Accessibility and Inclusivity Statement

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, and sexual orientation.

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, older industrial areas where some surfaces may be uneven, and Scandic Grand Central Helsinki, where short courses are held and where guests may stay. Because accessibility varies between locations, we provide venue-specific accessibility information separately and encourage participants to review it in advance.

If you have any questions regarding accessibility, inclusivity, or practical arrangements during the event, please contact us at nordrocsconference@gmail.com.

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.

The conference halls are equipped with hearing loops.

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.

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki offers good overall accessibility for guests with reduced mobility and other access needs. The main entrance has automatic doors, no threshold, seating nearby, and access by ramp or lift, although there is a level difference at the entrance. Accessible parking is available close to the hotel entrance.

There is step-free access throughout the hotel’s corridors, reception, shop, restaurant, and other public areas. Reception includes a hearing loop, a lowered desk section, and an accessible route to the lifts. Assistance dogs are welcome, and staff are trained to support guests with disabilities. The hotel also offers 37 accessible rooms and 4 accessible public toilets.

Meeting Rooms at Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

The meeting and conference areas at Scandic Grand Central Helsinki are accessible for wheelchair users and include accessible toilets nearby. Meeting room doors are at least 80 cm wide, and seating is available outside the rooms.

Clearly marked hearing loops are available in the meeting spaces, and portable hearing loops can also be provided. These features help make the meeting facilities suitable for a wide range of accessibility needs.