Visitors with Special Needs

To request interpreting service, or for additional information on reasonable accommodations, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs (OEOP) at 703-292-8020. Requests by e-mail should be addressed to reasonableaccommodations@nsf.gov.

NSF visitors and meeting participants should submit requests for the following accommodations at least 10-14 business days in advance of their visit to NSF in order to allow sufficient time for coordination/development:

• Sign language interpreting and Real Time Captioning (CART)

• Assistance setting up laptop/computer with JAWS (speech recognition software)

• Alternatively formatted (Braille, electronic text, large print) meeting documents. Translations to Braille require at least three (3) weeks advance notice.

• Guide/escort support from the Ballston Metro stop to NSF or from NSF's main entrance to the meeting room

• Sensitivity to certain chemicals, fragrances, odors, etc. that are easily controlled by the host meeting organizer

• Use of a computer or laptop equipped with assistive technology such as screen reader and screen magnification or ergonomic keyboard

• Service animal relief locations (i.e., where it's okay to walk dogs)

• Special instructions for navigating the Metro subway system (requires coordination with WMATA/Metro)

NSF has accessible building entrances and accessible conference rooms.

Our six largest conference rooms are equipped with assistive listening device (ALD) systems for use by persons who are hearing impaired. NSF's web sites provide accessible electronic and information technology (E&IT) in compliance with Section 508. However, visitors who experience difficulty accessing E&IT, should contact the NSF webmaster at webmaster@nsf.gov to resolve accessibility issues or obtain web site documents in accessible formats.

We encourage all visitors voluntarily register for NSF's Emergency Preparedness Assistance for Individuals with Disability Registry. NSF is committed to assisting and ensuring the safety of persons with disabilities during an emergency, while allowing staff and visitors to maintain their dignity and self-reliance. We ask that visitors evaluate their capabilities, limitations and needs for assistance in an emergency and e-mail the NSF Disability Program Manager, Consuelo Roberts, at croberts@nsf.gov at least five (5) business days prior to visiting NSF to authorize her to provide the Division of Administrative Services (DAS) with their name, arrival date, meeting room number and location, telephone and emergency contact numbers and the appropriate assistance they require due to a disability or medical condition. It is important all requested information be provided along with the authorization. Information contained in the Emergency Preparedness Assistance for Individuals with Disability Registry will remain confidential.

NSF is accessible by Metro at the Ballston-George Mason University Metro stop on the Orange Line, and there are public pay parking garages beneath the NSF Stafford I and Stafford II buildings with designated handicapped parking spaces. Additional handicapped parking is available at the Ballston Commons Shopping Mall, at on-street metered spots and at other surrounding public parking lots. For more area parking information see www.parkarlington.com.