DIS2020

More than Human Centred Design

Accessibility at DIS2020

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about attending DIS2020

DIS 2020 is committed to providing an inclusive environment and we will do our best to accommodate requests for special assistance. This FAQ describes the accessibility features of DIS 2020, to help you make an informed decision about whether the conference will be accessible to you. Please contact us if your question is not answered here, or if the conference arrangements as described are not enough to allow you to attend. We will work with you to the best of our ability, to make the conference accessible.

Contents

How do I communicate accessibility needs to DIS 2020 organizers?

The Accessibility Chairs for DIS 2020 are Sowmya Somanath and Daniel Tetteroo, whose goal is to ensure the conference is accessible to everyone. When you register for the conference, there will be a registration question labeled "Do you have a disability or special need which requires our awareness?". In your response, please indicate any accessibility needs such as wheelchair access, sign language interpretation, or a guide. The Accessibility Chairs will follow up with you to clarify your needs. You can contact them directly at any time by emailing accessibility@dis2020.acm.org .

Who do I ask if my question is not answered here?

Please contact Cecile Visscher on 040-2472100 or email receptie.atlas@tue.nl to discuss your specific needs with the venue directly.

If there is specific accessibility information you would like to see here, or if you wish to discuss any conference accessibility requirements, please contact our Accessibility Chairs, Sowmya Somanath and Daniel Tetteroo by email: accessibility@dis2020.acm.org, and someone will respond to you shortly.

Will sign language interpretation or captioning be available?

If you are in need of sign language interpretation or captioning, please make your request as early as possible. Our Accessibility Chairs will follow up with you to discuss your needs in more detail.

What are the taxi and public transport options for getting to the conference venue?

From Eindhoven Airport, the easiest way to get to the conference venue is by public bus (lines 400 and 401, exit at Eindhoven Station), or by taxi.

Public bus
  • Route: From Eindhoven Airport to Eindhoven University of Technology (bus stop: Eindhoven Station)
  • Pickup point: Outside the arrivals area
  • Cost: €4,24
  • Time: 30 minutes
  • Wheelchair accessibility: All buses are wheelchair accessible through a ramp. Each bus can take up to two wheelchairs.
  • Walking and steps: Follow DIS2020 signage from Eindhoven station towards the conference venue. The walking distance is approximately 800m.
  • Service animals: Service animals are welcome on all public transport within the Netherlands.
  • Book: Tickets are available from a vending machine outside the airport.
Taxi (Cibatax)
  • Route: From Eindhoven Airport to Atlas building at Eindhoven University of Technology
  • Pickup point: Outside the arrivals area
  • Cost: Approximately 20 euros
  • Time: 20 minutes
  • Wheelchair accessibility: Please call for more information.
  • Walking and steps: -
  • Service animals: Please call for more information.
  • Phone: +31 40 244 33 33
  • Book: By calling +31 40 244 33 33, or online.

From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the easiest way to get to the conference venue is by train (exit at Eindhoven station), or by taxi.

Train
  • Route: From Schiphol Airport to Eindhoven
  • Pickup point: Outside the arrivals area, follow the route towards the underground railway station
  • Cost: €21,10 (2nd class)
  • Time: 90 minutes
  • Wheelchair accessibility: All trains are equiped with wheelchair accessible toilets. Station personnel can help (un)boarding trains if notified in advance. For more information, please check the NS website on Wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters and Guide Dogs in the train.
  • Walking and steps: Follow DIS2020 signage from Eindhoven station towards the conference venue. The walking distance is approximately 800m.
  • Service animals: Service animals are welcome on all public transport within the Netherlands.
  • Phone: +31-30 235 78 22
  • Book: Please visit the NS website for more information and booking options: NS - Traveling with a functional disability.
Taxi (Cibatax)
  • Route: From Schiphol Airport to Atlas building at Eindhoven University of Technology
  • Pickup point: Outside the arrivals area
  • Cost: Unknown
  • Time: 90 minutes
  • Wheelchair accessibility: Please call for more information.
  • Walking and steps: -
  • Service animals: Please call for more information.
  • Phone: +31 40 244 33 33
  • Book: By calling +31 40 244 33 33, or online.

Can a student volunteer assist me during the conference?

Student volunteers will be available to assist attendees with disabilities with navigation, meal service, or other accessibility needs. If you will need volunteer assistance at the conference, please indicate this on your conference registration form.

Attendees who require personal care assistance should bring their own assistant. Personal care assistants do not need to register for the conference. If the assistant will be having food and drink provided by the conference during coffee/tea breaks, lunches, and/or the reception, we ask that these be added into the attendee's registration at the 'extra options' stage of the registration process.

