Accessibility and inclusivity
Inclusivity and Accessibility
We are committed to creating a conference that is welcoming, respectful, and as accessible as possible for all participants. We want to support inclusion across disability, neurodiversity, gender, gender identity and expression, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and different backgrounds and ways of participating.
We recognize that attendees may have different mobility, sensory, communication, cognitive, dietary, and wellbeing needs. We aim to foster an environment where everyone can participate with dignity and feel respected throughout the event.
Our programme takes place across several locations, including Helsinki City Hall, Finlandia Hall, Restaurant Pörssi, M/S Katarina, and older industrial areas where some surfaces may be uneven. Because accessibility varies between locations, we provide venue-specific accessibility information separately and encourage participants to review it in advance.
If you have any accessibility, sensory, communication, dietary, or other participation needs, please contact us at [contact details]. We will do our best to support reasonable adjustments and to provide information openly so participants can plan their attendance.
We also expect all attendees, speakers, partners, and staff to contribute to a respectful atmosphere free from discrimination, harassment, and exclusion.
Accessibility Information by Location
Our event takes place across several venues with different accessibility conditions. We have summarized key accessibility information for each location below to help attendees plan their participation.
Helsinki City Hall
The entrance is clearly marked, well lit, and protected by a canopy. The entrance doors are easy to distinguish, and there is sufficient space outside for wheelchair manoeuvring. Please note that the door is heavy or otherwise difficult to open, and the vestibule is narrow.
There is an assisted-transport drop-off point within 5 metres of the entrance, with smooth access from the drop-off area to the building. The route to the entrance is even, adequately wide, and well lit.
The event floor is accessible by lift. An accessible toilet is available on the lower lobby level, on the same floor as the service point. Please note that the toilet door may be difficult to open and close.
Finlandia Hall
The conference floor can be reached by lift from the main entrance. An accessible toilet is available on the entrance level.
We will also provide a quieter corner for participants who would like to step away from the main event environment for a moment and spend time in a calmer space.
Additional accessibility details will be shared as they are confirmed.
Restaurant Pörssi
Please note that there are thresholds within the restaurant. There are no stairs, and an accessible toilet is available.
A live band will perform in a separate room with a dance floor. Smaller rooms are also available for those who prefer a quieter setting, and efforts will be made to keep the noise level lower in those spaces. The lighting is atmospheric and subdued rather than bright.
M/S Katarina and Technical Tour
Please note that M/S Katarina is unfortunately not a fully accessible vessel. There are thresholds and stairs on board, which means participants need to be able to take at least a few steps either independently or with assistance.
Where this is possible, the cruise may be manageable with a manual, foldable wheelchair. However, accessibility on board is limited.
After disembarkation, the technical tour continues on foot for approximately 1.5 km over both asphalt and gravel surfaces. Please also note that the route includes stairs.
Parts of the technical tour take place in older industrial areas where ground surfaces may be uneven or rough. These areas may include asphalt, gravel, and stairs, which may make access more difficult for some participants.
Host
Mutku Ry
E-mail: aura.nousiainen@syke.fi
Phone: +358 4457 61 669
Abstract support
Invajo: abstracts+nordrocs2026@invajo.com
Congress secretariat
Reed&Mackay
E-mail: conference.se@reedmackay.com
Phone: +46 (0)18 18 35 35 (Tuesday-Thursday at 9.00-12.00)
Organizers
