Accessibility
OCC is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible experience for all visitors.
We strive to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities by offering a range of features and amenities, detailed below. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. To learn more about Metro's Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Program visit the Accessibility at Metro page.
Facility Accessibility
The following provides a detailed overview of accessibility features and policies of the Oregon Convention Center as well as tools and services available to ensure that the OCC is welcoming and enjoyable for all visitors.
Parking
- All parking levels in the OCC parking garage include accessible spaces within easy access of elevators.
- There are 10 accessible spaces on Parking Level 1 (P1) and 11 accessible spaces on Parking Level 2 (P2).
- Parking Level 2 (P2) includes accessible areas with a nine (9) foot ceiling clearance to accommodate adapted vehicles.
Passenger drop-off and loading zones
- All zones are located on an accessible route to an accessible building entrance.
- Not all zones have an unobstructed aisle next to the vehicle pull-up space. There is a public-use sidewalk, which may be obstructed by pedestrians and attendees.
Walks, Curbs, and Ramps
“For someone who uses a scooter, this building is easy to move around in.” – OCC guest
- Grounds, walks and floor surfaces along accessible routes are stable, firm, and non-slip under most weather conditions.
- Sidewalks, leading from the front driveway loading and unloading zones for shuttle buses and taxis, and leading to the main facility entrances, are free of abrupt changes in surface level.
Entrances, Corridors, Stairs, and Elevators
- All lobby access points have automatic doors.
- All thresholds at exterior doors are flush with the floor.
- All stairs have handrails.
- All levels of the building are reachable by elevator.
Public Restrooms
- Restrooms, including family and all-user restrooms, are available in public areas.
- Public restroom entrances have automatic doors.
Meeting Rooms, Ballrooms, Restaurants, and Exhibit Halls
- All meeting rooms, ballrooms, restaurants and exhibit halls are accessible by wheelchair.
- Wheelchair lifts are available to use with raised podiums and platforms and should be requested ahead of time to prepare for use.
- Microphones are available and easily adjusted for flexible use.
On-Site Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters
OCC offers complimentary wheelchairs and mobility scooters on a first come, first served basis or by making a reservation in advance.
Reservations
- Reservations may be made within 30 days of a scheduled event (with an estimated time of arrival) by contacting [email protected] or 503-731-7800.
- If attending an event over multiple days, a separate reservation is required for each day.
- Reservations will be canceled if not checked out within one (1) hour of the scheduled reservation time.
- No time extensions are allowed if it causes an overlap with another reservation.
- Please be prepared to show photo identification when you stop by the welcome desk to check out a wheelchair or electric scooter.
- Wheelchairs and mobility scooters may be returned at any point during the day to the welcome desk.
Without a Reservation
- Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be checked out on a first-come-first-served basis at the welcome desk in the MLK Lobby.
- Please be prepared to show photo identification when you stop by the welcome desk to checkout a wheelchair or electric scooter.
- Wheelchairs and mobility scooters may be returned at any point during the day to the welcome desk.
More Information About Wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters, and Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs)
- Only electric or battery-powered OPDMD are allowed inside the facility.
- OPDMD cannot travel at a speed greater than the pedestrian traffic, approximately three miles per hour.
- OPDMD users must travel along pedestrian routes only.
- OPDMD users understand that on-site storage space is limited.
KultureCity Sensory Bags
OCC is a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue. Sensory bags are available to help meet guests’ sensory needs and help them to feel calmer during their visit. The bags are filled with items that help to alleviate sensory overload and promote engagement. These items can be easily cleaned and sterilized, making them safe for multiple users.
Please visit KultureCity website ahead of your arrival to learn more about what to expect and ways to be more comfortable during your visit.
Nursing Suites
- OCC provides two Mamava® nursing suites for our visitors. These private and secure suites are located near the A Meeting Rooms and E Meeting Rooms on Level 1.
- They are ADA-accessible with a comfortable seating area and are equipped with standard AC power outlets and USB charger ports.
- All Mamava® suites come with a Bluetooth SmartLock that syncs with Mamava’s mobile app. Download the Mamava app.
- You may also request a door code for entry from our receptionists in the Administration Office on Level 2 and by calling 503-235-7575.
Making an Accommodation Request
To obtain disability accommodation services while visiting an event at the Oregon Convention Center, contact [email protected] or call 503-736-5200, or TTY 503-797-1804 available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We ask that you provide three business days for your request to be processed in advance of a scheduled activity.
Assistive Listening Devices
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) amplify and clarify sound by cutting down or eliminating ambient noise. Availability will vary based on the event’s audiovisual production services provider. Please check with your event producer for availability.
Service Animals
OCC welcomes service animals for people with disabilities, as required by the ADA and Oregon law. Pets, emotional support animals, therapy animals, or comfort animals are not considered service animals and are not permitted at Metro facilities.
If you bring a service animal:
- Review Metro's service animal policy.
- Service animals must be housebroken and under the control of their handler at all times.
- Keep the service animal harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless:
- The handler’s disability prevents the use of these devices, or
- The devices interfere with the service animal’s ability to perform its tasks.
- If not physically restrained, the handler must maintain control through voice commands, signals, or other effective means.
While not required, we welcome advance contact by guests who use a service animal (dog or miniature horse) prior to attending an event. Our goal is to be helpful so that the guest and service animal have a great experience.
Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone at the Oregon Convention Center. If you have further questions, please reach out to us. To learn more about Metro's Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Program visit the Accessibility at Metro page.
Know Before You Go
With a little advance planning, your visit to the OCC will be fun and worry-free.
Disability Discrimination Complaints
If you believe you have been discriminated against due to a disability, you have the right to file a complaint through Metro’s ADA Grievance Procedure.