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CHI 2025 Accessibility FAQ

CHI2025 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 CHI2025, 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.

 

Contents

 

How do I communicate accessibility needs to CHI2025 organizers?

The Accessibility Chairs for CHI 2025 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 set of accommodation options will open up, such as wheelchair access, sign language interpretation, or a guide. Please select any options that will help make the conference accessible to you. The accessibility chairs will follow up to discuss your needs in more detail. You can contact them directly at any time by emailing accessibility@chi2025.acm.org. Please make any accessibility requests by February 28th 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 on the PACIFICO Yokohama’s website.  

If you have any additional questions about accessibility at PACIFICO Yokohama, or if there is specific accessibility related information you would like to see here, please reach out to the Accessibility Chairs: accessibility@chi2025.acm.org. 

 

Can I attend CHI 2025 remotely?

CHI2025 will be a hybrid conference; one could attend the conference physically onsite or virtually online. Drawing on the lessons learned from CHI 2022, CHI 2023, and CHI 2024, and taking into account the current financial and physical constraints of the venue, we are in the process of determining how we will deliver this hybridity. General information on the hybrid experience is available in the following page: https://chi2025.acm.org/for-attendees/hybrid-experience/. We will update more on the hybrid conference’s accessibility as soon as possible.

 

What are the options for getting to the conference venue?

When traveling to Yokohama from abroad, you will likely arrive at either Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) or Narita International Airport. There are a few transportation options to get from the airport to the convention center, PACIFICO Yokohama. For the overview, see the accessibility information that Yokohama City provides: https://www.yokohamajapan.com/accessibility/access/

Airport Accessibility

Both airports offer accessibility information on their websites. 

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: accessibility@chi2025.acm.org

Transportation from Tokyo International Airport to PACIFICO Yokohama (Bus)

From Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), one way to get to the PACIFICO Yokohama is by using the Keikyu’s Airport Limousine bus, bound for Yokohama Railway Station (YCAT). The bus will pick you up at the bus stop at the airport and stop at YCAT. For arrival times and the bus stop location for each terminal, see https://www.keikyu-bus.co.jp/en/airport/h-yokohama/. From the airport to YCAT, it takes approximately 30 minutes. See more on https://www.yokohamajapan.com/accessibility/access/

The Keikyu’s Airport Limousine bus does not have a lift; if you are in a foldable manual wheelchair, the driver will assist you to get onboard and they will store the wheelchair in the luggage space. If you are in a motorized chair or a scooter, please contact Keikyu to ask if they can store your chair or scooter.

From YCAT to PACIFICO Yokohama, you can take a BAYSIDE BLUE bus (equipped with an automated wheelchair ramp; https://www.yokohamajapan.com/article/bayside-blue/). It takes approximately 17 minutes by bus from YCAT to PACIFICO Yokohama (or 25 minutes by rolling).

Transportation from Tokyo International Airport to PACIFICO Yokohama (Train)

Another route from Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) to PACIFICO Yokohama is by train. From one of the terminal stations at Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu Line train bound for Yokohama Station. A trip takes about 30-45 minutes. The one-way fair is 370 yen. Both the stations at the airport and Yokohama Station are equipped with elevators. They offer wheelchair-accessible routes from the entrance to the platform. You can find more information online (e.g., https://www.yokohamajapan.com/accessibility/access/). But some information is only offered in Japanese. We are happy to go through the information with you on an on-demand basis. Please contact accessibility@chi2025.acm.org

At Yokohama Station, transfer from the Keikyu Line to the Minatomirai Line and take a train bound for Minatomirai Station. All stations on the Minatomirai Line are equipped with elevators. There are wheelchair-accessible routes from the entrance to the platform. For more information, visit: https://www.mm21railway.co.jp/global/english/info/

From Minatomirai Station to PACIFICO Yokohama, it is 450 meters to the National Convention Hall (about 800 steps on foot) and 400 meters to the North building. Please note that the distance depends on the exit that you take at the Minatomirai station.

Transportation from Narita Airport to PACIFICO Yokohama (Bus)

From Narita Airport, one way to get to the PACIFICO Yokohama is by the Airport Limousine bus　(https://webservice.limousinebus.co.jp/web/en/Top.aspx). The bus will pick you up at the bus stop at Narita Airport and stop at Yokohama Railway Station (YCAT). You need to book a ticket online from the Airport Limousine’s website in advance. 

