Barrier-free access is available to all facilities Kettle Pond will utilize for conference-wide events (except the Forestry Cabin, which is only used on Friday evening, and where barrier-free accommodations can be made upon advance request). All reading, lecture, dining, social, and housing spaces, as well as the library and recreational facilities that will be used during the conference, are either entirely barrier-free, or will be held on an accessible floor within those buildings. All housing for accepted writers is accessible via ramp or elevator, with barrier-free bathrooms available upon request.

Paul Smith’s campus is relatively small, compact, and generally quite flat. Parking is free and available near the dormitories and throughout the main campus. Temporary parking to load/unload outside the dormitories will be available during registration and checkout.

Paul Smith’s College has numerous recreation and other facilities our writers are welcome to use during the conference. Please see our campus facilities page and our FAQ for more information about life at Kettle Pond. Many, though not all, of these spaces are accessible. We are currently working to create a definitive list of accessible spaces on campus; in the meantime, writers with accessibility concerns are encouraged to contact the conference directly with any questions about campus recreation and other spaces. We will work to get detailed answers for you.

Service Animals are, of course, always welcome at Kettle Pond, and in (almost*) all of the facilities used during the Conference. Standard vaccination documentation, as applies to current New York State laws, is required for all Service Animals staying in campus housing. We ask that writers planning to be accompanied by Service Animals contact our staff in advance or to note their plans in their conference Registration Form. We will happily facilitate registration of any animals with the college, but must be aware of their arrival in advance, for the safety of both campus & conference staff, as well as any animals & their writers in case of emergency.

Support Animals are likely to be accepted, though this is not guaranteed. The earlier we are aware of a writer's desire to bring a Support Animal, the greater the likelihood we can accommodate the request. Proof of current vaccinations will need to meet the same standards as Service Animals (see above). Support Animals will not be allowed to attend conference events. 

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​Kettle Pond aims to support every writer interested in attending. Questions about accommodations for writers whose concerns are not addressed above (e.g. deaf or hard of hearing, blind or low-vision applicants) are very welcome and should be directed to conference staff. We are expanding our default accommodations year by year, and will do everything in our power to make our community work for you along the way.

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*No animals will be able to access the inside of Blum House (our Staff House, which we use for a conference-wide reception on Wednesday night). They are more than welcome on the porch, where much of that reception occurs, but this is a safety issue for staff residents with severe allergy concerns. Please contact Kettle Pond staff directly with any questions regarding access in advance. We will happily work with you to create, or switch to, a barrier-free venue for this event.