The freedom to exchange ideas and knowledge across various positions in the complex world we inhabit is central to the DIS 2025 conference.
At DIS 2025, 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 2025 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), as well as “plus-one” — essential companion — ticket for individuals with special needs who will attend DIS with an accompanying person who provides necessary support. We are also working on providing live English captioning at DIS 2025 provided by AVA (web.ava.me), which we hope 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 behavior
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 organizers.
Please see the FAQ below for more details.
Anyone witnessing or subject to unacceptable behavior should notify the General Chairs chairs@dis2025.acm.org or the Plurality, Equity, and Accessibility Chairs plurality@dis2025.acm.org
The main venue for DIS will be in Funchal, the Capital of Madeira Island. Only 1h30m flight from mainland Portugal (from Lisbon or Porto airports) and well connected with the main capitals in Europe (London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Helsinki, etc.) and in the US, the city of Funchal provides a blend of cosmopolitan social activities in one of the most well-preserved natural heritages of Europe. As an Island and outermost region of Europe, it brings the conference well into the theme of designing for a healthy Ocean.
DIS 2025 will be held at Pestana Casino Park Hotel in Funchal, Madeira, only 5 minutes on foot from the city center and the epicenter of the city’s social and cultural life. DIS facilities at Pestana Casino Park are wheelchair accessible and/or accessible via chairlift.
Respectfully yours,
Lizette Reitsma and Pedro Ferreira
DIS 2025 Plurality, Equity and Accessibility Chairs
Plurality, Equity and Accessibility FAQ
- How do I communicate accessibility needs to DIS 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 Pedro Ferreira as soon as possible at inclusion@dis2025.acm.org
- Who do I ask if my question is not answered here?
Contact Plurality, Equity and Accessibility Chairs, Lizette Reitsma and Pedro Ferreira at plurality@dis2025.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 should have AVA live captioning implemented.
- What are the taxi and public transportation options for getting to the conference venue?
Madeira Airport is located in Santa Cruz, 16km (10 miles) from Funchal. It takes approximately 20 minutes to get to Funchal by car. Information about public transportation options can be found on the Airport website. Ride-hailing services are limited to certain authorized services (e.g., Bolt, Rumus); these services are often connected to taxi services.
- 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?
Pestana Casino Park was designed by world-renowned Óscar Niemeyer, a Brazilian architect and key figure in the development of Modern Architecture. The hotel is adjacent to Funchal’s bay cruise port. Plus, it is only 5 minutes on foot from the city center and the epicenter of the city’s social and cultural life. Its privileged location on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean makes it one of the most famous hotels on the island of Madeira. It will be easy to get around during the conference. There are also floor plans located in each elevator.
- Will the conference be accessible by wheelchair or power scooter?
Yes. DIS facilities at Pestana Casino Park are wheelchair accessible and/or accessible via chairlift.
- What are the restroom facilities like?
There are accessible and gender-neutral adapted toilets throughout the conference space.
- 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 Pedro Ferreira as soon as possible at plurality@dis2025.acm.org
- Can I bring my guide dog?
Yes.
- Can I attend the conference by robot?
We are sorry, but DIS 2025 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 write so in your registration. For any further questions contact us and we will do our best to accommodate them: plurality@dis2025.acm.org
- Will the conference be a smoke-free environment?
Smoking is not allowed at Pestana Casino Park.
- What if I have a medical emergency or health problem during the conference?
In Portugal, the single European emergency number to call in any emergency situation is 112. This number is available 24/7 and is free of charge. If required, the international phone code for Portugal is +351. When you call 112, you will be connected to the appropriate emergency service based on the nature of the emergency, which could be police, fire, or medical assistance.
- Accessible activities around Funchal
For accessible activities around Funchal, you can check the official Accessibility webpage for Visit Madeira, as well as the following Accessible Tourism and Funchal-specific webpages.