Barrier-free access is currently available to almost all* facilities Kettle Pond utilizes for conference-wide events. All reading, lecture, and workshop spaces, as well as the dining hall, library, and recreational facilities, are either entirely barrier-free, or held in accessible venues. 

Campus housing is accessible to the first floor, with barrier-free restrooms readily available upon request (stairs are involved to the second floor).

*Exceptions, in venues used (only) for one or two evening social events, can easily be made accessible. We're happy to make arrangements in advance of our writers' arrival.

Paul Smith’s College campus is relatively small, compact, and generally quite flat. Parking is included in tuition, available near conference housing, as well as throughout the main campus where all Kettle Pond events will take place. Temporary parking to load/unload outside conference housing will be available on check-in and departure dates each year.

Paul Smith’s College has numerous recreation and other facilities our writers are welcome to use during their time at the conference. Please see our campus facilities page for more information. Writers with accessibility concerns are encouraged to contact Kettle Pond staff directly with questions about campus recreation and other spaces. We will work to get detailed answers for you.

Unfortunately, Kettle Pond is unable to accommodate Service Dogs at the 2026 conference. Writers traveling with Service Dogs are, of course, always welcome to apply in the future or to contact Kettle Pond staff with further inquiries, but we are unable to make accommodations for Service Dogs who are needed to accompany their writers to any/all gatherings this year as it would fundamentally alter our ability to host the event. 

Sadly, Support Animals can no longer be accommodated in campus housing or other campus venues at Paul Smith's College. Writers who wish to bring Support Animals along for their week at Kettle Pond are still encouraged to apply, but should contact conference staff directly upon admission, as they will need to arrange for off-campus housing, and may need to make additional arrangements for their animals while they are on campus for daily events.​

​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 working to expand our default accommodations year by year, and will do everything in our power to make our community work for writers interested in attending along the way.​