Accessibility & Venue Information
Requesting Accommodations
If you need accommodation related to a disability or language access services, please do the following:
- Include your request during registration.
- Email us at bridge@schoolsoutwashington.org as soon as possible and at least two (2) weeks before the first day of the conference.
We are continually working to expand our accessibility resources; however, available accommodations may be limited. Requests are currently reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to reach out as early as possible.
We will make every effort to meet your request. If we are unable to provide a specific accommodation, we will work with you to identify alternative solutions.
Venue Access
The Bridge Conference will take place primarily on the third and fourth floors of the Greater Tacoma Convention Center (GTCC) and the second and third floors of the Marriott Tacoma Downtown Hotel. The 2 buildings are connected by a shared skybridge.
Both venues offer public elevators that provide access to all conference areas.
Additional accessibility information:
- View GTCC floor plans linked here.
- Review Marriott Tacoma Downtown accessibility features linked here.
- Review GTCC accessibility features linked here.
Getting Here
Parking & Transportation
Parking lots for the GTCC are operated by Republic Parking and managed by the City of Tacoma. Accessible parking is available in Parking Lot A garage and can be accessed via the ramp from Commerce Street.
Parking rates
- 0-4 hours: $8
- All-day parking: $16
Public Transit
Tacoma is served by Pierce Transit and Sound Transit bus systems as well as Sound Transit’s Tacoma Link Light Rail and the Lakewood-Seattle Sounder Train. Orca cards and tap-to-pay are accepted on all modes of transportation.
The Convention Center Station on the Tacoma Link Light Rail is located directly across from the GTCC. Visit their page for current fares and schedules. Free parking is available at the parking garage next to the Tacoma Dome Link Station.
First-Time Visitors
Visiting Tacoma for the first time? Plan your trip with resources from Travel Tacoma. Check out our Travel & Lodging page for more resources.
Elevators/Escalators
The Convention Center has public elevators, accessible on all 5 floors of the venue and public escalators accessible on all floors except the 2nd floor.
Restrooms & Family Facilities
All are encouraged to use the restroom that best meets their needs.
Available restrooms will include:
- 2nd Floor, Marriott: Men’s, Women’s, and Single Stall Restrooms
- 3rd Floor, Marriott: Men’s, Women’s, and Single Stall Restrooms
- 3rd Floor, GTCC: All-Gender, Women’s, and Single Stall Restrooms
- 4th Floor, GTCC: Men’s, Women’s, and Single Stall Restrooms
Family restrooms are available near all public restroom locations.
Nursing Room
A nursing (lactation) room is located on the 3rd floor of the GTCC.
Sensory & Quiet Spaces
If you are looking for a quiet space from noise or distractions, we recommend the pre-function area outside the Ballroom on the 3rd floor of the Marriott.
Rooms 403 and 407 on the 4th floor of the Convention Center will also be available as quiet or prayer spaces throughout the event.
GTCC provides Sensory Bags as part of their Accessibility services. These bags are equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads for guests who may benefit from additional sensory support.