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 and 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 can be made available during registration and checkout as requested.

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 2024 Conference. Appropriate vaccination documentation will be required for all Service Animals staying in campus housing. We ask that writers planning to bring Service Animals to the Residency contact our staff in advance. We will happily facilitate registration of any animals with the college, which is required for the safety of both campus staff and the animals in case of an emergency.

Support Animals may be accepted, however, this is not guaranteed. The earlier we are aware of of a writer's desire to bring a Support Animal, the greater the likelihood we can accommodate the request. Proof of current vaccination is the same for any approved Support Animals as for Service Animals. Support Animals will not be allowed to attend conference events. 

Please note that while we realize our writers will form creative and professional bonds throughout the week, and may want to visit and spend time together outside of formal events, Kettle Pond cannot guarantee Service Animals will be able to access campus housing units or buildings other than those they are assigned to, to ensure the safety of any attending writers with allergy concerns.

​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 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 residents with severe allergy concerns. Please contact Kettle Pond staff directly with any questions. We will happily work with you to make a barrier-free venue for this event.