Accessibility FAQ
At UMAP 2026, we are committed to making the conference inclusive and accessible for all attendees.
Our goal is to make UMAP 2026 as welcoming and inclusive as possible, and we’re here to assist with any special requirements you may have. If you cannot find an answer to your questions here, please contact the Inclusion & Accessibility chairs at: umap2026-dei@um.org
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When and how do I communicate accessibility needs to UMAP2026 organizers?
During the registration process, you will find a question regarding any disabilities or special needs that might affect your access to the conference’s facilities and resources. If you respond affirmatively, a variety of accommodation options will be available for your selection, such as facilities for wheelchair users, sign language interpretation services, or personal guidance assistance.
Additionally, you can proactively reach out to the DEI Chairs at umap2026-dei@um.org for any specific concerns or requests.
We kindly ask that you submit your accessibility requests by the early registration deadline to ensure we can effectively meet your needs. While we strive to accommodate all requests, please note that late requests, especially those made after the aforementioned date, may be challenging to fulfill.
Regarding dietary needs, there is a section on the registration form where you can provide this information. We appreciate your understanding that some dietary accommodations might be difficult to arrange without sufficient notice.
Who do I ask if my question is not answered here?
If you have specific accessibility needs or suggestions for improvements, we encourage you to reach out to our dedicated Inclusion & Accessibility Chairs via email at umap2026-dei@um.org .
Rest assured, your queries will be addressed promptly as we strive to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for every attendee.
What are taxi and public transport options for getting to the conference venue?
The main venue for UMAP will be the Pedagogen building that is located inside the inner city of Gothenburg and can be reached on foot from the Central Station or via multiple tram lines (15min).
Taxis are expensive and most hotels are in walking distance to the venue and Gothenburg has extremely good public transport. For payment you can use tap and pay with most credit cards. For the public transport times and accessibility of each of their vehicle please use either the västtraffik app or website instead of google or apple maps.
For getting to Gothenburg you can either travel by train to Gothenburg or Fly to the Landvetter Airport. From Landvetter using Flyggbussarna is a good option as they offer cheap return tickets and have multiple stops in Gothenburg. You can check the level of accessibility on their webpage.
Taxis from the airport are quite expensive and are only marginally faster but large wheelchair accessible taxis are available.
For more on accessibility in public transportation at Gothenburg please visit: https://www.goteborg.com/en/guides/accessibility-in-gothenburg
Who can I ask about accessibility in Gothenburg?
For information about Gothenburg accessibility, including public transport, go to Accessibility Information for Travelers with Special Needs and Accessible Travel to Sweden.
What is the conference space like?
For the overall layout of the venue, please refer to the venue information page.
The building has easy access through a ramp and wheelchair friendly doors. It will be run on two floors, the ground floor and the basement level, which are connected by multiple staircases as well as two elevators on opposite sides of the main building. The venue also houses the Pedagogical Library, which can be used as a quiet place. There are plenty of restrooms and several wheelchair friendly restrooms. All rooms should be accessible via a wheelchair or powerchair. And both floors can be accessed easily via the elevators.
Will the conference be accessible by wheelchair or power scooter?
Yes, the conference will be accessible to wheelchair users. Accessible parking is available in the city. Accessible loading and unloading zones are available next to the building or on the back of the Pedagogen building. There is also a large car park close by, which has a wheelchair friendly route to the venue. All floors are accessible by elevator. A number of restroom facilities are wheelchair-accessible and hands-free. Wheelchair accommodations are available in all rooms, including wheelchair elevators to access the upper level.
What are the restroom facilities like?
All restroom facilities are gender neutral, and accessible restrooms are widely available. Each accessible restroom stall has 2 grab bars. Each door opens manually to 180 degrees. The sink, soap, and towels are hands-free, while the toilet has a lever that someone has to grasp and pull up or down to lock. The soap used at the University of Gothenburg is mild and odourless.
What are the arrangements for presenters with accessibility needs?
The stages and podium locations differ between rooms. All stages are wheelchair accessible.