What is the conference space like?

The conference is located at the Atlas building of the Eindhoven University of Technology. The building is wheelchair accessible through a ramp towards the main entrance. We are still working on a more detailed description of the conference space.

We are still working on an evacuation plan for attendees with mobility limitations.

Please see our other FAQs for more details about wheelchair or power scooter access, provisions for presenters, restrooms, walking and steps, and facilities for assistance animals.

Will the conference be accessible by wheelchair or power scooter?

Yes, the conference will be accessible to wheelchair users. The building is accessible through a ramp towards the main entrance. All floors within the building are level, and all six elevators are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located at the ground floor, across the south-side elevators on all even-numbered floors (2,4,6,8 and 10), and across the north-side elevators on all odd-numbered floors (1,3,5,7 and 9). We are still working on a more detailed description of wheelchair access.

Presentation stages are at level with the room. Poster sessions will have space for a wheelchair to move between the posters.

We are still working on an evacuation plan for attendees with mobility limitations.

For more information about wheelchair accessibility at Atlas Building at Eindhoven University of Technology, please contact Cecile Visscher on 040-2472100 or receptie.atlas@tue.nl.

We are still gathering information on wheelchair access to offsite events. Please contact us directly with any questions.

What are the restroom facilities like?

Restrooms are located on the north side of the ground floor, and across the elevators on all other floors. Both male and female restrooms are available on each floor, as well as one wheelchair accessible restroom, with a manual door that opens 180 degrees. We are still working on a more detailed description of the restrooms.

What are the arrangements for presenters with accessibility needs?

Presentation stages are at level with the room. Poster sessions will have space for a wheelchair to move between the posters.

If you would like a student volunteer to operate slides or guide you onto and off the stage, or have other accessibility requests please contact Sowmya Somanath and Daniel Tetteroo at accessibility@dis2020.acm.org by the early registration deadline (TBA).

Can I bring my guide dog?

Yes! Guide dogs and other service animals are welcome at DIS 2020. There will be a relief area with water available. We are still working on the precise location. Please indicate on your registration form if you anticipate bringing a service animal to the conference.

Can I attend the conference by robot?

We are still working on finding out whether this will be possible.

How much walking or standing will be needed?

We are still working on our description of the walking demands of the conference.

We are still gathering information on walking demands of the offsite events.

Please contact Sowmya Somanath and Daniel Tetteroo at accessibility@dis2020.acm.org as early as possible if you have further questions or special requests.

Will there be an induction loop in the meeting rooms?

Induction loops are present in the larger conference rooms. Once room assignment has been finalized, we will publish more information here.

Will speakers and audience members asking questions be using a microphone?

Yes, microphones will be used for all speakers. Attendees with questions will be requested to use a microphone so that their question is more easily heard.

What food service will be provided?

We are still working on this. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate these clearly on your registration form.

Can the conference accommodate special dietary needs?

Yes. Attendees who indicate special dietary requirements on their registration form will be provided with special meals when the conference catering does not accommodate them. If you have a severe allergy please indicate this on your registration form. For more detailed information please contact Sowmya Somanath and Daniel Tetteroo at accessibility@dis2020.acm.org .

Will the conference be a smoke-free environment?

The entire conference venue is a no-smoking area. Smoking is also prohibited in all public buildings, on public transportation and in restaurants and bars. Smoking is only permitted outside the conference venue.

Will there be loud music, strobe lighting, spotlights, or other strong sensory experiences?

We are still gathering information on sensory aspects of the conference. Participants will be requested not to use flash photography or to wear strong scents. Please indicate on your registration form if there are specific items you would like to know about in advance.

We are still gathering information on sensory demands of the offsite events and availability of quiet places.

Please contact Sowmya Somanath and Daniel Tetteroo at accessibility@dis2020.acm.org as early as possible if you have further questions or special requests.

Will there be a designated quiet space at the conference?

There is a designated quiet space and a breastfeading room within the conference venue. More information on their location will follow.

What if I have a medical emergency or health problem during the conference?

In case of emergency call 112 for an ambulance. The nearest hospital is the Catharina Hospital, located at 3,5 km from the conference venue. If you require non-urgent medical care, please contact Sowmya Somanath and Daniel Tetteroo at accessibility@dis2020.acm.org or ask any student volunteer. They will provide you with information about local doctors, specialists, chiropractors, etc. For non-resident attendees, buying travel insurance that covers medical expenses is strongly recommended as fees for emergency treatment can be very high.

DIS2020 accessibility and diversity chairs

Daniel Tettero
Eindhoven University of Technology
Sowmya Somanath
University of Victoria

accessibility@dis2020.acm.org