Accessibility FAQ

NIME 2026 is committed to providing an inclusive environment. This page provides information about both physical and financial access to support your attendance and to help you make an informed decision about whether the conference will be accessible to you. You can also have a look over the FAQ below.

If you have any concerns or questions about accessibility, or if your question is not answered on this page, please contact the Accessibility Chairs Hugh Aynsley and Mathew Dalgleish at accessibility@nime2026.org. We will work with you to the best of our ability to make the conference accessible.

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How do I communicate accessibility needs to NIME 2026 organizers?

When registering, you will be asked to indicate any accessibility needs. We will follow up with you to address any considerations to the best of our abilities.

If you have any concerns or questions about accessibility, please feel free to contact the Accessibility Chairs Hugh Aynsley and Mat Dalgleish directly at accessibility@nime2026.org.

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

If your question is not answered on this page, please contact the Accessibility Chairs Hugh Aynsley and Mat Dalgleish at accessibility@nime2026.org.

For further information about access at LUL, please see: https://www.accessable.co.uk/loughborough-university/london-campus/access-guides/loughborough-university-london

For further information about access at Rich Mix, please see: https://richmix.org.uk/visit-us/accessibility

Will sign language interpretation or captioning be available?

At this stage, the conference is not providing live sign-language interpretation. Automated captioning will be available on the remote stream of all conference events.

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

The Loughborough University London (LUL) address is:

3 Lesney Avenue
The Broadcast Centre
Here East
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
London
E20 3BS
Map: https://what3words.com/cliff.socket.pushed

From London Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted airports, the easiest way to get to the Loughborough Univerity Campus is via Southern Rail and TFL trains.

The nearest train station to LUL is Hackney Wick Overground Station, which is approximately 5 minutes walk from the LUL campus.

Stratford is the nearest larger transport hub to LUL, with Stratford Bus Station, Stratford Station and Stratford International. The 388 TFL bus route brings you directly to Here East, as does the 241 TFL bus route. Journey time from Stratford Bus Station to LUL by bus is approximately 5 minutes.

Additionally, a free shuttle service is available to anyone travelling from Stratford to LUL on Here East and runs every 5-8 minutes from 7am until 11pm. Check the following website for updates and weekend timetable information: https://hereeast.com/get-here. The Here East shuttle pick-up points are:

  • Stratford International (Bus Stop F). This will take you to Here East, where our campus is located.
  • Stratford City Station (Bus Stop X). The pick-up point is at Stratford, located near Westfield Shopping Centre. The nearest address is 30 Montfichet Road, London, E15 1AZ.
  • The Yard, Here East (Bus stop in The Yard). The pick-up point is located in the Yard, with a dedicated bus stop, so it’s easy to spot.

Who can I ask about accessibility in London?

For information about London accessibility, including public transport, please visit the Transport for London (TfL) site here: https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/ or contact the Accessibility Chairs directly at accessibility@nime2026.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 accessibility registration form.

Attendees who require personal care assistance should bring their own assistant. Personal care assistants do not need to register for the conference. Please indicate any personal assistants in the accessibility registration form.

What is the conference space like?

For the overall layout of the venue, please refer to this map of the conference space.

We are still working on a description of the conference spaces.

Please see our other FAQs for more details about wheelchair or power scooter access, provisions for presenters, restrooms, walking and steps, and facilities for assistance animals.

For the overall layout of the Rich Mix venue, a 360 degree tour is available at https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=B9J1iTjhyQY with more information also at https://richmix.org.uk/visit-us/accessibility.

Will the conference be accessible by wheelchair or power scooter?

The LUL campus and Rich Mix venues are fully accessible by wheelchair and power scooter. If you require support for traveling between the venues, please contact the Accessibility Chairs directly at accessibility@nime2026.org.

What are the restroom facilities like?

There are bathrooms with access options and gender neutral facilities in both the LUL and Rich Mix venues. There is a Family and Infant Room on the LUL campus, located on the second-floor, Room 2.09.

RADAR keys are needed to access accessible toilets in some buildings in the UK, however neither of the conference venues requires one and most places provide the keys to guests needing access. For instance, nearby Westfield Mall has accessible toilets and a key can be picked up at the main reception desk upon entering the mall. If however, you would like to purchase your own RADAR key, the official supplier is https://shop.disabilityrightsuk.org/products/radar-key” (cost 5gpb+p&p).