The bus is NOT equipped with a lift and the wheelchair needs to be stored in the trunk. If you are in a foldable manual wheelchair, the driver will assist you to get onboard and they will store the wheelchair in the luggage space. If you are on a motorized chair or a scooter, we recommend taking another route. See more on: https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/support/

Transportation from Narita Airport to PACIFICO Yokohama (Train)

You can take a train from Narita Airport to PACIFICO Yokohama. From the airport, take the Narita Express bound for Yokohama Station. The trip takes about 89 minutes, and a one-way fare is 4,370 yen. The train is equipped with wheelchair-accessible seats and bathrooms. More information is available from official websites (e.g., https://www.yokohamajapan.com/information/travel-to-yokohama/ and https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/service/ud/bus-train/). But some information is only offered in Japanese. We are happy to go through the information with you on an on-demand basis. Please contact accessibility@chi2025.acm.org

The route from Yokohama Station to PACIFICO Yokohama is the same as the route described from Tokyo International Airport to PACIFICO Yokohama. Please refer to that description.

Transportation from Tokyo International Airport/Narita Airport to PACIFICO Yokohama (Wheelchair Accessible Taxi)

From Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) or Narita Airport, you can take a wheelchair-accessible taxi to the PACIFICO Yokohama (http://www.hokuto-taxi.co.jp/cat/ud). Reservation is required in advance. From Tokyo International Airport to PACIFICO Yokohama, the cost is approximately 7,900 yen (+1,000 yen for a wheelchair-accessible taxi). From Narita Airport to PACIFICO Yokohama, the cost is approximately 33,500 yen (+1,000 yen for a wheelchair-accessible taxi).

 

Who can I ask about accessibility in Yokohama?

For information about Yokohama accessibility, including public transport, go to https://www.yokohamajapan.com/accessibility/ and https://www.japan-accessible.com/city/yokohama.htm. If you need to learn about information that is not on the website and if you need assistance, contact the Accessibility Chair: accessibility@chi2025.acm.org

 

What is the conference space like?

The bulk of the conference will be in the PACIFICO’s North building, with some activities in the neighboring Annex Hall. The opening and closing plenaries will be held in the National Convention Hall. Registration will be available in the North Building throughout the conference. Additionally, registration in the National Convention Hall will be open on Monday during the Opening plenary. Please see the question on walking for distances between and within these venues, and availability of seating. See the question on restrooms for a detailed description of the accessible restroom facilities. The venues are wheelchair accessible and have level floors with elevators and escalators between floors. The narrowest passageway is 85cm wide, and some elevator and restroom doors are also narrow at 88cm. The venue does not have water fountains.

 

National Convention Hall

The auditorium has an upper rear and a lower entrance. Entering the building from the taxi rank or accessible parking space at the main entrance on Level 1, take an elevator up one level to enter the rear of the auditorium. There is also a lower entrance to the auditorium, along a passageway that narrows to 86cm in one section.

Seats in the auditorium are 47cm wide with fixed armrests. There will be a limited number of wheelchair spaces and wider chairs.  Please contact the accessibility chairs to reserve these.

 

North

CHI 2025 will use four levels of the PACIFICO’s North building.  There are two disabled parking spaces near the main entrance.

  • Level 1 (Street level): On the ground level, the main entrance is at the southern corner of the rectangular building. From there, a hallway to the left leads to the registration foyer, restrooms, and the West Gate. To the right of the main entrance a hallway leads to the Exhibition hall and posters, and then to the East Gate, with more restrooms, and a further hallway to two large paper presentation rooms. At the main entrance is an elevator (door width 1.1m, width 2m, depth 1.75m), emergency medical room, and mother’s room. Escalators are located on the external wall of both hallways.
  • Level 2 (Pedestrian deck): Outside the main entrance on the south corner, an outdoor pedestrian deck leads North-West to the West Gate and South-East to the Exhibition Hall.  From the West Gate, the pedestrian deck continues around the outside of the building past a retail space to three Garden lounge outdoor areas A, B and C, where the service animal relief area will be located. Inside the main entrance, hallways to the left (North-West) and right (North-East) lead to conference offices. On both hallways are escalators down.  Escalators going upwards are located only in the right hallway. There is a prayer room on this floor.
  • Levels 3 and 4: These levels are ‘L’-shaped spaces extending from the West Gate corner through the Main Entrance corner to the East Gate corner. These levels contain further meeting rooms. Restrooms are located at the Main Entrance corner near the elevator.  An escalator comes up along the hallway to the East Gate.

 

Annex Hall

We have not gathered detailed access information for the Annex Hall yet. This building is adjacent to North in the direction of the National Convention Hall and will house some sessions.  More details about this space will follow.

