Empower Arts Summit

Access Guide

About the summit

The Empower Arts Summit has an access guide. The summit is led by disabled, d/Deaf, and neurodivergent people. The summit includes talks, workshops, performances, and displays. The summit concludes with a public evening concert. All summit events are free and open to all.

Location and travel

  • The summit takes place at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre.
  • The CDCC main entrance is at 290 Lisgar Street in Ottawa, Ontario.
  • The centre’s municipal and mailing address is 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa, Ontario.
  • Paratranspo drop-off and pick-up are available in front of the CDCC main entrance.
  • Parking in the Lisgar entrance lot is paid.
  • Travel to and from Carleton University campus via OC Transpo route 7.

Building access

  • An automatic door-opening button is to the left of the main door.
  • Hallway B is accessible by an elevator near the lobby.
  • The Sanctuary seats approximately 800 people.
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating is available for all panels and the evening concert.
  • CDCC has two accessible, single-stall washrooms.

Schedule and food

  • The schedule includes a keynote by Sean Lee from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.
  • The summit concert is scheduled from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
  • Snacks and drinks are available in Woodside Hall during morning registration and the afternoon break.
  • A light lunch was planned for attendees.
  • Vegetarian, vegan, some nut-free, and gluten-free options were planned.

Comfort and health

  • The summit is a relaxed event where attendees may come and go from sessions.
  • The summit and CDCC are committed to maintaining a scent-free environment.
  • Masking is highly encouraged for summit attendees and participants.
  • A limited number of N95 and transparent medical-grade face masks were planned for registration.
  • The Library serves as a calm, low-sensory Quiet Room.
  • The Quiet Room includes adjustable lighting and sunglasses to borrow.

Interpretation and audio description

  • All summit sessions have ASL interpretation.
  • The summit provides English audio description via Zoom.
  • Audio-description access information is available at the Registration desk upon arrival.
  • Attendees can rent a phone for audio description.
  • An ID is required and held for the phone rental duration.

Access questions

Questions about access initiatives can be sent to mssc@carleton.ca.

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