# Access Guide

> Empower Arts Summit access includes ASL interpretation, English audio description via Zoom, wheelchair-accessible seating, and a low-sensory Quiet Room.

Page URL: https://empowerarts.ca/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.

- [Access Guide (PDF, 8 pages)](https://empowerarts.ca/files/empower-arts-summit-access-guide.pdf)