TEI 2019 is committed to providing an inclusive environment and we will do our best to accommodate requests for special assistance. This page describes the accessibility features of TEI 2019, to help you make an informed decision about whether the conference will be accessible to you. Please contact us if your question is not answered here, or if the conference arrangements as described are not enough to allow you to attend. We will work with you to the best of our ability, to make the conference accessible. We are still updating a few of the details, so please check back in a few weeks for more information.
How do I communicate accessibility needs to TEI 2019 organizers?
The Accessibility Chair for TEI 2019 is Althea Pergakis, whose goal is to ensure the conference is accessible to everyone. When registering for the conference, you will be asked to indicate any accessibility needs such as wheelchair access, sign language interpretation, or a guide. The Accessibility Chair will follow up with you to clarify your needs. You can contact them directly at any time by emailing accessibility@tei.acm.org.
Who do I ask if my question is not answered here?
If there is specific accessibility information you would like to see here, or if you wish to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact our Accessibility Chair, Althea Pergakis by email: accessibility@tei.acm.org, and someone will respond to you shortly.
Will sign language interpretation or captioning be available?
The conference will provide a team of sign language interpreters or captioners if requested by any attendees during the early registration period. Please make your request as early as possible. Our Accessibility Chair will follow up with you to discuss your needs in more detail.
What are the taxi and public transport options for getting to the conference venue?
The Tempe Mission Palms offers a free shuttle service to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. For more information, please visit their FAQ.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor, the easiest way to get to the Tempe Mission Palms is a combination of public transportation options - the PHX Sky Train and the Metro Light Rail.
The PHX Sky Train is a free shuttle accessible from Terminals 3 and 4, which runs 24 hours/day and will take you directly to the 44th Street/Washington Metro Light Rail Stop. Metro Light Rail tickets are available ($2 USD for a one-way ticket, $4 USD for the day) at the stop. From there, take the eastbound train to the Veterans Way/College Ave station. The Tempe Mission Palms is about a five minute walk from there. All Valley Metro services are wheelchair and scooter accessible. For additional questions, please contact Valley Metro, via their website or by phone: (602) 253-5000 or TTY (602) 251-2039.
Additionally, on-demand rideshare services are plentiful here. Both Lyft and Uber have Wheelchair accessible vehicles available by request, as well as drivers trained to assist.
Other recommended options for getting to the conference will be coming soon!
Who can I ask about accessibility in Tempe?
For information about general Tempe accessibility, including public transport, go to the City of Tempe's accessibility website. Tempe has also developed a downloadable Accessibility Resource Guide with a list of services and accessibility guidelines for local points of interest. Other questions about the surrounding area can be directed to Michelle Stokes, ADA Compliance Specialist, at +1 480-350-2704.
For information about general Tempe accessibility, including public transport, go to the City of Tempe's accessibility website. Tempe has also developed a downloadable Accessibility Resource Guide with a list of services and accessibility guidelines for local points of interest. Other questions about the surrounding area can be directed to Michelle Stokes, ADA Compliance Specialist, at +1 480-350-2704.
Can a student volunteer assist me during the conference?
Student volunteers will be available to assist attendees with disabilities with navigation, meal service, or other accessibility needs. If you will need volunteer assistance at the conference, please indicate this on your conference registration form. Attendees who require personal care assistance should bring their own assistant. Assistants who will be attending conference sessions must register for the conference. A reduced 'companion rate' is available.
What is the conference space like?
Both the Mission Palms and Tempe Center for the Arts are fully ADA compliant. At the Mission Palms, generally, the meeting rooms are on the first floor, with just a few feet between them. There are wheelchair-accessible gendered restrooms nearby. There ample public couches. Please be aware that access to most of the conference rooms are from the outside - the area is shaded, but it may be warm. This space will be updated with more details as information is available.
Will the conference be accessible by wheelchair or power scooter?
Yes! All venues are fully ADA compliant and will be accessible to wheelchair users. Due to US law, all spaces are designed to be fully accessible to users of mobility aids.
For more information about wheelchair accessibility at The Mission Palms, please contact Jan Wood at +1 (480) 317-1508 or jwoodW@destinationhotels.com.
For more information about wheelchair accessibility at Tempe Center for the Arts, please contact Seth Willey at +1 480-350-2814 or seth_willey@tempe.gov
What are the restroom facilities like?
At the Tempe Mission Palms, there are gendered restrooms on each floor, nearby to the conference rooms. There is also a non-gendered restroom available on the second floor. These are accessible to wheelchair users.
At the Tempe Center for the Arts, there are both wheelchair accessible gendered restrooms on each floor, several non-gendered family restrooms, though only one of these is wheelchair accessible.
What are the arrangements for presenters with accessibility needs?
If you are a presenter with accessibility needs, please contact the Accessibility Chair, Althea Pergakis, at accessibility@tei.acm.org. Exact specifications of the stages are not yet known, but 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 Althea Pergakis at accessibility@tei.acm.org as soon as possible. After the early registration deadline, we can make no promises.
Can I bring my guide dog?
Yes! Guide dogs and other service animals are welcome at TEI 2019. There will be a relief area with water available (location to be announced). Please indicate on your registration form if you anticipate bringing a service animal to the conference.
Can I attend the conference by robot?
We are sorry, but TEI 2019 will not be able to accommodate remote attendance by robot.
How much walking or standing will be needed?
Although we do not yet have specific programming yet, we do not anticipate the need for walking or standing for long amounts of time. Details on exact estimates will be coming after the conference program is determined. If this is a complication for you, please contact Althea Pergakis at accessibility@tei.acm.org as soon as possible so arrangements can be made.
Will there be an induction loop in the meeting rooms?
Details are still being worked out with the Tempe Mission Palms. Please contact us if this is a concern for you.
At Tempe Center for the Arts, there are no induction loops, however, there is a system for hearing assistance.
Will speakers and audience members asking questions be using a microphones?
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.
What food service will be provided?
If you have special dietary needs, please indicate these clearly on your registration form.
Can the conference accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes. Attendees who indicate special dietary requirements on their registration form will be provided with special meals when the conference catering does not accommodate them. If you have a severe allergy please indicate this on your registration form.
Will the conference be a smoke-free environment?
Yes! Arizona law prohibits smoking indoors. However, The Mission Palms does have designated smoking areas - generally, just outside of the building (not in the courtyard).
What if I have a medical emergency or health problem during the conference?
In case of emergency call 911 for an ambulance. The nearest hospital is Tempe St. Luke's, approximately a mile away. If you require non-urgent medical care, please contact Althea Pergakis at accessibility@tei.acm.org or ask any student volunteer. They will provide you with information about local doctors, specialists, chiropractors, etc. For non-resident attendees, buying travel insurance that covers medical expenses is strongly recommended as fees for emergency treatment can be very high.