Accessibility Policy

At Spanish Sin Pena, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment.

Online Accessibility

The core of our program is hosted online via Zoom, making it accessible to anyone with a reliable internet connection, no matter where they are.

• Flexible Learning Environment – Participants can join classes from the comfort of their home, reducing the need for travel.
• Customizable Experience – Students can adjust their screen size, brightness, and contrast or use assistive technology like screen readers.
• Reduced Sensory Overload – Those with sensory sensitivities can control their learning environment, minimizing distractions like loud noises or crowded spaces.
• Flexible Seating – You can attend class in a way that is comfortable for you, whether sitting, lying down, or using specialized seating.
• Access to Recorded Lessons – If available, recordings allow you to revisit lessons at your own pace.
• Captioning & Transcription Tools – While bilingual captioning is a challenge, students can use their own speech-to-text software or request summaries via zoom to aid comprehension.
• Less Exposure to Illness – For those with compromised immune systems, online classes eliminate the risk of exposure to germs in a shared physical space.

In-Person Gatherings & Student-Led Activities

We host monthly in-person meetups in select cities, led by students in our community. While these gatherings vary in format and size, we encourage all organizers to prioritize ADA-accessible public spaces whenever possible.

Some events—such as hikes, yoga, dance, or art workshops—involve movement or specific environments that may present challenges for some participants. We encourage everyone to decide what feels appropriate for their needs.

If you're interested in attending an event but have questions about accessibility or whether it's the right fit, please RSVP and then reach out to both the event organizer and Spanish Sin Pena. When we're made aware of your needs in advance, we're happy to help coordinate and plan for your participation whenever possible.

Please note that some gatherings are intentionally small and have limited capacity, so early sign-up and communication are key. 

Accessibility & Closed Captioning

At this time, we do not offer closed captioning or sign language interpretation for our classes. Because our sessions are bilingual, include Spanglish, and feature a lot of Spanish slang, it is challenging to find an automated program that generates accurate captions. Additionally, live sign language interpretation is not currently within our budget.

We recognize the importance of accessibility and are continually exploring solutions. If you have suggestions or know of tools that could help, please email us at [email protected].

Accessibility Policy for Immersion Trips

At Spanish Sin Pena, we aim to create immersive travel experiences that are inclusive and welcoming. While we don’t currently have trips scheduled, we have offered them in the past and may plan future experiences.

We recognize that accessibility is essential for full participation. When planning any immersion trip, we will do our best to take accessibility needs into account. However, it’s important to note that traveling in Latin America presents unique challenges due to infrastructure and local standards.

What to Expect

• Many destinations may have cobblestone streets, uneven sidewalks, steep stairs, and limited access to public restrooms that meet U.S. ADA standards.
• Accessibility laws and practices vary by country and are not always equivalent to those in the United States.
• While some cities—like Mexico City and Buenos Aires—are improving accessibility in public spaces, museums, and transit, full access may not be available in all areas.

Planning for Your Needs
If you're interested in a future trip and have specific accessibility needs, we encourage you to reach out to us early. We’ll do our best to gather information, explore possible accommodations, and share what to expect, so you can make the decision that feels right for you.

While we cannot guarantee that all spaces will be accessible, open communication allows us to plan more thoughtfully and support your participation as much as possible.

Looking Ahead

We are committed to keeping accessibility in mind as we plan future trips and will continue to seek ways to make our experiences more inclusive. If you have recommendations or insights that could help us improve accessibility on our trips, we’d love to hear from you!

Your Input Matters

We strive to be as inclusive as possible and welcome your recommendations on accessible locations or suggestions on how we can improve. Please email us at [email protected] to share any ideas or needs that would help us create a more inclusive experience for you.