2024 Accessibility Measures

Indigenous Peoples Day Newton has implemented several measures to ensure our Ceremonial Celebration is as accessible as possible.

For inquiries about accessibility or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Christa (she/her) at christa@ipdnewton.org.

We also welcome feedback on our accessibility efforts, as we are dedicated to continuously improving our event experience for all attendees.

Accessible viewing & elders’ area.

There will be a designated accessible viewing area in the circle. Some folding chairs will be provided, but feel free to bring a chair or blanket to sit on to ensure you have a place to sit.

Social story.

Click here to check out our social story, a tool to help individuals learn about what they might experience during the event. We also encourage you to reach out if you would like more information about what to expect or how to prepare for the event.

Food & beverage.

Please consult with individual food vendors regarding ingredients and nutrition facts. There will be gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan food options available.

Attendees with disabilities and health conditions that prevent them from waiting in line may skip to the front of the line. You may also contact us in advance to request a skip-the-line pass you can print.

While we hope you are able to enjoy the food offered and support our vendors, if you need to bring your own food due to a health condition or food sensitivity, you are welcome to do so.

Please note: this is an alcohol-free event.

First-aid.

Volunteers will be available at the First-Aid tent throughout the event.

Please note: these volunteers have varying levels of training with administering first-aid. They are only expected to provide treatment for minor injuries and connect attendees with more serious injuries or health concerns to emergency medical services.

Parking.

There are 250 on-street parking spaces including mobility device- accessible spaces. Parking is first come, first served. We cannot guarantee parking spaces will be available at the time you arrive. Please plan accordingly.

Service animals.

All service animals and well-trained emotional support animals are welcome. Please bring your own food and water for them. Animal handlers are responsible for any damage or injury caused by their animal.

Porta potties.

Porta potties, including an accessible, all-gender porta potty, will be available.

Please note: the accessible porta potty is reserved for attendees with disabilities, children, or who otherwise cannot use the non-accessible porta potties.

ASL interpreters.

There will be an ASL interpreter present throughout the event. Click here to meet our interpreters!

Volunteer support.

Dedicated volunteers will oversee the accessible viewing area and sensory-friendly/quiet zone. Volunteers can offer assistance with things such as navigating through crowds, locating the accessible porta potty, and purchasing food and drink. Volunteers will be wearing yellow lanyards.

Sensory-friendly/quiet zone.

There will be a sensory-friendly/quiet tent distanced from the speakers for those experiencing overstimulation or needing respite from the general event environment. There will be sensory items, coloring materials, sunglasses, and seating available.

Please refrain from talking on the phone in this space and keep any talking to a quiet minimum. Please do not leave children unattended.

Please note: while we cannot guarantee a noise-free environment in the tent, there will be disposable, individually wrapped earplugs available.

Hydration station.

There will be a mobile water filling station that provides clean, cool potable water and promotes energy efficiency and sustainability. The station is ADA/AODA-accessible. Please bring your own reusable water bottle to fill up.

Venue navigability.

This event takes place outdoors on synthetic turf. While mostly flat, this terrain may present challenges for some mobility devices. The event area is roughly a rectangle of about 500’ x 900’.

COVID-19 safety.

We are following CDC and MA Dept. of Public Health guidelines to ensure a safe event. While not required, we encourage the use of masks for the safety and wellbeing of our community. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at the IPDN information table.

No tickets needed.

This event is free and open to all. Tickets are not required for entry.

Attendees are expected to follow all etiquette guidelines, which can be found here.

Meet our ASL Interpreters

Janice Evans
She/Her/Hers

Janice Evans, NIC, is proud to identify as first-generation Japanese, CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), & Multicultural/ Multilingual child of Deaf & Hearing parents. Japanese Sign Language & Spoken English were her first languages; ASL became her second after moving to California as a young girl.

Achieving her bachelor’s degree in Business Management, she decided to switch professions & found a beautiful life in interpreting for the last 21 years & earned her NIC certification through RID. Interpreting provided the diversity she was searching for.

As a freelance interpreter, she has interpreted in the fields of Business, Medical, Education, Legal, Theatre, OES, Government, etc. Honoring her late Deaf mother’s love of music, theatre, & movies, she is credited with interpreting the following plays: Best of Broadway (two years), Drood, Cats, The Cymbeline Project (OSF) & The Little Mermaid to name a few.

Sharon Mendes
She/Her/Hers

Sharon M. Mendes, CI & CT, is a Nationally Certified Interpreter & has been an Independent Contractor since 2001, interpreting for Deaf, Hard of Hearing & the Deaf-Blind communities. She specializes in a variety of settings: medical, educational—post-secondary, theatrical, religious, conference level, & remote assignments.

Whenever time permits, she moonlights as a theatrical interpreter. Previous credits include: The Producers, The Lion King in 2004 & 2010, Taming of the Shrew, Coming Up For Air, & The Color Purple, as well as numerous plays for Non-Profit organizations & numerous performances at Boston's Premiere visual performing art high school, the Boston Arts Academy.

Furthermore, Sharon serves the interpreter community by serving as a mentor and role model to proteges in the field and is an adjunct professor at Framingham State College. Finally, Sharon is proud to be joining Indigenous Peoples Day Ceremonial Celebration here in Newton on October 14, 2024.