Accessibility and inclusivity

Information on accessibility and inclusivity at #WCEU

WordCamp Europe 2022 aims to create an accessible and inclusive environment for the WordPress community.

To help familiarise you with facilities at the venue and the additional assistance that will be available, we have prepared a list of  relevant information.

If you have any questions or require special assistance, please contact us.

General information

On-site at the Super Bock Arena, the WCEU venue, all volunteers will be wearing black shirts and are available and happy to assist you.

We will not be distributing printed copies of the event schedule. Large print versions of the schedule will be available though for communal use.

Introduction to the venue

We have put together information to support our attendees with accessibility needs.

This includes a venue map and photos, links to content on travel and accommodation, and further information on inclusion. Volunteers at WCEU will also be available to assist you with any queries about access on site.

If you advised on your ticket booking that you had a disability, you should have received an email from our Attendee Services team to help you further. Please do contact us if we can be of help.

Venue map

We are publishing a venue map and images to help you familiarise yourself with our venue ahead of WordCamp Europe 2022.

Check out Venue maps here 

If you require a large print copy of the venue map, just ask at the registration desk.

The areas we will be using in the Super Bock Arena will be clearly signposted to help you find different locations during the event.

The Super Bock Arena is fully accessible for wheelchair users and it has elevators (lifts) to help you travel to different floors. If you require special assistance, please contact us.

At the event you can always talk to our friendly volunteers if you have questions or need any help. They will be wearing black WCEU t-shirts.

Venue photos

An external view of the Super Bock Arena and entrance.

Useful info

• Disabled parking spaces are available in the official venue car park, but are limited to 10 spaces.
• Toilets on Level 0 of the venue are gender-neutral. Sanitary items will be available in every toilet. Please let a volunteer know if you need anything else or if additional sanitary items are needed.
• Toilets and elevators (lifts) are marked on the venue map which will be provided to all attendees.
• Guide dogs as well as assistance dogs are welcome at the venue, but not in the park next to the venue.
• Free childcare is available during Contributor day and the main conference (2-4 June). More information 
• Live captioning will be available in English for all presentations of the 2 main tracks, but not during the workshop sessions.

For attendees with physical disabilities

Nearest public transport stations:

• Buses: 501 507 601 12M 13M 200 201 207 208 303 from/to all bus stops just in front of the WCEU venue entrance.
• Almost all buses have accessibility for physical disabilities, some with manual ramp operated by a bus driver (front door) and others with the universal disability logo with automatic ramp (back door).

• Metro: Lines A, B, C, E, F — metro stop Casa da Musica. This is still 1.7km (23 min walking) from the venue. You can also take the Buses 507 or 208 from the metro stop to SuperBock Arena.

• All Metro stations and wagons are fully accessible for travelers with physical disabilities.

Some general information about getting around Porto with a physical disability can be found at:

• https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/accessibility-public-transport (EN)
• https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/accessible-beach (EN)
• https://dicasdelisboa.com.br/porto/deficientes-fisicos-no-porto/ (in pt_BR)

Further accessibility info venue:

• Super Bock Arena is accessible by wheelchair via ramps and elevators (lifts).
• Power outlets are available, which you are welcome to use to charge a powered wheelchair or mobility scooter. Please bring your own charger and a travel adapter for a two-pin outlet (if applicable).
• Accessible toilets are available and clearly marked on the venue map which will be provided during registration.
• All main doors are wide enough for wheelchairs.

Companions

Attendees with physical challenges who travel with companions and have purchased a ticket can contact us to reserve a free ticket and badge for their companion.

For attendees who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or sound sensitive

• Live captioning will be provided in English for all presentations in the main conference tracks. This will not be available in the workshops.
• Unfortunately, we will not have resources for sign language interpreters.
• We recommend bringing ear defenders if you require hearing protection in large social gatherings, though it is not expected that this event will be loud or disruptive.

For attendees who are blind, partially-sighted,  photo or light sensitive

• Guide dogs as well as assistance dogs are welcome at the venue, but not in the park.
• If you are coming with guide, service or assistance dog, you need to use the service entrance (tarmac) to the venue, and not the entrance through the park.
• Large print versions of the schedule and other documents will be available at registration desks.
• The schedule and other relevant information are also available on our website. If you have any difficulty zooming in or viewing resources at WCEU online, contact us and we will fix it.
• Audio, braille and tactile diagram versions of resources will not be available during the event.
• All presentations will be recorded and published on WordPress.tv after the event.
• Public transport: The colours of the Metro lines use the ColorADD system to allow colour blind people to identify the colours.

For attendees with autism, anxiety or neurodivergence

• A quiet room will be available at the venue.
• Anyone feeling anxious or nervous about the event is welcome to arrive early to help get settled in the venue.

Food and dietary information

• Food and drinks will be available at the venue. Menus will be made available closer to the event date.
• An assortment of beverages, including tea, coffee, fresh water and soft drinks are available at the venue. There will be snacks available and lunch is provided.
• We requested information about your personal dietary requirements when purchasing your ticket. The following options are available for those who specified dietary needs: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, kosher, and halal. Please let us know of any allergies or dietary requirements when purchasing your ticket.
• Kosher and halal meals will be distributed separately to whom has indicated this during ticket purchase. These meals are not part of the open buffet.
• Alcohol, tobacco and unlawful drugs are not permitted at the venue. You are welcome to bring your own prescription medication. A smoking area is available outside.

For parents

Nursing and Lactation Room

This is a breastfeeding-friendly event. We will also have a nursing and lactation room available for anyone who requires it. The location will be near to the childcare area and marked on the venue map provided during registration.

Childcare Room

We provide free childcare services during Contributor day and the main conference (2-4 June). Sign up for free childcare at WCEU.

The nursing rooms can also be used as baby changing room.

About quiet zones

A quiet room is available for all attendees to use during the conference. This room is for religious purposes and also intended to provide a quiet space. The location is marked on the venue map provided during registration. Please do not use this room for phone calls.

After Party

The WCEU After Party will likely be noisy and dark with flashing lights. There are quieter areas immediately outside the After Party area for those who find the party overwhelming or would like to hang out in a quieter space.

For travellers

Accommodation

For information about accessible accommodation, go to the Visit Portugal Accessible Accommodation page. General information about accommodation and hotel recommendations in Porto is available at our Staying in Porto page.

Getting around Porto with a disability

The city’s buses, metros and trains have access for the disabled, although Porto’s vertiginous hills make travel rough for those with limited mobility. The old tramlines don’t have disabled access. 

General information to assist people with a physical disability travelling in Porto:

• Porto Accessible Tour 
• ColorADD system to help color blind people identify colors used by the metro lines

If you think we are missing useful information on this page, or if you have any questions or feedback, please contact us.