Science should be accessible to everyone! Here is what we do at the Silesian Science Festival in Katowice to ensure that no one, regardless of their disability, has difficulty accessing knowledge and science.
Wheelchair-accessible building
The festival takes place at the International Congress Centre in Katowice – a venue fully adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. Every room is accessible by both wheelchairs and pushchairs.
A detailed description of accessibility features can be found on the ICC website.
Accessible toilets
The building has toilets adapted for the needs of wheelchair users and rooms where you can change a baby.
Appropriate height and width
When designing service points and exhibition stands, we ensure that they are accessible to children and wheelchair users.
We also pay attention to the appropriate width of passageways, allowing both participants and assistants to move freely.
Digital accessibility
We ensure that our multimedia materials are accessible to all audiences. We regularly check digital accessibility, add alternative descriptions to graphics and subtitles to films – helpful for people with hearing impairments and foreigners.
We use understandable language
Science doesn't have to be difficult!
Our scientists explain complex phenomena in an accessible and understandable way and encourage questions.
Learning through experiencing
Many exhibits can be touched, smelled or viewed up close, making learning accessible to blind and visually impaired participants.
Rest areas
In various parts of the Festival space, we have prepared relaxation zones where you can sit down, rest and catch your breath.
Relaxation space
The Festival is full of positive emotions, but knowing that everyone needs some quiet time now and then, we have designed spaces where you can cut yourself off from the excess of stimuli.
We especially recommend these prepared spaces to people on the autism spectrum, as well as parents with children who need a quiet place for a nap or to feed their little ones.
Interpretation into sign language
All performances on the Main Stage – both live and broadcast – are interpreted into Polish sign language. An interpreter can also be requested for events that require registration.
A Polish sign language interpreter will be present in the Lower Lobby at all times and can accompany you on your tour of the Festival.
Hearing assistance technology
Each of the festival stages is equipped with a hearing assistance system (induction loops) that connects directly to hearing aids and implants. This allows people with hearing impairments to comfortably participate in lectures without interference from their surroundings.
Accessibility Point
The Accessibility Point is located in the Lower Lobby, where you can get help and answers to any non-standard questions.
Friendly trained volunteers are waiting there, ready to assist you in any situation.
The Silesian Science Festival Katowice is a space where we show that science can be accessible – to everyone!