Accessibility and Inclusion

SETAC is committed to its values and strives to create a welcoming environment for all participants. Please view SETAC’s Inclusion Strategy and Policies as well as our “Creating Intentional Inclusive Spaces” handouts.

Accessibility Services

SETAC North America strives to make its events accessible to all participants. We choose venues that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) requirements and also provide extra services to ensure that we are as inclusive as possible. Sometimes advance notice is required to give us time to plan for accommodations, such as hiring interpreters. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.

Mobility

  • The meeting will be held at an ACA compliant facility. 
  • The setup of room layouts will ensure that aisles are accessible.
  • Where stages are used, wheelchair lifts or ramps will also be provided. These should be requested ahead of time to prepare for use.

Auditory

  • For the in-person portion of the meeting, sign language interpretation can be arranged. Please contact [email protected] by 17 September. 

Visual

The use of images, graphics, colors and formatted text can enhance the appeal of online and printed materials and assist communication, but they also introduce some accessibility challenges. At SETAC, we try to use larger and scalable font sizes, keep contrast high, embrace white space, consider color blindness, use alt text for images, turn off animations by default, provide labels for buttons, to name a few of the options we include when formatting content. We understand sometimes certain options may be helpful for some but not for others. If you experience any issues accessing materials, please contact [email protected], and we can provide the requested materials in an alternate format.

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed to attend the convention and related events. Service animals are dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Emotional support animals and pets do not fall under the definition of a service animal and are not permitted at the meeting. 

Pronouns

We support the use of pronouns on badges. For information, please see “What are personal pronouns and why do they matter?”

Restroom Policy

SETAC strives to ensure a welcoming and inclusive space for all. Please utilize the restroom that fits your preference. 

A gender-neutral space will also be available. 

Virtual Participation

Virtual meeting registration includes online access to plenaries and sessions (recordings) and materials uploaded by presenters (PDFs, e-posters, and videos). Virtual participation also allows for asynchronous Q&A and chat with presenters and participants. The meeting content will be available on the virtual platform during the meeting and up to three months after the meeting.

We also encourage all meeting participants to create accessible presentations before they upload them to the meeting platform.

Childcare

The SETAC North America Board of Directors recognizes the demands faced by young scientists navigating the balance between work–life commitments. As a result, children under the age of 16 will be allowed in all meeting areas. Please note, children must be under direct supervision of their parents at all times. Parents recognize that this is a professional meeting and that our exhibitors bring expensive and valuable equipment to the meeting, and parents are held responsible for any damages their children may cause.

Private space will be available at the center for nursing and lactation needs.

SETAC is not responsible for any agreements made between child care companies and meeting attendees.

Food Options

We work with the convention center to provide food labels, so participants can identify food choices, such as containing certain ingredients or vegan and vegetarian options.