If you would like a student volunteer to operate slides or guide you onto and off the stage, or have other accessibility requests, please contact accessibility co-chairs at umap2026-dei@um.org by the early registration deadline.
Can I bring my guide dog?
Licensed Guide dogs are welcome at UMAP 2026; however, no other service animals are allowed. Please indicate on your registration form if you anticipate bringing a guide dog to the conference.
Guide dogs are allowed to accompany you to “all areas of any facility where the public is normally allowed to go. An individual with a service animal may not be segregated from other people. Limitations are rare and only for those areas where health and safety may be compromised or where doing so would result in a fundamental alteration of the nature of the program, activity, or service.”
How much walking or standing will be needed?
All the conference rooms are in the same building. They are all directly accessible by wheelchair. If you have any accessibility requests, please contact the accessibility co-chairs at umap2026-dei@um.org by the early registration deadline.
Will there be assistive listening devices or induction loops on site?
The conference venue does not offer assistive listening systems with a built-in induction loop system. If you are interested in an assistive listening device, please contact the accessibility co-chairs at umap2026-dei@um.org by the early registration deadline.
Will speakers and audience members asking questions be using a microphone?
Yes, microphones will be used for all speakers. Attendees with questions will be requested to use a microphone so that their question is more easily heard. There are wireless Q&A microphones for the session rooms.
What food service will be provided?
The conference will provide refreshments at morning and afternoon breaks. The venue will label vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. If you have other dietary restrictions, any of the catering staff are trained to ask the chef directly about any ingredient questions.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the accessibility co-chairs at umap2026-dei@um.org. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate these clearly on your registration form.
Can the conference accomodate special dietary needs?
The conference catering service is able to accommodate vegetarian and vegan options.
If you have a severe allergy or special dietary need, please indicate this on your registration form and email the accessibility co-chairs. For more detailed information, please contact accessibility co-chairs at umap2026-dei@um.org.
We do not yet have information about catering at any off-site events.
What about local food options?
Gothenburg is a city of around 600,000 residents and offers a wide range of food choices, from very affordable eats to high-end dining. You’ll find plenty of options for different dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free meals
Will the conference be a smoke-free environment?
The entire indoor portion of the conference venue is a non-smoking area. There are smoking areas outside the building. Please only smoke in the dedicated areas.
Will there be a designated quiet space at the conference?
For the whole duration of the conference, we will provide a room as a quiet space. Please follow the indications provided at the venue.
What if I have a medical emergency or health problem during the conference?
In case of emergency, call 112 for an ambulance. The nearest hospital is Sahlgrenska Hospitals A&E, (address: Gröna stråket 4, 413 45 Göteborg). If you require non-urgent medical care, please contact accessibility co-chairs at umap2026-dei@um.org or ask any student volunteer. They will provide you with information about local doctors, specialists, etc. If you are an EU citizen or a citizen who has access to the European Health Insurance card, consider bringing it with you in case you need any medical support. Please check more information by following the link to the European Health Insurance Card website
What if there is an emergency evacuation during the conference?
If there is an emergency evacuation during the conference, this will be indicated by fire alarms triggering with an audio tone.
In case of an emergency, it is recommended to follow the evacuation plan shown in the conference venue.
How should I navigate between the venue and the hotels?
Regarding the hotels, we recommend following the information we show on the Accommodation page of the website:
Most of the hotels are 20 minutes away by walk. The listed hotels can also be reached by tram or bus (a list of bus routes is available here).
What should I know about the hotels?
Regarding the hotels, we recommend following the information we show on the Accommodation page of the website: https://www.um.org/umap2026
For each affiliated hotel, the page lists the website, location, rates, hotel contact number, email, and description.
Will there be child care facilities?
Sadly, the conference does not provide childcare facilities. However, childcare can be arranged for an hourly fee via services such as nannypoppins.se.
Are there any discounted registration or travel support offered for attendees? How can I apply for a travel grant, and who is eligible?
UMAP will provide discounted rates for attendees. These will be available directly on the registration page.
In addition, there are grants and support available for eligible participants. For details, please see: https://www.um.org/umap2026/grants-and-support/