At our conference in June 2025, we are committed not only to providing a space that has the highest standard of accessibility and inclusivity, but also to the continuous development of this space in the hope it can positively influence how accessibility and inclusivity are approached at large-scale events such as academic conferences, expositions, and conventions.
Our approach begins with putting accessibility and inclusivity at the forefront of planning, with a dedicated team of academics, operations leads, technical specialists, and EDI specialists looking in depth at how we can meet the access and inclusion needs of as many potential attendees, whether in person or online, as we possibly can.
We understand that for many, accessibility needs being met can be a major factor when considering engaging with or becoming involved in an event. Therefore, we are trying to answer as many questions attendees may have while the call for papers is still open. Here are the accessibility and inclusivity commitments we are making:
- A fully hybrid conference
- A ground floor and step-free venue with a changing places room
- A dedicated quiet room
- A dedicated sensory room
- A dedicated networking room with optional prompts provided by our Creative Facilitation Unit
- Comprehensive guides available digitally and in print, presented in an accessible and friendly format
- Training for all staff developed specifically for the conference
- A visual identification system for conference staff
- Visual systems for communication initiation, and photography consent
- Personalisable pronoun badges
- Proactive viral infection control procedures
- Access to green space (e.g. woodland and river walks) within close proximity to the venue
The above commitments are just the starting point. We are constantly looking at how we can enhance our offerings for the conference within the resources available to us, and we will be regularly updating this page to share all the ways we will be making our conference the most comfortable and accessible event possible.
We acknowledge there may still be areas that you feel we are overlooking. If you have any questions, feedback, or recommendations regarding accessibility and/or inclusivity at the conference, please fill out this form and we will work to address all feedback. We welcome and strongly encourage all feedback.
The deadline for submitting abstracts for Critical Neurodiversity Studies: Directions/Intersections/Contradictions is 28 February 2025.
Last updated: 20.02.2025