Accessibility
Event: SDS National Voice 2027
General information
Contact name
Self Directed Support Team
Contact number
0800 841 1321
Travel instructions
The address of the venue is: Technology and Innovation Centre is at 99 George Street, Glasgow G1 1RD You can read more about different travel options to the venue on the venue's website: https://www.strath.ac.uk/conferencingandevents/attendinganevent/
Entry instructions
Use the main entrance on George Street. There is level access from the street, with push-pad door entry available. Reception and the main foyer are on the entrance floor, which the building calls Level 2. Upon arrival, please make your way to the event registration desk.
After entry instructions
The main Auditorium is on Level 2, the entrance floor. There are foyers for delegate use on Levels 2 and 3. The conference's workshop rooms are on Level 3, one floor above. Passenger lifts connect the floors, so you do not need to use the stairs. All event spaces have spaces for wheelchair, mobility aid, or assistance dog users. Seats and tables can be moved freely on the main floor of the Auditoria and in the workshop rooms. Please tell us if you need a wheelchair space, seating without steps, or an adjacent seat for a PA, carer, companion and/or assistance dog, so we can discuss the arrangements with you. Both foyers will have stalls and a range of seats available for use. Workshops take place in the conference rooms on Level 3, reached by lift or stairs. Check your name badge for your workshop room number. You can view the foyer spaces online here: https://www.strath.ac.uk/conferencingandevents/eventsatthetechnologyandinnovationcentre/foyers/ You can view the auditoria space here: https://www.strath.ac.uk/conferencingandevents/eventsatthetechnologyandinnovationcentre/auditoria/ You can view the workshop rooms here: https://www.strath.ac.uk/conferencingandevents/eventsatthetechnologyandinnovationcentre/conferencerooms/
Toilet location
Accessible, gender-neutral toilets are available on every floor and are signposted. There are no Changing Place toilets on the premises. You can find nearby Changing Place toilets here: https://www.changing-places.org/find
Accessible parking
Accessible parking information is available on the Technology and Innovation Centre's website: https://www.strath.ac.uk/conferencingandevents/attendinganevent/
Personal Assistants
If you require a Personal Assistant to support your participation in this event, please let us know and book their space in the registration form to ensure they also receive relevant event information. You can also contact info@sdsscotland.org.uk to let us know if a Personal Assistant will be attending with you.
Online event
Our online events take place using Microsoft Teams, unless specified otherwise. You can join using a web browser or the Microsoft Teams app. You do not need to create an account to join. You can learn more about how to use Microsoft Teams on via their Help Centre: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/teams/ You will receive the joining link in advance of the event. The chat function will be available as part of the livestream of this event.
Communication Support
The following support will be available: - Live automated captions - Accessible digital copies of the agenda and event materials The following can be provided by request: - Professional live captions - BSL interpretation - Hearing loops - Receiving presentations in advance
Breaks
Short breaks are planned throughout the event. You are welcome at any time to: - move around - eat or drink - take medication - take an additional break; - leave and rejoin the event; or - participate with support of another person - Live automated captions - Accessible digital copies of the agenda and event materials The following can be provided by request: - Professional live captions - BSL interpretation - Hearing loops - Receiving presentations in advance
Support with Evacuation in an Emergency
You can let us know in the order form or by contacting info@sdsscotland.org.uk if you would require support in the case of an emergency to evacuate. Safe Refuges Refuges are temporary places of temporary safety for people with mobility impairments, whether they are wheelchair users or not, where they can wait for assistance. There are safe refuge areas on each floor; a member of staff can point out these areas on arrival at the venue. Refuge areas are equipped with an Emergency Voice Communications System (call point) to call for assistance. Evacuation Chairs Evacuation Chairs are available in buildings across the University campus. Conferencing & Events and Security Staff staff are trained in the use of Evacuation Chairs and can provide assistance if it is agreed upon as most appropriate evacuation method as part of the plan outlined above. Evacuation Lifts On activation of the alarm, all occupants of a building will begin to evacuate via the designated escape routes and exits. Persons with an impairment that would prevent or affect their ability to evacuate without assistance should make their way to the nearest Refuge Area and activate the Emergency Voice Communications System (the green call point adjacent to the lift) to call for assistance. Evacuation Lifts will return to and park at exit level with the car doors open. During this time, Security Services will dispatch a number of Wardens to the building who, upon arrival, will review the fire panel to determine the location of alarm activation. The Warden(s) in attendance will then review the adjacent ‘Evacuation Lift’ panel to identify any calls for assistance, indicated by a flashing light. The Warden will then make an initial risk assessment to establish whether the lift can be utilised to effect a safe assisted rescue of person(s) requesting assistance. Providing it is safe to do so, a designated Warden will be dispatched as an operator to the required lift(s). The Warden will acknowledge the request for assistance and advise that assisted evacuation has commenced.