Sirens is committed to making our conference space accessible for attendees. We ask, as part of that commitment, that all Sirens attendees review the following policy and consider how they, too, might help make Sirens more accessible for other attendees.
This version of the Accessibility Policy is effective as of March 18, 2025.
If you have any questions regarding our accessibility policy, please write us at legal@sirensconference.org.
Attendees
The Sirens community was founded on respect for others, and toward that end, we ask that all Sirens attendees consider the following while attending Sirens:
- Avoid lingering in doorways, and make sure that hallways are always passable for those who require additional space to move around.
- Leave the first and last rows of presentations, and seating near the doorways, free for those who may need those seats.
- Don’t assume that anyone needs assistance. If someone seems like they could use a hand, ask before assisting, and respect the answer given.
- Please respect people’s privacy. Some people may not want to discuss their personal lives or have their photograph taken.
- Do not approach—or pet or otherwise handle—service animals without asking.
- Be aware of your fragrance use. While many people use fragrances to manage pain or stress, those same fragrances may trigger pain or discomfort in others.
- Wash your hands after using the restroom and before meals. This helps contain germs that affect attendees with immune system concerns.
- If you are ill, please wear a mask. If another attendee requests that you wear a mask, please wear a mask.
- Please also wash your hands after smoking. The smell of cigarette smoke bothers many attendees.
- For those who prefer larger print, Sirens has both a PDF of the program book and magnifying sheets available for use.
- Other rules and requirements may apply.
Presenters
If you are presenting programming at Sirens, please be aware that, by considering the following, you may make it easier for others to enjoy your presentation:
- Make sure that your lips are visible to attendees, some of whom may read lips.
- Use the microphone, even if you think it’s not necessary. (Attendees should note that small presentation rooms and small-group discussions may not have microphones, but other presentation rooms will.)
- Use high-color contrast in projected presentations. It makes your text easier to read.
- Consider captioning any audio and describing your images aloud.
- Warn audiences before flashing or strobe effects, and before sensitive content, in your presentations.
- Presentation podiums and tables allow presenters to sit or stand while presenting. Please feel free to do either, as is comfortable for you.
- The program books details presenters’ preferences regarding photographs, transcription, and recordings. Please respect their wishes.
Location
- Accessing most areas of the Omni New Haven, including the conference space and the guest rooms, requires use of an elevator. The conference space may require navigating steps or a ramp at certain times.
- The Omni New Haven offers ADA-compliant guest rooms. If you would like one, please inquire with the hotel when making your reservation.
- If you would like to minimize the distance you must traverse, please ask the hotel for a guest room close to the elevators.
- The conference space at the Omni New Haven uses fluorescent lighting.
- Sirens has little control over the temperature of the Omni New Haven conference space. Please consider packing layers for comfort.
- Sirens always supports your use of the bathroom that is most comfortable for you.
- Sirens takes attendees’ dietary restrictions very seriously. Upon registration, we invite you to provide your dietary restrictions; we will take those into account when we provide food and beverage during the conference. The Omni New Haven’s restaurants can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions, and the area surrounding the hotel offers many restaurants that accommodate a variety of dining options as well.
- Sirens generally does not use stages for presenters. In the event that we use elevated stages, we will require that a ramp be present.
- Please note that the Omni New Haven is generally carpeted.
- Please visit the Omni New Haven’s Property Details page for more information about their accessibility policies and options.