Participant Policies and Accessibility Information
Accessibility
Physical Accessibility
The Frederick Center is located at 5 East 2nd Street, Frederick, MD. Our building, constructed in 1871, is a historic structure currently being restored and remodeled in phases through grant funding.
Our first floor is wheelchair accessible via a ramp at our entrance. Please note that our first-floor restrooms are small and may not fully accommodate all mobility devices. We are currently working on new restrooms for the first floor. The second floor is currently accessible by stairs only.
We are committed to improving accessibility throughout our space as renovations progress. In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns about your ability to attend an event or access our programming, please reach out:
📧 [email protected] | 📞 301-383-8787
A note on our building: As a historic property, some accessibility modifications are subject to legal and preservation constraints. We work within these requirements and are continuously pursuing improvements. If you believe there is a barrier we haven’t addressed, we encourage you to contact us.
Accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community
The Frederick Center will gladly provide interpreting services or any other accommodations that may be helpful to create equal access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. Some events have interpreting services built-in, and those will have the “interpret” sign notated on the flyer or poster. If you do not see this symbol on an event or program you would like to attend, please contact us at [email protected] so we may request an ASL interpreter for the event or program you would like to attend.
Sensory & Neurodivergent Accessibility
The Frederick Center recognizes the significant overlap between the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities, and we want our space to be welcoming to everyone.
Events may have large crowds and can get lively and loud. We encourage folks with noise sensitivities to come prepared with noise-canceling headphones, loop earplugs, or similar tools. You are always welcome to step outside, move to another floor, or find a quieter spot to take a sensory break; no explanation is needed.
If there are accommodations that would make it easier for you to participate, please don’t hesitate to ask a staff member.
Chronic Illness Accessibility
We do our best to have the following available at our events to support community members with chronic health conditions:
- Salty snacks — for those managing blood pressure or related conditions
- Sweet snacks and juice — for those managing blood sugar, diabetes, or similar needs
- Water — readily available throughout the event
If you have specific needs not listed here, please feel free to reach out in advance or speak with a staff member at the event.
Scent Accessibility
Some community members experience chemical sensitivities that can cause serious health impacts, including migraines, respiratory distress, and allergic reactions. To make our events as accessible as possible, we ask everyone to be mindful of scented products when visiting our space.
We ask that you:
- Avoid wearing strong fragrances (perfume, cologne, body spray, essential oils)
- Limit use of heavily scented personal care products when possible
We are committed to:
- Using fragrance-free or low-scent cleaning products
- Keeping the space free of candles, incense, and air fresheners
We recognize that not everyone has full control over the products they use due to limited access, housing constraints, disability, or other circumstances. This policy is about reducing harm where we can. If scent is affecting your ability to participate, please let a staff member know. We’ll work together on options such as adjusting seating, improving airflow, or other solutions to help you stay and feel supported.
Need Accommodation?
If you require accommodation to fully participate in any Frederick Center event or program, please contact us at least fourteen (14) days in advance when possible. We will make every effort to meet your needs.
📧 [email protected] | 📞 301-383-8787
