SportsHCI
2026

Accessibility FAQ

We are committed to creating an inclusive event and will make every reasonable effort to accommodate accessibility needs and dietary requirements whenever possible. Please note, however, that we cannot guarantee that all requests can be fulfilled.

To allow sufficient time for planning and processing, accessibility requests must be submitted by September 30.

As SportsHCI takes place at three buildings across campus, we detail the accessibility for each location. This map offers an overview of all locations: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1hU511YGzmMpDyV18D4D5i_Bicet3M-c&usp=sharing

• How do I communicate my accessibility needs?

  • There are two ways to reach out with your accessibility needs. For participants who have accessibility requirements, we encourage you to let us know during the registration process. Alternatively, you can always reach out to the equity, diversity, and inclusion chairs (edi@sportshci2026.com), for example, regarding everything that is not answered here.

• Will sign language interpretation or captioning be available?

  •  We aim to offer a form of basic live transcription to people who require this for accessibility purposes. We are sorry that dedicated sign language interpretation most likely cannot be offered.

• Will speakers and questioners be using a microphone?

  • Yes, both presenters and audience members will be using a microphone for the interactions.

• Will there be an induction loop in the rooms?

  • We are sorry, there is no induction loop in our rooms. If we can make things easier for you in another way, please feel free to tell us. For example, here is an image of the presentation room where we could reserve a specific seat (Image source: https://www.i4e.de/eroeffnung-innovation-center-uds/).

• What is the transport situation to and from the conference venue?

  • Car: If you arrive by car, you can navigate to the following addresses. There will be disabled parking spots in close proximity. Entry to campus is not restricted, but there is an hourly fee. We encourage you to contact us, so we can organize an entry pass.
    
    Innovation Center:
    DFKI:
    Building 8 (Multifunktionshalle) at sports campus: (Note: This is a separate parking zone)
    
    

  • Bus: Saarland University is served by bus from the neighboring cities. The following bus stops (and lines) are closest to each building:
    Innovation Center: Universität Campus*

    DFKI: Universität Mensa (closest) or Universität Campus*
    Building 8 (Multifunktionshalle) at sports campus: Landessportschule**
    
    

    * The university area is a bit hilly. If you want to avoid going uphill but do not mind a detour, we recommend the Campus station for arrival and the Mensa station for departure. In this case, from the Campus station, go past the Innovation center and cross the intersection, then walk along the parking space.
    
    ** Similarly, the Landessportschule bus stops requires going uphill to the location. Please contact us if you need more advice or a transfer.
    
    For accessibility of the buses and stations, visit also https://www.saarbahn.de/de/service/barrierefreie_mobilitaet

• Can I ask someone about local accessibility?

  • We have a local EDI chair as well as other local chairs. You can reach out to edi@sportshci2026.com. Alternatively, the following addresses may further help you: 

    • Accessible travelling with Deutsche Bahn (https://int.bahn.de/en/booking-information/accessible-travel)

    • Transit agency Saarbrücken (https://www.saarbahn.de/service/barrierefreie_mobilitaet, German only)

    • Accessible tourism Saarland (https://www.urlaub.saarland/planen-buchen/barrierefreies-reisen, German only)

    • Accessible tourism Germany (https://www.germany.travel/en/accessible-germany/tourism-for-all-validated-travel-options.html)

    • Companion service transit Saarland (https://mobisaar.de/, German only)
      
      

• What is the conference space like?
  
  
  

  • The conference takes places at three locations.
    (A) The Innovation Center location is located at a shared office space on the third floor (virtual tour).
    (B) The DFKI location comprises a larger room with surrounding rooms on the ground floor of the DFKI building.
    (C) The Sports Campus location is a sports hall with adjacent (partially shared) rooms.

  • The Innovation Center lies between the DFKI (distance 400m) and the Sports Campus (distance 1200m).

• Will the conference be accessible by wheelchair or power scooter?

  • Yes, all locations can be accessed by wheelchair or power scooter and have accessible restrooms. However, depending on your mode of transportation, the paths to the building can be steeper. Please contact us if you have further questions or need a transfer.

• Will there be walking or standing required? If so, when and how much?

  • The Innovations Center and the DFKI are small locations. Rooms for presentation, networking spaces and restrooms are within 20m walking distance (accessible restroom requires an additional elevator ride). At the Innovation Center, the accessible restroom is on another floor (accessible by an elevator). The Sports Campus is a gymnasium and walking between the demo area and restrooms, for example, is within 100m.
    We will offer seating (also see below for the quiet space) in all rooms as well as at the demos and posters. However, moving between posters and demos in these rooms will be required.

• Will there be a designated quiet space?

  • Yes, we will have a quiet space at every location which is shared with the other conference participants (Should you require individual arrangements, please contact us via edi@sportshci2026.com).
    Please also note that the purpose of the quiet space is to help manage sensory overload and offer disabled people a place to rest. It is not intended as a productivity space, e.g., to work during the conference.  

• Will the conference be a smoke-free environment?

  • All indoor spaces are smoke free. As the buildings are shared with others, people may be smoking outside.
    
    

• Are there accessible hotel rooms available?

  • Saarbrücken and the surrounding region offer accessible accommodations. We have not arranged special conference rates and have not reserved accessible rooms but the EDI chairs (edi@sportshci2026.com) can assist you when searching for accessible accommodations.
    The following links may also be helpful:

    • https://www.germany.travel/en/accessible-germany/tourism-for-all-validated-travel-options.html

    • https://tourismus.saarbruecken.de/media/download-68b99603e498b

    • https://tourismus.saarbruecken.de/en/accommodations/hotels

• Can a student volunteer provide assistance during the conference?

  • Yes, a student volunteer can help you with accessibility-related requirements. In this case, please communicate your needs to the EDI chairs (edi@sportshci2026.com).

• Are there arrangements for presenters with accessibility needs?

  • There are no steps required and we will offer an option to present while seated. If you have further requirements, please feel free to contact the EDI chairs (edi@sportshci2026.com).

• Can I bring my guide dog or service animal?

  • Yes, you can bring your guide dog or service animal to all locations.

• What food will be provided at the conference?

  • Food has not been finally arranged yet but we aim for a vegetarian/vegan friendly lunch. If possible, please describe your dietary needs in the registration form.

• Can the conference accommodate special dietary needs?

  • Yes, we will try our best to accommodate your dietary needs. Please use the registration form or contact the EDI chairs (edi@sportshci2026.com).

• Will there be loud music, strobe lighting, or other strong sensory experiences?

  • We planned the conference in a way that minimises these experiences. However, the conference venue is a shared space. Also, participating in demos (e.g., in virtual reality) may create strong sensory experiences, so please consult these presenters before participating.
    Please contact us for specific requirements, so we can arrange something or advise in advance.

• Will there be any safety measures regarding COVID and other infections? What if I am sick?

  • There are currently no state-mandated regulations in place. However, we strongly recommend protecting others (and yourself) if you are ill. To help you with that, you can ask student volunteers for a mask or a COVID test.
    
    

• What if I have a medical emergency during the conference?

  • In case of emergency, call 112 for an ambulance or 110 for the police (the German emergency services numbers). For non-urgent medical needs, contact our EDI chairs (edi@sportshci2026.com) or ask any student volunteer — they can direct you to local medical services. For non-resident attendees, purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses is strongly recommended.

Credits to the organizers of the ACM ASSETS conference 2026 for their FAQ template.