Accessibility FAQ

HRI2026 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 HRI2026, 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.

This page is inspired by the CHI 2025 Accessibility FAQ (https://chi2025.acm.org/accessibility-faq/)

Contents

How do I communicate accessibility needs to HRI2026 organizers?

The Accessibility Chairs for HRI 2026 aim to ensure the conference is accessible to everyone. When you register for the conference, there will be a registration question labeled, “Do you have a disability or special need that impacts your access to ACM conferences, special interest groups, publications or digital resources?” When you answer ‘Yes’ to this question, a box will offer you to provide additional information to help address your needs. The accessibility chairs will follow up to discuss your needs in more detail. You can contact them directly at any time by emailing accessibility2026@humanrobotinteraction.org. Please make any accessibility requests as soon as possible so that we can accommodate them on time. 

Please indicate dietary restrictions on the registration form in response to the question, “Do you have any dietary restrictions?”

Please be aware that some accommodations and dietary needs may be difficult to provide at short notice, and we may not be able to accommodate every request.

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

More information about the venue’s accessibility is available at Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).  

If you have any additional questions about accessibility at EICC, or if there is specific accessibility related information you would like to see here, please reach out to the Accessibility Chairs: accessibility2026@humanrobotinteraction.org. 

Can I attend HRI 2026 remotely?

HRI2026 will be a in-person only conference.  As such, no plan is made for remote attendance.

What are the options for getting to the conference venue?

When traveling to Edinburgh from abroad, you will likely arrive at Edinburgh Airport, which lies 8km to the west of Edinburgh. You can get to and from the airport by bus, tram, car and taxi. Subject to the time of day and mode of the transport, journey time from the airport to the city centre can take between 25 to 45 minutes. For the overview, see the accessibility information that Edinburgh City provides: https://edinburgh.org/planning/local-information/accessible-edinburgh/

Airport Accessibility

Edinburgh airports offer accessibility information on its website: https://www.edinburghairport.com/prepare/special-assistance

If you need to learn about accessibility-related information that is not on the websites, please contact the airport representatives. Or if you need assistance, contact Accessibility Chairs: accessibility2026@humanrobotinteraction.org

Transportation from Edinburgh Airport to the HRI 2026 Venue

From Edinburgh Airport, one accessible way to reach the HRI 2026 venue at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) is via the Airlink 100 bus, which operates 24/7 and connects the airport directly to the city centre (Waverley Bridge). The buses are low-floor and wheelchair accessible. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic. More information, including schedules and stop locations, is available at: https://www.lothianbuses.com.

You can also take a taxi from the airport. All Edinburgh black cabs are wheelchair accessible, and taxis can be pre-booked or hailed at the designated taxi rank at the airport. Further details on accessibility at Edinburgh Airport can be found here: https://www.edinburghairport.com/at-the-airport/passenger-assistance

If you prefer tram service, Edinburgh Trams operate from the airport to the city centre (stopping at Haymarket or Princes Street), and trams are fully accessible. The closest accessible tram stop to the EICC is Haymarket, which is about a 10–15 minute walk from the venue. Learn more about tram accessibility here: https://edinburghtrams.com/accessibility

Who can I ask about accessibility in Edinburgh?

For information about accessibility in Edinburgh—including public transport, attractions, and local services—please visit:

If your question isn’t answered on those sites, or if you need assistance planning your trip or navigating the conference, please contact the Accessibility Chairs at: accessibility2026@humanrobotinteraction.org

We’re here to help ensure your experience at HRI 2026 is as smooth and inclusive as possible.

What is the conference space like?

The bulk of the conference will be in the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), with the workshop taking place at the Heriot-Watt University. Both venues are wheelchair/power scooter accessible and have level floors with elevators and escalators between floors. 

More information about the accessibility of the EICC can be found here: https://www.eicc.co.uk/visiting/disability-access/.

More information about the accessibility of Heriot-Watt University can be found here: https://www.accessable.co.uk/heriot-watt-university

Please contact us directly with any questions: accessibility2026@humanrobotinteraction.org.  

What are the restroom facilities like?

In the EICC, there are accessible restrooms on every level, on each floor of the venue there are adapted toilets, with grab rails, emergency buttons, lowered mirrors and fittings. Currently these toilets allow for either a left or a right lateral transfer, not both. 

Will there be assistive listening devices or induction loops at the venue?

