Accessibility FAQ
General Questions
How do I communicate accessibility needs to VRST 2026 organizers?
VRST values the diversity of our community, and aims to be an accessible and inclusive conference. Attendees are encouraged to mention any requests for accommodation upon registration for the conference. If you have any questions or requests about accessibility, please contact the Accessibility Chairs at accessibility2026@vrst.acm.org. Due to the limitation in budget and time, we may not be able to accommodate all requests, but we aim to support you with the concepts of reasonable accommodation. Note that some requests may require advance notice. In order to give us adequate time to prepare; please submit accessibility requests as early as possible.
When is the deadline for accessibility requests?
The deadline for accessibility requests is Sep 30th (early registration deadline). However, if you have any accessibility enquiries at this point, please feel free to contact our Accessibility Chairs by email: accessibility2026@vrst.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 Chairs by email: accessibility2026@vrst.acm.org, and someone will respond to you shortly. Please continue to monitor this page as we will keep updating this page!
Space
How do I get to the conference venue?
Please see the conference’s Venue & Access page for general directions. For wheelchair users, we have also prepared a detailed barrier-free access guide.
Will the conference be accessible by wheelchair?
Yes, the conference venue will be accessible by wheelchair. All venue entrances are wheelchair accessible. Presenters who need any accommodations should contact the Accessibility Chairs by email: accessibility2026@vrst.acm.org. The stage is large enough to accommodate multiple ways to present. There will be good sit-down and wheelchair accessible options for presenters. Should it be necessary, an alternative location for presentation will be made ready in advance. 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 Chairs at accessibility2026@vrst.acm.org by Sep 30th (early registration deadline).
Are children welcome at VRST 2026?
VRST 2026 values that many attendees are parents, however, due to the academic nature of the talks we discourage parents to bring their children to the conference. There are no facilities for children available at the venue.
Will there be a designated quiet space?
Yes. A designated quiet room will be available at the conference venue. The room is located on conference venue (Atelier Q∞) 3F and will be clearly marked with signage.
Will the conference be a smoke-free environment?
Yes. The entire Tohoku University campus, including all indoor and outdoor areas, is smoke-free. If you have any questions, please contact the Accessibility Chairs at accessibility2026@vrst.acm.org.
Assistance and Support
Will sign language interpretation or captioning be available?
The conference will try to provide 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. After the deadline for early registration, a best effort will be made to accommodate requests, but we cannot guarantee that interpreters or captioners will be available.
Can I bring my guide dog?
Yes, service animals are permitted within the venue. We remind all attendees that guide dogs are working animals, and ask that you refrain from petting, distracting, or otherwise preventing them from doing their job. Water stations can be found throughout the venue, and we recommend attendees with service dogs bring water bowls to refill for their companions. Dogs may relieve themselves outside of the venue. The feces need to be picked up and disposed at designated locations.
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 let us know by Sep 30th (early registration deadline). We will do our best to accommodate requests received after that as well, but since we need to coordinate the number and assignment of SVs, we would appreciate it if you could let us know as early as possible.
Attendees who require personal care assistance should bring their own assistant. If you are bringing a personal assistant with you for accessibility support, please email us at accessibility2026@vrst.acm.org to learn how to register them.
What are expectations around inclusivity, diversity, and harassment at VRST 2026?
We ask that all conference attendees respect individuals’ identities. Please use their stated names and pronouns and identity information will be included on attendees’ badges. If you’re not sure – ask! Additionally, please review expectations stated in the ACM SIGCHI Policy on Harassment and Discrimination. If you have any questions, please contact the Accessibility Chairs at diversity2026@vrst.acm.org.
Sensory and Medical
Will there be loud music, strobe lighting, spotlights, or other strong sensory experiences?
Participants will be requested not to use flash photography or to wear strong scents. Please indicate on your registration form if there are specific items you would like to know about in advance.
What if I have a medical emergency or health problem during the conference?
In case of emergency call 110 for an ambulance. If you require non-urgent medical care, please contact Accessibility Chairs at accessibility2026@vrst.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.
VRST 2026 Accessibility Chairs
- Xiyue Wang, Miraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Japan
- Makoto Kobayashi, Tsukuba University of Technology, Japan