Accessibility at Tapia 2020
Since 2001, the Tapia conferences have brought together students, faculty, and professionals to celebrate the technical contributions and career interests of the most diverse people in computing fields. To do so, the conference seeks to be accessible. During registration, you will be able to request accommodations. If you have additional questions or concerns about accessibility, contact us.
Q: What can attendees do to make the conference welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities?
A: We aim to make this conference a welcoming, inclusive event. As an attendee, you play a very important role in this. For example, we can all commit to using a microphone when we ask questions, so that everyone can hear.
We are a neurodiverse community, and we don’t all communicate and express ourselves the same way. Some people prefer direct, literal communication and others talk in idioms and metaphors. Some people need extra time to process and respond. Communication is a two-way process, so let’s be flexible and accommodate different communication styles. Sometimes a person may need to leave in the middle of a session, flap their hands, pace up and down, or go to a quiet space, and that’s ok. So if someone’s behavior seems strange to you, don’t make assumptions—talk to them directly.
Some of us are more sensitive to smells, sounds, and/or lights than others. Please do not use flash photography as this can induce migraines. Please avoid wearing strong perfume or aftershave at the conference. Be aware of attendees using canes or wheelchairs and give them room to get around. Offer an aisle seat if someone needs it. Raise your hand and ask the presenter to describe what’s happening in their silent video, for the benefit of those who can’t see it. These are the actions that add up to a truly inclusive event where we all feel welcome. Let’s make this conference an amazing experience for everyone!
Q: How do I communicate accessibility needs to the Tapia 2020 organizers?
A: When you register for the conference, there will be a question asking about any accessibility needs. In your response, please indicate any accessibility needs such as sign language interpretation or captioning. Organizers will follow up with you to clarify your needs. If you have any questions about accommodations, please contact us. After the deadline for early registration, a best effort will be made to accommodate requests, but we cannot guarantee that interpreters or captioners will be available.
Q: Will sign language interpretation or captioning be available?
A: The conference will provide sign language interpreters or captioners if requested by any attendees during registration. Organizers will follow up with you to discuss your needs in more detail. You will be asked to provide your conference schedule so we can make sure there is support in the sessions you are attending.
Q: Can a student volunteer assist me during the conference?
Student volunteers will be available to assist attendees with disabilities. If you will need volunteer assistance at the conference, please indicate this on your conference registration form.
Q: What if I experience harassment at the conference?
A: As stated in the Tapia Conference Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy, CMD-IT and ACM are dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for participants at our events and in our programs. If you believe that you have been harassed at the Tapia Conference, or notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other related concerns, you are encouraged to report the incident in confidence to the conference organizers, and you can notify us.
Q: Will there be any offsite events/venues?
A: Sponsors may hold events outside the Tapia Conference virtual platform during the Tapia Conference. If you are invited to attend a sponsor event please contact sponsors directly with any concerns about accessibility.
Q: Will there be microphones for attendees in session rooms?
A: Yes. Guidelines request that attendees always use microphones for the benefit of those who are hard of hearing.
Q: What are the arrangements for presenters with accessibility needs?
A: We will provide sign language interpreters and closed captioning for any speaker who needs them. Let us know what you require.
If you have any accessibility requests please include information in your conference registration. If you forget to include information in your registration please use the Tapia Conference Contact form for any requests.
Q: Will there be loud music, strobe lighting, spotlights, or other strong sensory experiences?
A: There will be no strobelighting or spotlights used during the broadcast. If any loud music is planned all attendees will be notified prior to it commencing. Please use the Tapia Conference Contact form for additional questions.