Guests with Disabilities

The Washington Convention Center is committed to accommodating the needs of individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Here are some tips for your visit:

Metro

The closest metro stop to the convention center is Mt. Vernon Sq/7th St. Convention Center on the Yellow or Green Line. The stop’s entrance/exit is at the North end of our building on 7th Street – three blocks from the Mount Vernon Place front entrance. This map shows you the location. Please be aware that registration for most meetings and other events is near the front entrance on the opposite side of the building – three blocks away. Also, please note that as you enter the building from the Metro there is a small vestibule with a steep set of stairs. The elevator is immediately to your right. For information about Metro’s accessibility, please visit their website - Washington Metro Area Transit Authority

Parking

There are twelve designated public parking spaces designated for vehicles displaying disability parking placards/permits or license tags in the following locations:

* North end of 7th Street between L and Mt Vernon Streets (3 metered spaces)
* South end of 9th Steet between Mount Vernon Place and L Street (3 metered spaces)
* South end of 9th Street between L Street and M Street (3 metered spaces)
* South end of 9th Street between M Street and N Street (3 metered spaces)

All of these handicapped spaces are accessible at the sidewalk side; although the spaces are not marked for wheelchair transfer.

These spaces are like most public parking spots and are on a first come first serve basis. We cannot reserve these spaces. There is no public parking inside the building.

Many of the parking garages and lots are now open on the weekends to accomodate events at the Washington Convention Center and other downtown venues in addition to there being no charge for metered parking on the streets at the perimiter of WCC. The hours of operation and hourly rates vary at each facility.

General Accessibility

There is a curbside drop-off for wheelchairs and sidewalk curb cut-outs are located at each corner at the perimeter WCC. There are also ramps leading from the 9th Street and 7th Street corners to the doors at the Mount Vernon Place entrance. Automatic doors are located at the Mount Vernon Place, L Street and Metro (7th and M Streets ) entrances. Inside the center, meeting rooms, exhibit halls and public areas are all served by conveniently located elevators. Telephones, drinking fountains and restrooms throughout the building are wheelchair accessible.

The taxi curbside cut-out located at Mount Vernon Place is available for wheelchair drop-off/transfers. ADA ramps are accessible from either end of Mount Vernon Place.

Elevators

Passenger elevators located throughout the Center provide access to all public areas of the building. Elevators are alarm-equipped with two-way communications to the Washington Convention Center Command Center and have tactile Braille call buttons inside and outside the cars.

Hearing Impaired Services

Infrared Audio Assistive Listening Systems are permanently installed in the meeting rooms and Ballroom. Contact the organization managing the event you are visiting if you require these services. You can find that contact information on our calendar of events.

Restrooms

All WCC restrooms are accessible to persons with disabilities and contain stalls, sinks and mirrors that are wheelchair accessible.

Service Animals

Trained service animals are permitted in the Washington Convention Center with proper supervision.

Sight Impaired Information

Tactile Braille signage is at the entrances to all meeting rooms and restrooms, and inside and outside all passenger elevators.

Wheelchair Lifts and Wheelchair Lecterns

If you will be presenting or speaking at an education session while at the Center, we have portable wheelchair lifts, instead of portable ramps, to assist you onto stages. We also have wheelchair lecterns to accommodate you if you are speaking. The lifts take time to install so be sure to contact the organization managing the event you are attending so that this equipment can be installed prior to your arrival.

If you require more information to ensure your visit to the Washington Convention Center is successful, you may contact the organization managing the event you are visiting. You can find that contact information on our calendar of events or you may contact our Guest Services Department or 202-249-3300.