HRI 2025 is committed to providing an inclusive environment and we will do our best to accommodate requests for special assistance. This page describes the accessibility features of HRI 2025, to help you make an informed decision about whether the conference will be accessible to you. Please contact us if your question is not answered here, or if the conference arrangements as described are not enough to allow you to attend. We will work with you to the best of our ability, to make the conference accessible.

How do I communicate accessibility needs to HRI 2025?

The Accessibility Chairs for HRI 2025 are Friederike Eyssel and Nicole Salomons, whose goal is to ensure the conference is accessible to everyone. When you register for the conference, there will be a registration questions relating to different accessibility needs. In your response, please indicate any accessibility needs such as wheelchair access, sign language interpretation, or a guide. The Accessibility Chairs will follow up with you to clarify your needs. You can contact them directly at any time by emailing diversityaccessibility2025@humanrobotinteraction.org.

Who do I ask if my question is not answered here?

Please contact the accessibility chairs Nicole Salomons and Friederike Eyssel: diversityaccessibility2025@humanrobotinteraction.org for any further questions.

If you would like to contact the conference venue – Contact the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre by calling +61 3 9235 8000 .

Once we have them, we will add information and contact details of the conference hotels.

Will sign language interpretation or captioning be available?

The conference will likely provide a team of sign language interpreters or captioning if requested by any attendees during the early registration period. Please make your request as early as possible. Our Accessibility Chairs will follow up with you to discuss your needs in more detail. After February 1st, a best effort will be made to accommodate requests, but we cannot guarantee that interpreters or captioners will be available.

What are the taxi and public transport options for getting to the conference venue?

Public Transport: We encourage you to take public transport to keep in line with our sustainability theme and will only take around 45 minutes. From Melbourne airport, take the Melbourne City Express Skybus to the Skybus Coach Terminal. From there 96, 12, or 109 Batman Park/Spencer St, which will only be 1 minute walking away from the conference centre.

Taxi: The quickest option is to take a taxi and will take around 30 minutes from Melbourne airport to the conference centre.

Who can I ask about accessibility in Melbourne, Australia?

More information about accessibility in the city of Melbourne can be found on their website https://www.visitmelbourne.com/practical-information/accessible-victoria.

Can a student volunteer assist me during the conference?

Student volunteers will be available to assist attendees with disabilities with navigation, meal service, or other accessibility needs. If you will need volunteer assistance at the conference, please indicate this on your conference registration form.

What is the conference space like?

A map of the venue can be found here.

More information about accessibility at the conference centre can be found here.

There are accessible toilets at the conference venue and the venue is wheelchair friendly. There will be a quiet/lactation room at the conference.

What are the restroom facilities like?

There are multiple restrooms available on each floor, all of which include accessible facilities. While the venue does not have designated gender-neutral restrooms, the signage on the accessible restrooms has been updated to make them inclusive and available for everyone to use.

What are the arrangements for presenters with accessibility needs?

If you would like a student volunteer to operate slides or guide you onto and off the stage, or have other accessibility requests please contact accessibility co-chairs at diversityaccessibility2025@humanrobotinteraction.org.

Can I bring my guide dog?

Once we have more information about guide dogs we will add them here. Please let us know on your registration form that you would like to bring a guide dog to the conference.

Will there be an induction loop in the meeting rooms?

There are induction loops in all rooms.

Will speakers and audience members asking questions use a microphone?

Yes, microphones will be used for all speakers. Attendees with questions will be requested to use a microphone so that their question is more easily heard. There are wireless Q&A microphones for the session rooms. Larger rooms will have two microphones.

What food service will be provided?

The conference will provide refreshments at morning and afternoon breaks. The venue will label vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. If you have other dietary restrictions, any of the catering staff are trained to ask the chef directly about any ingredient questions. If you have questions or concerns please contact accessibility co-chairs at diversityaccessibility2025@humanrobotinteraction.org. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate these clearly on your registration form.

Can the conference accommodate special dietary needs?

Please specify and dietary needs during registration or contact the accessibility co-chairs for other dietary needs at diversityaccessibility2025@humanrobotinteraction.org.

Will there be a designated quiet space at the conference?

We do not currently have a designated quiet space at the conference. Please indicate in your registration form if you would like a quiet space (a low-sensory environment intended for rest rather than work or meetings).

Will there be a designated prayer at the conference?

The conference venue has a designated prayer space. It is located on the ground floor behind the stage (please see map).

Will there be a designated lactation room at the conference?

The conference venue has a designated lactation room. It is located on the ground floor behind the stage (please see map).

Will captions be available? 

Automated captioning will be available for in-person sessions and during online stream.