Presentations are normally given from a stage requiring a few stairs to reach. Speaker podiums/lecterns are 3’ 10" tall, and speakers are typically expected to present from the podium/lectern standing up for the duration of the presentation, especially if the microphone is in a fixed position. Seating is available for the presenter before and after their presentation. Panel sessions will have seats pre-arranged on stage. If there are any issues with this set up, please communicate with ABAI early to discuss accommodations such as a step, stool, or ramp.
For the Audience
Below are a few accessibility resources for presenters to consider incorporating during their session to create an inclusive and accessible environment for their audience.
- Captioning: Presenters may turn on the captioning (subtitles) during their presentation. PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Keynote applications have easy-to-use captioning support and instructions (see resources and links below). Turning on the captioning feature allows your microphone to capture your speech and displays it as text directly on your slides in real time.
- Readability: Strong contrast between the text and background colors makes the slides easier to view. Larger text sizes also help – try to avoid using font sizes smaller than 18pt. Sans serif fonts are most readable. Additionally, try to avoid placing a lot of text on the very bottom of your slides, as folks in the back may not be able to see it.
- Descriptions: When displaying a table, graph, or image, it is helpful to talk through and describe the various reference points, rather than gesturing to the screen. It is also helpful to give a brief description of what is in a video before you play it to the audience.
- Q&As: If your session incorporates questions from the audience, please have them use the microphone and/or you can repeat the audience member’s question before answering so everyone knows what was asked.
There are many resources available for using captions and translations in your presentations.
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Microsoft Office:
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Step-by-step instructions and best practice for making your PowerPoint presentations accessible. [Link to Instructions]
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PowerPoint for Microsoft 365 can transcribe your words as you present and display them on-screen as captions in the same language you are speaking, or as subtitles translated to another language. [Link to Instructions]
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Google Slides:
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Apple Keynote:
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Create accessible documents, spreadsheets, or presentations with Pages, Numbers, or Keynote. [Link to Instructions]
ABAI is committed to providing a welcoming, accessible environment for all attendees. If you require an accommodation for a disability, please contact us at convention@abainternational.org. Our team will confirm and communicate as needed for follow-up and on-site support. We will make every effort to accommodate all requests within the logistical limits of our venues.
Getting Around
ABAI works with the hosting venue to ensure that there are many places to sit and rest in hallways, near session rooms, in lobbies, and in any other available space, depending on the location.
The attendee map will be available closer to the event. Please reference the map for detailed information regarding accessing the lifts to meeting floors.
Event Seating
At ABAI events, we ensure that each room has wheelchair/scooter seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Anyone with limited mobility or who is using a mobility device such as a scooter, walker, crutches, or wheelchair may wait near the front of the line to use this accessible seating. There will be limited, marked accessible seating in each session room for those with hearing and/or visual impairments. For onsite help, please alert an ABAI staff member.
Restrooms
All restrooms in the Altis Grand Hotel are wheelchair accessible.
Resources
Accessibility/Mobility
General accessibility resources and information for Portugal can be found here:
ABAI staff have protocols in place to support members. In the event a member feels unsafe or has experienced harassment or other incident, locate an ABAI staff member. ABAI has a policy on sexual and other harassment, a communications policy , and a form for constituents to report such incidents via the website which is also accessible via the ABAI events app.
Please review the information below regarding emergency protocols. In the case of an emergency outside of the event space or hours, please call 112.
If an emergency occurs and it is necessary to evacuate the hotel, the Altis Grand Hotel team will direct attendees to the meeting point at Rua Castilho 22 (across the street).
Security
ABAI works closely with the venue and hotel to confirm advanced security protocols within the event spaces, and confirms protocols with local police, fire, and medical dispatch.
Medical
In the event of a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, please call 112. Note: if using the hotel phones, please press 0 and then dial the number.
Security at the Altis Grand Hotel can be reached at 003512131060000.
For non-emergency situations, see nearby health care facilities, including:
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Hospital de São José (Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central)
*Public*
Address: R. José António Serrano, 1150-199 Lisboa, Portugal
Phone: +351218841000
Hours: Open 24 Hours
Distance from Event Space: 8-minute drive
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Alegria Medical Centre
*Public*
Address: Praça da Alegria 66 Andar 3°, 1250-004 Lisboa, Portugal
Phone: +351211452289
Hours: Monday – Friday: Open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: Open 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday: CLOSED
Distance from Event Space:3-minute drive
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Hospital Santo António dos Capuchos
*Public*
Address: Alameda Santo António dos Capuchos, 1169-050 Lisboa, Portugal
Phone: +351213136300
Hours: Please call to confirm hours of operation
Distance from Event Space: 7-minute drive
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Santa Marta Hospital
*Public*
Address: R. de Santa Marta 50, 1169-024 Lisboa, Portugal
Phone: +351213594000
Hours: Monday – Friday: Open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Open 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Distance from Event Space: 10-minute drive
Fire
ABAI works with the venue and hotel to provide local information about the nearest fire department. Facilities will have fire detection and suppression systems with notification of and response to fires. Upon verification of a fire, area or building evacuation will take place using alarms—usually a combination of strobe light and tone alarms—throughout the building, along with notifications and assistance from security and building staff.
Suspected Active Shooter
- Evacuation: Get out of the building or area even if others won’t follow. Help others escape, if possible. Take an evacuation path away from the suspect. Warn others as you escape. Do not attempt to move wounded people. Do not rush toward officers, keep your hands visible at all times, and follow all of their commands. Update police with the suspect’s description and location.
- Lockdown: Do not leave your current location if you feel the suspect will see or find you. If you can, gather those around you and go to the nearest room with a locking door. Once inside, lock the door and barricade it with heavy objects. Try to prevent being seen. Turn off lights and close drapes or blinds. Sit or lie on the floor next to the wall with the door and be as quiet as possible. Silence your cell phone. Do not answer or open the door for anyone. If you are found and unable to get away, throw objects, yell, and continue to defend yourself.
Suspicious Items
Do not touch any suspicious-seeming items. Immediately report the item to the Altis Grand Hotel’s security at 003512131060000.
Should you require any accommodations for religious purposes, please contact us at convention@abainternational.org at least one month prior to the convention.
Accessible Public Transportation
At many locations, ground transportation companies are able to pick up passengers with mobility aids curbside at the airport. Location-specific information and resources can be found below. Pre-arranging services is highly recommended to ensure availability and timely pickups.
Guidelines and Requirements
Local Transportation Options
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Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis
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Commercial Railway
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Public Transit
Scooter and Wheelchair Rental
If you require an accommodation that is not listed above please contact us at Contact ABAI at convention@abainternational.org. We will make every effort to accommodate all requests within the logistical limits of our venues.