The freedom to exchange ideas and knowledge across various positions in the complex world we inhabit is central to the DIS 2024 conference. As such, we commit to making a conference experience that allows everyone to join as they are, with equity in rights for all. We want every participant to feel welcome, included, and safe at the conference. In this statement, we propose a change, a departure from the otherness-based words of “diversity and inclusion” to the notions of plurality, equity, and accessibility, highlighting the possibility of being who we are, aware and active about power differences and providing access despite our plural ways of being and understanding the world. This statement is a pre-statement, a position that we aim to develop together at the conference, as we consider it essential to facilitate a community culture of plurality, accessibility, and equity. So keep an eye on the schedule and the conference space; we will be posting questions and having gatherings (over lunch or coffee break) to connect with all interested in questions of plurality, equity, and accessibility.
At DIS 2024, we will do our best to accommodate specific needs, such as accessibility or dietary requirements. We cannot promise to solve every issue, but we will try our best. Therefore, if you have any requirements or questions, please contact the Plurality, Equity and Accessibility Chairs.
DIS 2024 counts with special fees for different groups according to position and country of employment/studies (you can choose your position when you register, the country is automatically accounted for during registration). DIS 2024 will have live English captioning provided by AVA (web.ava.me) which will be available in the needed tracks and keynote presentations. Furthermore, we aim to provide a safe, respectful, and harassment-free conference environment for everyone involved regardless of age, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, nationality, marital status, military status, veteran status, religious beliefs, dietary requirements, childbirth- and pregnancy-related medical conditions or childcare requirements. We also respect any other status protected by the laws of the country in which the conference or program is being held.
We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants. Harassment includes but is not limited to overt and/or covert acts of:
- Verbal accusations or bullying
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following both in person and online
- Harassing photography or recording
- Sustained disruption of talks or other events
- Interference with a person’s participation or opportunity for participation
- Inappropriate physical contact
- Unwelcome sexual attention
- Advocating for or encouraging any of the above behaviour
We expect all interactions between attendees to be respectful and constructive, including interactions during the review process, at the conference itself, and on social media. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference (without a refund) at the discretion of the conference organisers.
Please see the FAQ below for more details.
Anyone witnessing or subject to unacceptable behaviour should notify the General Chairs chairs@dis2024.acm.org or the Plurality, Equity, and Accessibility Chairs plurality@dis2024.acm.org
DIS 2024 is held at IT University Copenhagen, which aims to be an accessible campus. To know more about their accessibility aspects, please visit: https://en.itu.dk/About-ITU/Building/Accessibility.
DIS will also have a session at DR Concert House. All these facilities where DIS will be held are wheelchair accessible and the auditoriums at ITU are equipped with teleloop. DIS 2024 is also prepared to provide childcare and speech captioning (powered by AVA) on request. For any further questions, and to request childcare or captioning, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Respectfully yours,
DIS 2024 Plurality, Equity and Accessibility Chairs
- Dr. Lizette Reitsma
- Dr. Nicholas B. Torretta
DIS 2024 Plurality, Equity and Accessibility FAQ
- How do I communicate accessibility needs to DIS and C&C organizers?
Please identify any accommodations you may need at the time of registration. If you have additional needs not specified in your registration, please contact the Plurality, Equity and Accessibility Chairs, Lizette Reitsma and Nicholas B. Torretta as soon as possible at plurality@dis2024.acm.org - Who do I ask if my question is not answered here?
Contact Plurality, Equity and Accessibility Chairs, Lizette Reitsma and Nicholas B. Torretta at plurality@dis2024.acm.org - Will sign language interpretation or captioning be available?
Sign language interpretation will not be available due to the different languages and sign languages spoken in the conference. Nevertheless, we will use AVA live captioning. - What are the taxi and public transportation options for getting to the conference venue?
By metro, ITU is located 30 min from Copenhagen Airport and approximately 15-22 minutes from inner Copenhagen.
To plan the commute, use the app or website “Rejseplanen”.
The metro stations “Islands Brygge” and “DR byen” are a 9 min walk (650 m) to ITU.
Bus line “5C” stops 1 km from ITU.
If taking a taxi, we recommend the apps “Dantaxi”, “Viggo” or “Taxa 4×35″. - Can a student volunteer assist me during the conference?
Yes. Please include details about your needs in the registration form, and the Plurality, Equity and Accessibility Chairs will contact you to coordinate assistance. - What is the conference space like?
ITU is a modern and fairly small building. Therefore, it will be easy to get around during the conference. There are also floor plans located in each elevator and in the conference folder. - Will the conference be accessible by wheelchair or power scooter?
Yes. ITU is approved for wheelchair users and there are accessible toilets on each floor at both ends of the building. Additionally, there is information regarding accessibility at ITU here: https://en.itu.dk/About-ITU/Building/Accessibility - What are the restroom facilities like?
There are accessible and gender-neutral toilets on each floor at both ends of the building. - What are the arrangements for presenters with accessibility needs?
For any request, including but not limited to having a stool on stage, ramps up to the stage, wireless microphone, etc., please contact the Plurality, Equity and Accessibility Chairs Lizette Reitsma and Nicholas B. Torretta as soon as possible at plurality@dis2024.acm.org - Can I bring my guide dog?
Yes. - Can I attend the conference by robot?
We are sorry, but DIS 2024 will not be able to provide remote attendance by robot. - Will the speaker and audience members asking questions be using a microphone?
Yes. There’s a microphone for the speaker and a microphone for the audience in all auditoriums. - What food service will be provided?
The conference will provide only vegetarian and vegan options. Dietary information such as gluten, lactose, nuts, etc. will be listed. - Can the conference accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes. If you have any dietary restrictions, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate them: plurality@dis2024.acm.org - Will the conference be a smoke-free environment?
Smoking is not allowed at ITU. There is a designated area for smoking in the parking lot next to the building. - What if I have a medical emergency or health problem during the conference?
Call (+45) 112 for life-threatening emergencies and ask for the police, fire department, or ambulance service. Call (+45) 1813 for injuries or sudden illness to speak to a nurse or doctor, or be referred to a hospital emergency room. - Accessible activities around Copenhagen
For accessible activities around Copenhagen, you can check Copenhagen’s Official Tourism website section on accessible attractions: https://www.wonderfulcopenhagen.com/cruise/travel-trade/accessible-attractions-copenhagen