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Accessibility

Code4Lib is committed to continuous improvement of the accessibility of its conference experience for both on-site and virtual attendees. We welcome feedback and suggestions for this ongoing effort.

Accommodation Requests or Questions

Contact code4libaccessibility@googlegroups.com with any questions, concerns, or accommodation requests related to the conference.

Live Captioning

During the general conference, Code4Lib 2022 will feature live captioning by "20/20 Captioning". In order to improve the quality of this service, we ask everyone to speak slowly and clearly so the captioning service is able to accurately capture what you say. Any prerecorded sessions or talks will also be live captioned. These transcriptions will be applied to the captioning on the YouTube archive soon after the completion of the conference.

Quiet Room

For the General Conference days, room 2212 A&B will serve as a quiet room at the conference venue. The purpose of this room is to provide a quiet space so that attendees can take a mental or physical break from the many goings on. The room is open to all attendees during the conference hours.

If you use the Quiet Room, we ask you to abide by the following rules:

  • The quiet space is not for private discussions or meetings. Any talking should be brief and kept to a whisper.
  • While in the room, please turn off or silence any electronics, especially cellphones. This is not a space to make phone calls, catch up on emails, or otherwise do work. This is a space to relax.
  • If you want to listen to music, watch a video, etc., please wear headphones and keep the volume low. If someone asks you to further turn down the volume, please do so.
  • Personal belongings should not be left unattended.
  • Please leave the space in the same condition (or better) as you found it.
  • Food and drink is permitted but avoid noisy foods or anything with strong odors.
  • We will attempt to generally keep the lights as low as possible while maintaining a safe space.
  • Above all, respect your fellow conference goers in this space so that all of you can find a bit of quiet.
  • Please respect any requests for social distancing or mask wearing in this space.

Presentation Accessibility

Code4Lib encourages all of its presenters to produce and deliver accessible talks. A guide to accessible presentations will be available soon. Towards this efforts, we have collected a body of advice and best practices:

C4L Accessible Presenting Guide

Microphone Usage

The single greatest act you can to do to promote accessibility at Code4Lib 2022 is to use the microphone. It doesn't matter if you think you are loud or you can project, you should use the microphone. It benefits everyone:

  • When a speaker uses the mic properly, you all hear them better.
  • When you ask a question with a mic, the speaker and everyone else hears your question.
  • Using the mic ensures everyone livestreaming or watching recorded talks can share the C4L experience.
  • Using the mic improves the quality of the live captioning feed.

Using a Microphone

Generally, the line of the microphone should always point towards your mouth and nose. For a handheld mic, hold it like a candy bar or at a 45 degree angle. Position a podium mic towards you.

Audience Microphones

Desk microphones are built into every seat in the main conference venue for Q&A with presenters.

Public Transportation

Public transit in Buffalo, including the options between the conference hotels and venue, provide several options for riders with disabilities. For further details see the NFTA Special Services - Accessibility website.

Metro Rail

  • All Metro Rail trains and stations are accessible to riders with disabilities.
  • Wheelchair riders must board the first door of the first railcar in the train in order to have access to boarding platforms on the Buffalo Place Mall.
  • Wheelchair riders traveling in the subsurface (underground) portion of the system may board any railcar.
  • Each railcar has two wheelchair securement locations; one at the front and one at the back of the railcar.
  • Service animals are permitted on Metro Rail.
  • Ticket vending machines located throughout the system are equipped with Braille and raised letters. Wheelchair height machines are also provided.
  • Passenger assistance communication equipment (PACE) is available at each Metro Rail station. This equipment may be used to obtain information or to report an emergency.
  • Many of Metro's rail stations provide Telecommunication Devices for the deaf, as well as video monitors to assist riders who are deaf or hearing impaired. Volume control telephones are available, as well.

Metro Bus

  • All Metro vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps.
  • Two wheelchair tie-down positions are provided on newer buses. The older buses have one tie-down position.
  • Metro Bus operators are required to announce major stops.
  • Service animals are permitted on Metro vehicles.
  • Metro Bus operators provide assistance to disabled passengers where necessary or upon request.
  • When the wheelchair lift is not working and the next bus is not due to arrive for over 30 minutes, riders are entitled to alternative transportation. Just ask your driver to make the arrangements for you.