 

Will the conference be accessible by wheelchair or power scooter?

Yes, the conference will be accessible to wheelchair users, but there may be challenges if your wheelchair or scooter is 85cm wide or more.

The National Convention Hall, where the opening plenary will be held, has an accessible parking space outside the main entrance on the first floor. The main entrance is on the first floor.  It is level with automatic doors and elevators to reach the lower level. The elevator door is 86cm wide. The theater for the opening plenary has wheelchair spaces in the lower level.  There is an 85cm wide hallway to reach the lower entrance to the theater from the elevator.  

The main conference sessions will be held in the North building over three levels. There are two accessible parking spaces on the second floor at the East Gate parking area.  The front entrance has automatic doors and a level entrance. All floors are accessible by three elevators and each floor is level with no ramps or stairs. There are two wheelchair-accessible and hands-free restrooms on Levels 1 and 2, and one on each of Levels 3 and 4. The restrooms do not have automatic doors.

The convention center has several ramps available for access to the presentation stage. If you are a presenter who uses a wheelchair, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can make sure your presentation room has a ramp.  Poster sessions will have 4-5m space between them for a wheelchair user to move between the posters.

The venue has audio fire alarms and emergency exit lights showing the evacuation route. The evacuation elevators run on stand-by power in case of emergency. They are currently preparing an English language version of their emergency response guide. 

We are still gathering information on wheelchair access for offsite events. Please contact us directly with any questions: accessibility@chi2025.acm.org. Or visit the venue’s website for accessibility information: https://www.pacifico.co.jp/english/service/barrier-free

 

What are the restroom facilities like?

In the PACIFICO North building, there are accessible restrooms on every level:  

Level 1 (Street level): Two accessible restrooms. One is located with other restrooms between the West Gate entrance and the Foyer. The second is at the opposite corner of the building.

Level 2 (Pedestrian deck): Two accessible restrooms. One is near Garden Lounge A and the second is on the opposite side of the building near Room G215 and the East Gate parking lot. 

Level 3: One accessible restroom located with the other restrooms near the elevator from the main entrance.

Level 4: One accessible restroom located with the other restrooms near the elevator from the main entrance. 

The accessible restrooms are non-gendered, with a single sliding door that slides from left to right. The doorway width is approximately 88cm and the door does not have automatic opening buttons. Restrooms do not have braille or tactile signage.  Please contact the accessibility chairs if you would like tactile signage to be added. 

During our virtual site visit, we viewed inside one accessible restroom (on Level 3). Entering the restroom, the toilet is at 10 o’clock, a urinal at 8 o’clock, a wheelchair height sink at 2 o’clock, and a baby changing table at 4 o’clock. At 12 o’clock, there is a high chair in which to place an infant. 

The bathroom looks suitable for a wheelchair to maneuver, but a larger scooter may only be able to enter and exit without turning. The sink is reachable from a wheelchair height and equipped with touch-free water and soap dispensers. There are grab bars on either side of the toilet. Please contact the accessibility chairs for photos or a more detailed description.

 

How much walking or standing will be needed?

Below is a general overview of the walking requirements around the venue. To estimate the number of steps required for various trips around the venue, four members of the organizing committee (three males and one female) without any ambulatory disabilities conducted measurements. Each member walked the specified routes, counted their steps, and the results were averaged. Please note there is variability in walking patterns and so there is a margin of error of ±100 steps.

From the InterContinental Yokohama Grand Hotel (and bus stop), it is 280m to the National Convention Hall (132 steps) and 700m to the North building (929 steps). From the Minatomirai train station it is 450m to the National Convention Hall (733 steps) and 400m to the North building (612 steps).

There is a 600m level walk between the National Convention Hall where the opening plenary will be held, and the North where the main conference sessions are located (797 steps). Limited seating is available along the route. Please contact us for information about transport between the two buildings. It is about a 100m outdoor level walk from the North building to the Annex Hall building (206 steps).

Within the National Convention Hall, it is a 5-6 minute walk from the taxi drop-off point at the main entrance or the accessible parking space to a seat in the auditorium. To avoid steps, take the elevator to the lower level and enter the auditorium at the lower level. It is approximately 25 steps to the elevator, then 35 steps to the back of the room. 

Within the North, there are escalators and elevators to move between the levels, and there are no stairs within the levels. There are chairs in the foyer on each floor. Fixed seating is available in the hallways. There are 4-5 chairs in front of the exhibition hall, and some chairs on the outside terrace. From the main entrance to the West Gate is approximately 45m, and from the Main Entrance to the East Gate is approximately 95m.

