 550 day booking window. That means we have to wait till March 2010 so that the Central Reservation System will recognize and accept the reservations after March 27, 2010. It is the hotel’s policy.

Should we wait till March 2010 to make the reservations?
Not necessary. You still can call at 1-800-233-4100 during business hours. (8 am to 4:30 pm). After March 27, 2010, we should not have any problems.

Will the Central Reservation System recognize the hotel reservations (DSA 2011 rates) in March 2010?
Yes! Yes! Yes! Everything will be consistent (agreeing or same). We should not have any more problems about room reservations after March 27, 2010.

Will the representatives from the hotel room reservations be aware of our group rates – DSA 2011 rates?
Yes. NOTE: Their computer system (software) will say $209 per night for the QUAD RATE. Don't worry. you will only be charged $189 NOT $209. Their staff will check and make the necessary changes themselves.

Do all rooms have great views?
Yes! Yes! Yes! All rooms have 3 great views to chose from: Chicago River, Lake Michigan /Navy Pier or Chicago downtown (Chicago skyline). Sheraton Hotel does not have any guest rooms that overlook an alley, dumpster, etc.

Will the link: Sheraton Hotel room reservation be available from our website?
You can now make the reservation with a SPECIAL link made available by Sheraton for the DSA 2011 Chicago!! Click here to go and make your reservation today.

Do we have to pay one night deposit when we make the reservation on our credit card?
Yes, it is one night deposit required upon making the reservation.

Why did my reservation show for QUAD RATE as $209 per night - not $189 per night as it should be? Their computer system (software) will say $209 per night for the QUAD RATE. Don't worry. you will only be charged $189 NOT $209. Their staff will check and make the necessary changes themselves.

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Call for Papers

I am interested in giving a presentation at the DSA 2011 Chicago Conference.
Information can be found at the Call for Papers' web page. Information/Forms are available online as well.


Exhibits Information

I am interested in having a booth at the DSA 2011 Chicago Conference. Where would I find information?
Information can be found at the Exhibits Info' web page. Information/Form (in PDF) is available online.

Who is our service contractor?
Global Experience Specialist (GES) is our service contractor for your needs.
Will there be an interpreter assisting the exhibitors?
GES will staff (1) one interpreter at their Service desk based upon the schedule below:
Exhibitor move-in: Thursday September 1, 2011 2:00 PM-6:00 PM
Exhibitor move-out: Tuesday September 6, 2011 7:00 AM-11:00 AM

Will the interpreter be available at all times?
No. Exhibitors are responsible for their interpreter needs

What are the exhibit hours and dates?
Hours Friday September 2, 2011 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday September 3, 2011 8:00 AM – 12 noon & 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday September 4, 2011 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday September 5, 2011 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Note: Exhibit hall will be closed from 12 noon to 2:00PM for conference luncheon on September 3^rd.
What is the size of the booth in the base price and what is included?
10’ X 10’ booth, (1) ID sign (7”x 44”) single line, Pipe & drape 8’ high back wall, 3’ High side rails, (1) 8’ Long draped table (3 sides), (2) Contour chairs, (1) Wastebasket. Please note that if you need any additional items you need to contact the onsite GES located in the exhibit hall. It is preferred to make these arrangements prior to exhibit set up with the GES.

What are the show colors?
It will be red, white and blue.
Will there be security services?
Yes, there will be security services between end of the show and opening the following morning. Please note that exhibitors are responsible for the security of their own products and personal property. DSA 2011-Chicago Conference is not responsible for any materials, equipment or personal property left in the exhibit hall overnight. See your Exhibit Prospectus for more details.

Will booth swapping or switching be allowed?
Booth swapping or switching will not be allowed after the assignment is finalized at the time of ~~April 30, 2011~~ June 30, 2011 deadline. However, the exhibit coordinator is entitled to move or make changes as deemed necessary at any time.

If I cancel my exhibit booth space prior to May 15, 2011 will I get my refund?
Yes. There will be a full refund less $150 per booth processing fee. Please see your contract on refund policy.

When I will receive the Exhibit Service Kit?
The GES will provide a service manual kit to each exhibitor who has contracted a space. It will include all the necessary order forms for all your needs.

What is the limit for number of personnel for each exhibitor?
Each exhibitor is entitled up to (4) four registered personnel with I.D. Sponsors have a separate agreement but their staff must be registered too.

Can the exhibitor use the services of bellmen to carry show materials in to the exhibit hall?
No. According to hotel regulations bellmen are not allowed into the exhibit hall at any time.

Can the exhibitor and their personnel use their conference exhibitor badges to attend other DSA 2011 Conference functions?
No. Exhibitor badges do not constitute Conference registration, and do not permit access by exhibit personnel to any Conference events or workshops.

Can the exhibitor purchase a separate Conference Combo ticket(s)?
Yes. Contact the registration coordinator to purchase Conference Combo ticket(s) at registration@dsa2011-chicago.org

Will the exhibitors be allowed to remain in the exhibit hall after hours to clean up and organize their booth?
Yes, each exhibitor will be given 30 minutes after closing hours to tidy up their booth. Tear down will not be permitted at anytime except on Tuesday September 6^th.

Will there be an exhibitor’s information desk?
Yes. For your convenience it will be located at the front of the exhibit hall entrance.

Can I pay by money order instead of by check?
Yes.
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Layaway

We are no longer accepting any layaway plans.

Program Book

How do I place an advertisement in the program book?

Click here to view the letter of invitation to place the ad. There is a pdf file also available stating the ad space and rates.

