Chicago Regional Office

COVID-19 Safety Protocols for the AAA-ICDR^® 
Chicago Regional Office & Hearing Center

The Chicago Regional Office of the AAA-ICDR complies with federal, state, and local COVID-19-related orders and guidance, and we ask that all visitors to our hearing facilities do so as well.

Documents to Print Out in Advance

Please print, complete, and return the following documents to your case manager prior to your hearing:

• COVID-19 Safety Measures to be Followed by Visitors to the American Arbitration Association’s Chicago Offices
• American Arbitration Association Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability Relating to Novel Coronavirus/COVID-19 for Visitors to AAA Offices

Please print a copy of the following symptom check questionnaire.

You will need to complete this symptom check each day of your hearing and bring the signed signature page with you to the hearing.

• AAA Visitor COVID-19 Daily Symptom Check

Upon Entering the Building

• A mask or cloth face covering (over mouth and nose) is required in all common areas, including restrooms.
• Please report to the building’s front desk and have your ID ready.

Upon Entering the AAA-ICDR Office and Hearing Center

Report to AAA reception, where you will turn in the signature page of your completed Symptom Check.

Please note that you will be asked to complete a new Symptom Check for each day you attend a hearing in person.

Important Safety Protocols and Procedures

Prior to opening, the office was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Hearing rooms are limited to one hearing per day, and all hearing rooms are cleaned daily.

Stations throughout the hearing facility supply hand-sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Appropriate social distancing—at least six feet—must be maintained in all areas of the office and hearing rooms. Signage is in place to remind you of this requirement.

A mask or cloth face covering (over mouth and nose) is required in all common areas, including restrooms, and when social distancing cannot be maintained.

An occupancy limit is set for each of the hearing rooms and common areas to allow for social distancing.

The AAA-ICDR provides snacks and refreshments along with individually wrapped utensils. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the AAA-ICDR cannot provide lunch at this time; parties may bring their own.

A Hybrid Approach to Hearings

Hearings may take a hybrid approach, where some arbitrators, parties, representatives, and others appear in person while others participate virtually. The AAA-ICDR can assist with these alternative hearing arrangements.

Video Conferencing Technology

The Chicago Regional Office is outfitted with the following video conferencing technology:

• Wireless content display
• Wireless content sharing
• Wireless Internet access
• VOIP audio conferencing room-based system/conference phone
• Room-based PC
• High-definition voice-tracking cameras compatible with all video-conferencing platforms
• Wall-mounted commercial-grade monitors and projection displays
• Tabletop touchpad capable of controlling all room technology
• Glassboards

Please see the documents below for further guidance:

Virtual Hearing Guide for Arbitrators and Parties
Virtual Hearing Guide for Arbitrators and Parties Utilizing ZOOM
Order and Procedures for a Virtual Hearing via Videoconference