We plan to expand this section with more details. Please contact the Accessibility Co-chairs at accessibility@chi2025.acm.org if you have further questions.

 

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

The venue does not have induction loops or offer assistive listening devices. If you require audio enhancement, please contact the Accessibility Co-chairs at accessibility@chi2025.acm.org  as early as possible to discuss your needs.

 

Will there be loud music, strobe lighting, spotlights, or other strong sensory experiences?

In May 2024, we conducted a site visit. The venue and its surrounding area are free from loud music, strobe lighting, spotlights, or other intense sensory experiences. 

 

Will there be a designated quiet space at the conference?

During the conference, we will provide dedicated quiet rooms. These will likely be located on the M2 floor (between the ground and second floors) of the North building. Student volunteers will conduct periodic patrols of the area. We will provide updates as the conference date approaches.

The North also provides a dedicated prayer room on Level 2, and a mothers’ room will be available on the 1st floor. Please contact us if you are planning to attend the conference and need more details before the conference: accessibility@chi2025.acm.org

 

Will the conference be a smoke-free environment?

There is no smoking inside the North or National Convention Hall buildings. There is a smoking area outside the East Gate of the North building, on the second level.

 

What should I know about the hotels?

The conference hotels are:

We are still gathering detailed information about the accessibility of these hotels.

Though not CHI 2025’s official conference hotels (and are slightly more distant from the conference venue), some attendees who prefer to cook by themselves may find the following serviced apartments with kitchen more favorable than typical hotels:

 

How should I navigate between the PACIFICO Yokohama and the hotels?

We are still gathering more information about the conference hotels and their accessibility. Paths between PACIFICO Yokohama and the aforementioned conference hotels are connected with sidewalks without any slope. We will keep updating this section as we gather more information.

 

Will sign language interpretation or captioning be available?

For the onsite event, the conference will provide a team of sign language interpreters or captioners if requested in advance. Please make your request as early as possible. Accessibility Chairs will follow up with you to discuss your needs in more detail. After February 28th, 2025, the best effort will be made to accommodate requests, but we cannot guarantee that interpreters or captioners will be available.

 

What are the arrangements for presenters with accessibility needs?

We are still working on the stage design. The convention center has several ramps available for access to the presentation stages. If you are a presenter and need access features such as railings at the stage edges, a ramp onto the stage, a stool at the podium, a table instead of a podium, or any other equipment, please contact the accessibility chairs as soon as your paper is accepted, so we can ensure your presentation is scheduled in a suitable space and the equipment is ordered.  Please also indicate your request on your registration form. 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 the Accessibility Co-chairs at accessibility@chi2025.acm.org.

 

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.

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: accessibility@chi2025.acm.org.

 

Can I bring my guide dog?

Yes! Guide dogs are welcome at CHI 2025. There will be a relief area with water available in the garden lounge area of North on Level 2. 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. The process involves notifying Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) in Japan at least 40 days before your arrival. Refer to the following link for more details: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, “User Certificate” of Limited Period for Assistance Dog Users Entering Japan.

 

Can I attend the conference by robot?

Unfortunately, we are not able to ship robots to the conference venue.

 

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 (with a few exceptions like opening and closing plenaries where we plan to use Slido and SIGCHI PWA to gather questions). 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. The schedule and details for the evening receptions are still being finalized, please continue to check the website for updates. Please note, you will not be able to bring outside food and drink to the conference venue. 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.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Accessibility Co-chairs at accessibility@chi2025.acm.org. 

 

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 Accessibility Co-chairs at: accessibility@chi2025.acm.org.

 

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

In case of emergency, call 119 for an ambulance. If you are at the conference venue, staff at PACIFICO Yokohama will work together and consult with the event staff to take necessary measures.

For non-urgent medical care and require help, please contact the Accessibility Co-chairs at accessibility@chi2025.acm.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 Keiyu hospital. The hospital is located across Kokusai-Odori Blvd, on the opposite side of PACIFICO Yokohama Annex Hall. 

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 PACIFICO Yokohama will work together with the event staff and guide attendees to the nearest exit in the safest route.

Staff at PACIFICO Yokohama will work together with the event staff and guide blind and visually impaired attendees to the nearest exit in the safest route in an emergency.

 

What about local food options?

Yokohama offers very rich and diverse food options. As for the restaurants’ accessibility, please refer to https://www.yokohamajapan.com/accessibility/restaurant/. Also, we are gathering information about the availability and accessibility of food options near the conference venue. Some options:

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