What are the arrangements for presenters with accessibility needs?

If you are a presenter who uses a wheelchair, or have other physical access needs, please contact us at accessibility@nime2026.org as soon as possible so that we can make arrangements. Poster sessions will have space for a wheelchair to move between the posters.

Can I bring my guide dog?

Guide dogs and other service animals are welcome at NIME 2026 on the LUL campus and into Rich Mix. There is a relief area at the front of the LUL building and we can provide water bowls for them. Rich Mix staff can also provide water for dogs upon request.

Please indicate on your accessibility registration form if you anticipate bringing a service animal to the conference.

Can I attend the conference by robot?

NIME 2026 will unfortunately not be able to accommodate remote attendance by robot.

How much walking or standing will be needed?

The physical conference will take place in East London, with the workshops and daytime programme held in the same building - the LUL Here East Campus in London’s Olympic Park, while the evening concerts will take place at the Rich Mix cultural centre in Shoreditch.

If taking public transport between the two venues, the TFL 388 bus route from Here East (Stop P) to Brick Lane (Stop SB) has an approximately 140 metre walk at the start of the journey, and a 160 metre walk at the end of the journey. See: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dYa5RAFb9pTjFDty8.

Will there be an induction loop in the meeting rooms?

Within Rich Mix, the Box Office, Stage, and Studio spaces are equipped with hearing loops. Most hearing aids can connect by switching to the ‘T’ position.

We are currently seeking support to restore existing hearing loop setups, but the LUL campus does not currently reliably include any induction loop areas.

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

Yes, microphones will be used for all speakers, and both body and hand mics are available. Attendees with questions will be requested to use a microphone so that their question is more easily heard.

What food service will be provided?

Coffee breaks with light snacks and lunch are provided every day during the main conference 24-26 June. On the Workshop Day, 23 June, coffee and light snacks are provided but attendees are expected to sort their own lunch (usually organised as a workshop group outing by individual workshop organisers, to be paid by participants).

A variety of food options will be available and our catering is focused on vegetarian and vegan options from local businesses. Any meat products served will be halal. We are also able to accommodate other dietary needs; in the case you have a dietary restriction, please indicate so during your registration or feel free to reach out to the Accessibility at accessibility@nime2026.org.

Beyond what’s included at the physical conference, Loughborough University London (LUL) features an on-campus cafe where Fairtrade coffee is available alongside sandwiches, snacks, and breakfast and lunch options throughout the year. Nearby, the Canalside features craft beer bars and restaurants, in a scenic, relaxing location. Read LUL’s local area guide for more. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is nearby (within 5 minutes of campus) and contains a range of eating options, from coffee shops to brunch spots and fine dining restaurants.

Can the conference accommodate special dietary needs?

Yes. A variety of food options will be available and our catering is focused on vegetarian and vegan options from local businesses. Any meat products served will be halal. We are also able to accommodate other dietary needs; in the case you have a dietary restriction, please indicate so during your registration or feel free to reach out to the Accessibility and/or Local Chairs. Attendees who indicate special dietary requirements on their accessibility registration form will be provided with special meals when the conference catering does not accommodate them. If you have a severe allergy please indicate this on your accessibility registration form. For more detailed information please contact the Accessibility Chairs at accessibility@nime2026.org.

Will the conference be a smoke-free environment?

Under UK law, smoking is banned in virtually all ‘enclosed’ and ‘substantially enclosed’ public places and workplaces. (Relevant legislation - The Health Act, 2006 and the Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006). Accordingly, smoking is not permitted in any Loughborough University London (LUL) buildings, or within 3m of any University building. Additionally, some exterior areas of campus have been further designated as entirely smoke free areas, including outside of the library and Holywell Park.

For more details see: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/health-safety/documents/smoking-policy.

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

Concerts at NIME involve loud music, stage lighting, and projected visuals. Where possible we have flagged performances that may have particularly intense sensory elements, however all performances should be considered to have a potentially high sensory impact. Please get in touch with the Accessibility Chairs at accessibility@nime2026.org if you have any specific concerns regarding sensory impact at NIME.

Please contact the Music Chairs at music@nime2026.org as early as possible if you have further questions or special requests.

Will there be a designated quiet space at the conference?