The EICC’s Pentland Auditorium features a built-in induction (hearing) loop, covering central rows (from row F backwards). You can use this by setting your hearing aid to the “T” position. However, Heriot-Watt does not have hearing loop, so please contact the accessibility chairs or workshop organizers for any question.

If you require additional assistive solution, please contact the Accessibility Chairs as early as possible at: accessibility2026@humanrobotinteraction.org

Will there be a designated quiet space at the conference?

During the main conference at the EICC (Tuesday to Thursday), we will provide a dedicated quiet room. Student volunteers will conduct periodic patrols of the area.

We will also provide a prayer room and a family room.

Will the conference be a smoke-free environment?

There is no smoking inside the EICC or Henriot-Watt University buildings. There are smoking areas outside the building.  

How should I navigate between the conference locations and the hotels?

Many hotels are directly next to the EICC (less than 200m), and navigation can easily be done between them and the venue by wheelchair. For longer trips, taxis and tram in Edimbirgh are also accessible, for more information, check:

Will sign language interpretation or captioning be available?

At the moment, we do not plan to provide sign language interpretation or captioning. If you require any of those, please contact the accessibility chairs as soon as possible at: accessibility2026@humanrobotinteraction.org 

What are the arrangements for presenters with accessibility needs?

The venue is organized with auditoriums, access to the stage within the auditoriums will be accessible. If you are a presenter and need specific accommodations such as a stool at the podium, a table instead of a podium, or any other equipment, please contact the Accessibility Co-chairs as soon as possible, so we can ensure the equipment is prepared. Please also indicate your request on your registration form. If you would like a student volunteer to operate slides or have other accessibility requests, please contact the Accessibility 

Can a student volunteer assist me during the conference?

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

Attendees who require personal care assistance should bring their own assistant. Personal care assistants will need to register for the conference using a special code. If you need a code for your personal assistant, please contact the accessibility chairs by email: accessibility2026@humanrobotinteraction.org

Can I bring my guide dog?

Yes! Guide dogs are welcome at HRI 2026. There will be a relief area with water available. Please indicate on your registration form if you anticipate bringing a guide dog or other service animal to the conference.

Please also note that you must apply for the issuance of a certificate if you are bringing a guide dog from overseas, you can follow the guide here: https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-great-britain/guide-dogs

Will speakers and audience members asking questions be using a microphone?

Yes, microphones will be used for all speakers. Attendees with questions will be requested to use a microphone for most of the sessions so that their question is more easily heard. Wireless microphones will be available in all rooms for asking questions.

What food service will be provided?

The conference will provide refreshments at morning and afternoon breaks. There will also be appetizers and refreshments being served at the evening reception. All food provided will include vegan and gluten-free options. The schedule and details for the evening receptions are still being finalized, please continue to check the website for updates. Lunch will not be provided, and attendees are on their own for lunch. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate these clearly on your registration form. 

Local dining for lunch:
The local team is putting together details on local restaurants and hotels with various accessible menus that will be made available before the conference. Additionally, the venue will provide a card catering facility onsite for lunch as an alternative for going out to restaurants nearby.

Can the conference accommodate special dietary needs?

Yes, we will do our best to accommodate special dietary needs. Please indicate special dietary requirements when you register for the conference. If you have a severe allergy, please indicate this on your registration form. For more detailed information, please contact the Local Chairs at local2026@humanrobotinteraction.org first (in addition to the Accessibility Co-chairs at accessibility2026@humanrobotinteraction.org). 

What if I have a medical emergency or health problem during the conference?

In case of emergency, call 999 for an ambulance. If you are at the conference venue, staff at EICC will work together and consult with the event staff to take necessary measures.

For non-urgent medical care and require help, please contact the Local Chairs at local2026@humanrobotinteraction.org first (in addition to the Accessibility Co-chairs at accessibility2026@humanrobotinteraction.org) or ask any student volunteers. They will provide you with information about local doctors, specialists, chiropractors, etc. The nearest general hospital from the conference is Chalmers Centre, located 0.5 miles from the conference center.

For non-resident attendees, buying travel insurance that covers medical expenses is strongly recommended as fees for emergency treatment can be high.

What if there is an emergency evacuation during the conference?

If there is an emergency evacuation during the conference, this will be indicated by audible and visible fire alarms. The emergency exit lights will light up at each main evacuation route.

The evacuation elevators run on stand-by power in case of emergency. Wheelchair users and other attendees with mobility impairments are directed to use them to evacuate. Staff at EICCwill work together with the event staff and guide attendees to the nearest exit in the safest route.