Registration

Can I make payments toward to the combo registration?

Yes you can. You can either print out our layaway payment plan form (click here for the PDF file) or contact Genevieve Bright for more details at: registration@dsa2011-chicago.org. We offer from 4 to 6 months now for the Combo Rate of $255.

How do I cancel my registration?

We, of course, would be sad to hear you needed to cancel your registration for any reason. You can contact Genevieve Bright at registration@dsa2011-chicago.org and tell her you needed to cancel your registration. Video calls are not accepted as a formal way to make your request to cancel your registration.

When can I get my refund?

According to the Cancellation/Refund Policy form, we will send your refund after July 15, 2011. The amount of the refund to be returned depends on the date the request of cancelling your registration was received.

Tours

Will there be any baseball games?

Yes, we will have two games - Chicago White Sox vs Minnesota Twins & Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates. Click here for more details.

Trolley Signature, North Side and West Side Tours:

How long are the tours?
The Signature tour is 2 hours long. The North Side and the West Side tours are 3 hours long.

Are the trolleys wheelchair accessible?
Yes, each trolley will accommodate two wheelchairs.

Are interpreters provided?
Yes, each trolley will have one interpreter.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise:

How will we get to the boat?
It is about a 2-3 block walk to the boat dock. This is next to the Wrigley Building on the west side of Michigan Avenue.

Is the river cruise wheelchair accessible?
The boat itself is wheelchair accessible, but getting to the boat is only accessible by a flight of stairs.

What if it rains?
The boats go out in rain or shine! The boats have an upstairs deck and a lower deck which is covered.

What about the narration?
An interpreter will be provided for each boat.

What exactly does the tour do?
The 90 minute cruise features a live narration of Chicago's history and architecture, pointing out many of the landmark buildings and passes through the Chicago lock.

The Museum Campus Tour:

What does the Museum Campus Tour include:
The Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium are all located within 2-3 blocks of beautiful park area right near Lake Michigan.

How long can one stay at the Museum Campus?
The bus leave the hotel at 10 am and one can choose from designated times back to the hotel all day!

Can I go to one museum or can I go to all three?
Yes, you can do just one museum or if you want to see all three museums all day, there is a Combo ticket for $125 per person (for all three museums).

Can I get a drink or lunch at any museums?
Yes, all three museums have cafes and vending machines.

The Museum of Science and Industry:

What exhibits are at this museum?
A real coal mine, the U-505 submarine, Yesterday's Main Street, the Great Train Story with over 30 trains on 1,400 feet of winding track, Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle and many more wonderful exhibits!
How long can I stay there? Are there any food there?
The bus will leave the hotel at 10 am and will leave the Museum at 3 pm. There is a cafeteria and vending machines there.

How long is the house tour?
It is a one hour informative guided tour with an interpreter provided.

What does the Walk include?
About two blocks of unique homes that Frank Lloyd Wright designed in a lovely neighborhood where he built his first house.

The Illinois Holocaust Museum:

How long is the tour?
The tour can take m ore than an hour and a half, depending on the tour guide.

Will an interpreter be provided?
Yes, there will be an interpreter.

Willis Tower, Millenium Park and Buckingham Fountain:

What exactly does this tour do?
The trolley will take you to the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) where you will go up to the Skydeck and see Chicago from all points and to experience a novelty. "The Ledge" which is at 1,353 feet up and are four glass boxes which extend our 4.3 feet! Then the bus takes you to Millenium Park where one can see the Bean structure and the Crown Fountains and some beautiful sculptures. Lastly is the lovely Buckingham Fountain.

How long is this tour?
Four hours.

John Hancock Observatory, Water Tower, Water Tower Place and Ghiradelli's and Hershey's chocolate stores:

What does this tour do exactly?
The bus first takes you to the John Hancock Observatory to go up to the 94th floor to see Chicago from all four points. Then down to street level to walk one block to Water Tower Place which is a wonderful mall with seven floors of wonderful shops or walk another block to the Old Water Tower building. Then cross the street on Michigan Avenue west to two delicious world-famous chocolate stores: Ghiradelli's and Hershey's which are across the street from each other!

How long is this tour?
Four Hours.

Seadog Speedboat Fireworks Cruises:

What is the difference between the Wednesday and Saturday nights cruises?
There is no difference other than the starting time.

How long is the cruise?
90 minutes with the panoramic view of the Chicago skyline by night and the awesome fireworks show.

Is this a fast boat ride?
Yes, it is a speedboat and no one can stand up during the ride ~ hence no interpreter will be provided.

Where does one get on the boat?
It is about a 3-4 block walk from the hotel to Navy Pier. The volunteers will guide you there and back. You can dine there before the start of the cruise. Information will be provided by the registration area with the list of restaurants.

Spirit of Chicago Lunch Cruise:

Where does one get on the boat?
It is about a 3-4 block walk from the hotel to Navy Pier. The volunteers will guide you there and back.

How is lunch served?
It is a buffet lunch with coffee, tea and iced tea included. Cash bar for other drinks including soda.

How long is the lunch cruise?
Two hours.

Where does the boat go?
It goes on Lake Michigan and will see a beautiful panoramic view of Chicago and the Museum Campus and majestic skyline.

Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo Tours:

How far is it to the Zoos?
Depending on traffic, the Brookfield Zoo is about 35-40 minutes away. The Lincoln Park Zoo is about 15-20 minutes away from the hotel.

Will I be able to get lunch at the zoos?
Yes, there are food venues as well as vending machines.

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