Information

Accessibility

USH2025

For the International Symposium on Usher Syndrome USH2025, it is essential to ensure accessibility for all attendees, including those with Usher syndrome, so that everyone can fully participate.

Languages

The first two days (scientific conference) the language of instruction is English and we offer the following languages:

  • Spoken English
  • International Sign Language (IS)
  • Written English
  • Dutch Sign Language (NGT)
  • Written Dutch

On the third day (Congrestival) the language of instruction is either English or Dutch and we offer the following languages:

  • Spoken English
  • International Sign Language (IS)
  • Written English
  • Spoken Dutch
  • Dutch Sign Language (NGT)
  • Written Dutch

We state the language of every program component on the program. Using Speaksee AutoCaption, everyone can set their own language preferences for written text on their own device. We provide clear instructions about this in advance and people from SpeakSee are present to support this.

Venue accessibility

  • The venue is wheelchair accessible and has no thresholds.
  • Tactile pathways and clear, tangible markings will be installed.
  • Additional lighting will be provided.
  • Measures will be taken to increase contrast.
  • We plan to implement an indoor navigation app (under development).
  • Volunteers will be on-site to offer extra support and guidance.

 

A group of peer experts will conduct an extensive assessment of the venue. Any suggested improvements from this assessment will be addressed.

For any questions or issues, an accessibility coordinator will be available during the symposium.
Volunteers, assistants, and on-call interpreters will be easily recognizable by a specially designed shirt or vest.

Hearing accessibility

All presentations, performances, and workshops will include support:

  • With International Sign (IS) interpreters and Dutch Sign Language (NGT) interpreters.
  • With Speaksee AutoCaption. WIth over 50 languages to choose from, you can select your preferred language on your own device. Spoken content will be captioned in Dutch and English, which can be read on the big screens or on your own device.
  • All rooms are equipped with a hearing loop system.
  • Pre-recorded materials shown will include subtitles.

 

For specific needs, please email us at accessibility@ush2025.org.

Visual accessibility

  • A moderator will provide audio descriptions during all presentations.
  • Audio descriptions during the first two scientific days will be limited, and visual presentations will not be described.
  • Speakers will receive guidelines on delivering accessible presentations.

Digital accessibility

  • USH2025 aims for an accessible website for everyone. Our experts are assessing the site's accessibility. If you encounter accessibility issues, please let us know via accessibility@ush2025.org.
  • Multiple video podcasts will be recorded and streamed throughout the symposium on the YouTube channel. These will include subtitles in Dutch and English and an International Sign (IS) interpreter.

Inclusive communication

  • During the Congrestival, we will communicate in clear, straightforward language, avoiding jargon and complex terms whenever possible.
  • Communication guidelines will be shared with all speakers and moderators, emphasizing slower speech, clear sentences, and good articulation.

More information

Transportation and accommodation

  • The USH2025 symposium venue is located next to the station. Volunteers will be on hand to assist attendees traveling from the station to the venue.
  • A hotel is available on-site, and other accommodations are within walking distance of a bus or train station, with travel times of 20 minutes or less to the venue.

Workshops and interactive sessions

  • Small group interpreters will be available.
  • Volunteers will be equipped with additional microphones to ensure that all communications are audible and can be captioned on large screens and personal tablets.
  • A moderator will provide audio description.

Personal assistance and support

  • A team of volunteers will be available to assist attendees on-site.

Suggestions or special needs

If you have any suggestions or specific needs, please contact us at accessibility@ush2025.org.

Register for USH2025

Register for the Scientific Congress
and the Congrestival. Register is open.