Accessibility and Inclusivity

Information on accessibility and inclusivity at WordCamp Europe 2023

WordCamp Europe aims to create an accessible and inclusive environment for the WordPress community.
This page will be updated over the next few weeks as we finalise arrangements for the event (last updated 29 March 2023)

To help familiarise you with facilities at the venue and the additional assistance that will be available, we’ve prepared this page to bring together relevant information for attendees.

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

General information

Our venue this year is the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre in Athens, Greece. On event days, you’ll be able to locate a member of the organising and volunteering team as they’ll be wearing blue branded WCEU t-shirts and will be happy to assist you.

The information desk is located centrally within the venue.

As part of our sustainability commitments, we will not be distributing printed copies of the event schedule or maps of the venue – however, we will have large print versions of both located within the venue for communal use by all attendees.

We are currently developing information to support our attendees with accessibility needs.

This will include an accessible venue map, 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 have any accessibility needs, 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

A range of maps, including one indicating accessible routes within the venue, are available here.

The areas which we’re using within the Megaron will be clearly signposted in English language, to help you find different locations during the event.

The Megaron Athens International Conference Centre is fully accessible for wheelchair users, and has ramps and elevators (lifts) to help you move between different floors.

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

Useful info (Venue)

• The Megaron has its own dedicated carpark located on the three levels underneath the building. Access to the carpark is via Petrou Kokkali which is a one-way street. (View Google Map)
• There are 750 spaces for vehicles across three levels, including 15 spaces (on each floor) which are dedicated to those who may require additional space and for accessibility requirements.
• There are also 10 electric car charges provided on the second floor of the carpark (P2) and are operated by ElpeFuture
• Toilets within the venue are clearly marked including those which have additional access facilities or are allocated as gender-neutral. You can check the location of your nearest facilities through our maps within the venue, and they will also be signposted accordingly. Sanitary items will be available within gender-neutral and accessible toilets – please let a volunteer know if you need any assistance or if additional sanitary items are needed.
• Toilets and elevators (lifts) are marked on the venue map and signposted within the Megaron.
• Guide dogs as well as assistance dogs are welcome at the venue.
• Free childcare will be available during Contributor day and the main conference days. Please check our Latest News for details of when registration will be available.
• Live captioning will be available in English for all presentations of the 2 main tracks, but not during the workshop sessions.

Accessible transport in Athens

Athens has a large public transport network using a variety of modes. The below information is provided by the Transport for Athens accessibility website which details how to access key services, including information on where lifts/ramps and accessible routes are – along with helplines if you need assistance or have any queries.

The helpline is (+30) 21082 00 887 and operates from 06:30 – 22:30 on weekdays and 07:30 – 22:30 at weekends

Metro

The Athens Metro is the easiest and most accessible way to get around the city quickly.

Lines 1, 2 and 3 are fully accessible with ramps or elevators (lifts) located at each platform and station. Line 3 runs directly from Athens International Airport to the city, and also stops at the Megaro Moussikis Metro Station (Google map view) which is approximately 200 meters from the venue entrance, with access to/from platforms using lifts.

Most carriages and platforms are accessible, however Transport for Athens recommends using either the first or last car as they have a ramp available to bridge the gap between the platform and train, along with locations inside the carriage for wheelchairs and more accessible seats.

If you need assistance, speak with a member of staff at the station

Note: Some stations on Line 1 have larger than usual gaps between the train and platform. At these stations, please ask a member of platform or station staff for assistance.

Buses

Buses on lines 550 / A5 stop in front of the WCEU entrance. Most buses have a kneeling system or a ramp installed (1/4 of buses have a ramp) which is operated by the driver. A number of stops have precast concrete platforms to aid with boarding/alighting from vehicles

Trolleybuses (Line 3 and 10) use stops in the same location as the local buses. Again, most have a kneeling system or ramp installed.

Tram

There are two tram lines which operate across the city, however neither tram line operates to the venue. The nearest stop is Syntagma square, where you can use line 3 (Blue) and alight at the Megaro Moussikis Metro Station.

All trams are fully accessible, however some sidewalks and platforms are not easily accessible, therefore you may require assistance if using the service.

Train

Athens Railway Station (sometimes referred to by its previous name of Larissa station) is located towards the north of the city. To access the venue, take the Metro using Line 2 (Red) southbound and change at Syntagma, and then use line 3 (Blue) and alight at the Megaro Moussikis Metro Station.

Not all trains on the Athens / Greece train system are accessible. Information on specific trains and stations which are accessible, along with contact information for Hellenic Train is provided on their reduced mobility website.

Transport: Useful websites

• Information for Disabled Persons – Transport for Athens webpage detailing how to use services
• OASA (Transport for Athens) is the local transport company providing services for buses and trolleybuses
• STASY (Urban Rail Transport) provides services on Athens’ train, trams and metro lines
• This Is Athens: 10 Accessible places to visit (including the Acropolis, National Archaeological Museum and much more

Further accessibility info venue:

• The Megaron Athens International Conference Centre 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.
• An accessible entrance/exit to the venue will be clearly signposted and is adjacent (to the left) of the main entrance.

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
• If you are coming with guide, service or assistance dog, please use the accessible entrance located to the left of the main entrance stairs.
• Large print versions of the schedule and other documents will be available at registration desks.
• The schedule and other relevant information will be available on our website. If you have any difficulty viewing resources through our website, please contact us.
• 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 and is signposted on our map.
• 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 will be 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.

Childcare Room

We provide free childcare services during Contributor day and the main conference (8-10 June). Registration details will be available through our Latest News blog.

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

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. 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 will be quieter areas located 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, we would recommend that you contact your preferred hotel or accommodation provider in advance to ensure they have the relevant facilities available.

Most larger chain hotels have accessible rooms and facilities available.

Getting around Athens

Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and is known for being a hilly city, with many cobblestoned areas.

However, there are accessible areas within the main city squares and the city has a very good, accessible metro system. In addition, taxis can assist with manual wheelchairs and there are specialist providers of services for those with non-manual operated wheelchairs.

And if you fancy visiting the Acropolis in Athens, there is a lift located at the citadel, and most areas at the top of the hill are paved so you can take in one of the most exciting views in the city!

Are we missing something?

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