AUCD 2025 Conference

November 17-19 | Virtual

Accessible & Inclusion

AUCD 2025 Accessibility & Inclusion

The Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD) works to make the spaces, presentations, and the overall Conference experience as accessible and inclusive as possible. By doing this we hope to create an environment where everyone feels like they belong. It is our intent that presenters fully consider their potential audience when preparing and delivering their presentation, and that attendees feel comfortable going into any presentation with the understanding that they will be able to participate fully in any session.

Required for all virtual conference presentations:

Below are examples of accessibility formats and resources for the requirements above as well as many other ways that you can make your presentation more accessible for attendees. These are all important things to keep in mind any time you are presenting, in any type of format. AUCD is always looking for ways to model its mission of inclusion and to demonstrate "All means all!" If you have any recommendations, feedback or ideas for advancing accessibility please feel free to send them to [email protected].

2025 AUCD Conference - Accessibility Guidelines

Presentations

  • Unmute yourself and speak one at a time
  • Begin by saying your name and describe yourself (say your name every time before you speak.)
  • Describe: images, charts and graphs and text.
  • Use plain language and explain acronyms
  • Slow down pace so audience can follow and ask questions
  • Creating Accessible and Engaging Presentations

Materials

  • Use fonts such as: Arial, Calibri, Tahoma, Veranda, Georgia, etc.
  • Document is in Plain Language or a glossary is available 
  • PowerPoint Handouts
    • Write in plain language when possible.
    • Use a large font size, Minimum of 18 point font. Aim for 24 to 28 point font in the body and 36 to 44 point font in the slide title.
    • All images and graphs have embedded ALT Text/Image Descriptions
    • Avoid automatic slide transitions and complex animations
    •  Include captions and transcripts for embedded videos.
    • Include a transcript for embedded audio.
    •   Enable Always Use Subtitles to activate live captions if you will be presenting with a microphone.
  • Posters

    • The below font and other guidance is based on a full-sized, printed poster.
    • Accessible Poster example - (Click here to download)                  
    • Poster title text should be no smaller than 88pt font
    • Author name text should be no smaller than 72 point font
    • Section headers should be no smaller than 60 point font
    • Body text should be no smaller than 36 point font

Sessions with ASL Interpretation and CART CaptioningIcon that represents, vision, hearing, touch, processing.

All main plenaries (Opening, Leading Change Sessions, and Closing) and the Awards Ceremony will have ASL interpretation and CART captioning available throughout the session. The AUCD Council meetings and the Public Policy Committee meeting will have CART captioning available. Attendees in need of ASL interpretation, CART captioning, etc., can request this accommodation during the registration process.

Accommodation Requests

All attendees in need of accommodations such as ASL interpreters, CART captioning, large print, etc. must note this on their registration form or contact Anna Costalas at [email protected]. We cannot guarantee accommodation requests received after October 4, 2024.

Online Conference Program and App

The Conference program will be available online and on the Conference app which attendees can download to their mobile phones or iPads and use on-site during the Conference. Attendees can search the entire Conference schedule, including all speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and other attendees. Free Wi-Fi is available for all Conference attendees.

Printed Conference Program

A printed version of the Conference program is available by request only during the registration process.

Plain Language

AUCD tries to use plain language throughout all communications for the AUCD 2024 Conference. We encourage presenters to use plain language in their sessions and speeches. We also encourage attendees to use plain language during the event. Using plain language helps make sure that everyone is included in the conversation. Learn more about presenter accessibility requirements.

AUCD Event Code of Conduct

AUCD and its governing Board of Directors are committed to creating a safe, and welcoming environment that is inclusive and free from discrimination. Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated and could result in permanent removal from current, and/or any future AUCD events. Learn more about AUCD's Event Code of Conduct.

COVID-19

Face masks are optional. We ask that you respect people's decision, whether to wear a mask or to not wear a mask.

No Flash Photography

We encourage attendees to take photos and to share their experiences. However, we ask that attendees please refrain from using flash photography or any other strobing devices (flashing "ringtones" on your mobile device, rapid cuts, or flashing media in your presentation, etc.).

Fragrance

This is a fragrance-free event. Please refrain from wearing any perfumes or body sprays.

Service Animals

Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted in all areas of the Conference where attendees are allowed. Attendees must notify organizers if bringing a service animal. The animal must be well-behaved, leashed, and under control at all times. Designated relief areas should be used, and all attendees should be considerate of others, especially regarding allergies.

Sensory Break Room

The Sensory Break Room is intended as a quiet, calm space where Conference attendees can spend time away from noise, lights, and other stimuli of Conference spaces. The sensory break room is not available for conversations or meetings.

Accessibility at the Westin DC Hotel

Accessible room requests must be made directly with the hotel during the reservation process. If you've requested an ADA room through your reservation at the Westin, please also complete this form to notify Kari Rice, AUCD's Event Manager, to ensure your request is received. If you have any questions, please email Kari at [email protected].

Questions?

If you have any accessibility-related questions, please contact Anna Costalas at [email protected].