At Loughborough University London (LUL) campus, room 4.01 has been set aside as a quiet space for those who need it during the day programme. It will be made available on all conference days for the duration of the conference.

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

In case of a medical emergency, call 999 for an ambulance. If you require non-urgent medical care, please call NHS 111, or visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111 who can assess your needs and provide you with information about and connect you with local doctors, etc. Please contact any student helper if you need further advice or non-urgent medical help. For non-resident attendees, travel insurance that covers medical expenses is strongly recommended.

Can I bring my child/infant with me?

If you wish to bring a child or infant with you to the conference, please let the Accessibility Chairs accessibility@nime2026.org know as soon as possible so we can go through the proper safety and security measures.

We have a Family and Infant Room on campus, located on the second-floor, Room 2.09. Unfortunately, we cannot offer a creche or child supervision during the conference but you are welcome to bring your child to events on campus at LUL. For evening events at Rich Mix, please reach out to the Accessibility Chairs at accessibility@nime2026.org so we can work with their events staff to determine and ensure safe access.

Venue Access

Loughborough University London

The Loughborough University London (LUL) building is wheelchair accessible with ground level access. If you cannot use the main entrance revolving door, an accessible door is also available next to it.

  • The floors all have elevator access as well as step access.
    • There is at least one accessible toilet on each floor
  • Classrooms and lecture theatres have accessible seating and wheelchair space, but please let us know of any requirements ahead of time so we can make sure there is enough accessible space for all attendees.
  • Room 4.01 has been set aside as a quiet space for those who need it during the day programme. It will be made available on all conference days for the duration of the conference.
  • We also have a Family and Infant Room on campus, located on the second-floor, Room 2.09.


Rich Mix

Rich Mix is wheelchair accessible, via a permanent entrance ramp and internal lifts.

  • There are accessible toilets (with RADAR locks) on the ground, 1st, 2nd and 4th floors.
  • There is a hearing loop in the Box Office, Stage, and Studio spaces that can be used by switching most hearing aids to the ‘T’ position.
  • There is also an infrared system in The Studio which requires the use of headsets, provided by Rich Mix on request.
  • There will be a quiet space available.
  • Take a 360° tour of the Rich Mix building here

Transport

Transport for London (TfL) has an online accessible journey planner which can help with step-free access and wheelchair accessible routes. See TfL’s “Plan an accessible journey” guide here: https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/plan-an-accessible-journey.

The physical conference will take place in East London. The workshops and daytime programme will be held at the LUL Here East Campus in London’s Olympic Park, and the evening concerts will take place at the Rich Mix cultural centre in Shoreditch.

Plan your journey to LUL Here East Campus
 Plan your journey to Rich Mix
 Rich Mix Access Info

More information on travel and visiting London, LUL, and Rich Mix can be found: https://nime2026.org/visit.

There are also bike rentals available at Santander docking stations next to both conference venues and around East London. Lime and Uber bikes and scooters are also frequently found nearby and can be found by downloading the respective apps onto your phone. In case you use a cycle (many of the local organisers do!), please ensure to use cycle lanes and wear helmets at all times, and, for those joining us from abroad, please remember that vehicles including bikes drive on the left side of the road in the UK! :)

Financial Support

Student Volunteers

If you are a student, NIME is currently seeking applications from Student Volunteers to support the in-person running of the conference in London. In recognition of their support, Student Volunteers will have their conference registration fees waived. More information can be found on the NIME 2026 website at https://nime2026.org/call/student-volunteers/.

External Funding

There are a number of external avenues to support travel and registration costs for NIME attendees:

UK-based Grants:

EU-based Grants:

Global Grants:

  • We encourage authors to seek local grants via their home institutions and national funders. We will aim to update this page with additional grants outside of the UK and EU as we become aware of the most suitable opportunities.
  • Students, we encourage you to speak with your department heads directly, smaller travel grants for students are often disbursed at departmental discretion and are unlisted but can nonetheless provide helpful support.
  • Should you require support, including invitation letters, to apply for your grant, please feel free to reach out to the General Chairs at info@nime2026.org.



This FAQ has been generated using the Accessibility FAQ Generator tool provided by ACM SIGACCESS. Event organizers are welcome to modify and reuse this template for other events. Please contact SIGACCESS for more information.