Accessibility Note: Global Disability Summit (GDS) on 2-3 April and Civil Society Forum on 1 April 2025 at STATION Berlin, Germany
We aim to provide a barrier-free and comfortable environment to all our attendees. Please inform us in advance what you need and expect for an inclusive experience and atmosphere. The following accessibility measures are being taken for the GDS 2025.
Location and Support
Physical and informational accessibility measures on-site include, for example, the width and gradient of ramps, support staff to assist with opening doors, stairs with handrails, highlighted steps, elimination of tripping hazards and inclusive furniture. There will also be large-format signage with simple symbols for better orientation and pictograms on the floor helping people to find their way around the location.
Next to halls with stage program, there are various dedicated areas including spaces for networking and recreation, exhibition and catering, outdoor areas to walk assistant dogs, and also quiet rooms. The latter will be available in proximity to the registration area and the plenary hall to calm down and separate from the crowds.
Our health and security measures include, for example, generous accessible temporary sanitary facilities, an extensive cleaning schedule to secure good hygiene, disinfectant dispensers and masks at your free disposal. In case of an emergency, paramedics and evacuation personnel is ready to support participants in any situation.
For sustainability reasons, the catering will be vegetarian. Catering will be provided free of charge and all day long. Support personnel at catering areas is available at any time to help get food, bring food to the table, carry a full coffee cup, etc.
Volunteers will be available throughout the location. There will be fixed meeting points, designated areas and info counters with distinctive marks to identify support staff and receive information and support with using devices and apps, finding interpreters or general guidance. Volunteers will be recognizable via a white hoodie with a big GDS logo. Sign interpreters will be available for networking and during catering breaks.
Mobility and Accommodation
Accessible mobility information will be provided on the GDS website and shared with all registered participants via an info-mailing before the GDS, including information on accessible public transportation, on alternative parking spaces and staff supporting in case of questions related to accessible mobility.
Participants will be choosing and organizing their own form of transportation. The use of public transport is free of charge for GDS participants on 1 – 4 April 2025 and is highly encouraged. The GDS name badge and the online ticket sent to you by mid-March serves as a “free ticket”.
Hotel options, including inclusion-related details and rates, will be presented through the GDS hotel portal. Links to hotels with special GDS allotments are included for easy navigation to booking platforms. There is also an assisted booking service for participants that require support with the booking platforms.
Languages, Accessibility and Information
GDS uses English as the main language. The GDS main program will also be available in German and Arabic. Side Events and Fireside Chats will be held in English.There are few exceptions that are marked in the program schedule.
For all sessions happening on the different stages (GDS main program and side events), the following accessibility services are planned: Closed Captioning, Sign Language, easy language and audio description. The previously listed accessibility services are always available in the spoken language(s) that the session offers. Fireside Chats include English Closed Captioning and International Sign upon request.
Portable induction loops are available at info counters and usable for all sessions (main program, side events, fireside chats). Participants will need to provide an ID to receive one of the headsets and loops.
A guideline for inclusive language is sent to moderators and speakers to avoid ableist language and secure a certain quality. Also, instructions on creating accessible presentations including a suitable template are shared with speakers in advance.
All important information for the GDS is available in a digital, accessible format, namely in a specifically designed GDS event app that is compatible with mobile phones, tablets and laptops.
The app shows the full agenda and offers networking opportunities and other relevant event information.
At the summit, instead of the classic headphones or receivers, a specifically designed interpreter app will be provided, which allows attendees to easily select their preference from the available language and assistant options – directly on their own devices with their own headphones.
To use the event or interpreters’ apps participants can either use their own devices or rent devices at one of the information counters free of charge. Participants will need to provide an ID to receive one of the devices. Participants bringing their own devices are encouraged to download the required apps and other valuable content prior to GDS. Registered participants will receive related details prior to the GDS 2025. Rental devices will have all applications and documents pre-installed.
Printed copies of the GDS program (brief version) and floor plan will be available upon request. For this case, Braille and large print are considered.
Livestreaming
All sessions that are happening on the plenary stage that take place as part of the GDS main program will be broadcasted for online viewing.
The GDS Main Program on the second stage as well as all Side Events and Fireside Chats will only be available for participants on-site in Berlin.
If online participants experience any difficulties navigating the website or have other questions and comments, support staff will be available via hotline and e-mail.
