ACCESSIBILITY

A Changing Places facility is available at ICC Sydney, located on Level 2 of the Exhibition Centre. It includes a height-adjustable adult-sized change table, a ceiling track hoist system with constant charging, a right-hand railing ambulant toilet, and an island toilet. The facility also features an automatic door with a 950 mm clear opening and push-button entry/exit, along with a nappy bin sanitary disposal unit and wash station. The Changing Places facility is accessible to ICC Sydney guests at all times, and no MLAK key is required.

Assistance animals are welcome at SXSW Sydney. Given the event's noise, crowds, and lighting conditions, we recommend considering an alternative navigation aid if needed. UTS Building 1 has an assistance animal spending area located outside on Broadway. If required, bowls for water can be provided at the International Convention Centre Sydney upon request to ensure your assistance animal stays comfortable.

Infrared hearing augmentation systems are available in all meeting rooms and theatres at the ICC, including the Darling Harbour Theatre and ICC Sydney Theatre. These systems are designed to enhance your listening experience. Complimentary hearing augmentation devices, also known as hearing loops, can be provided free of charge. To obtain a device, simply visit ICC Sydney’s Customer Service Desk with a form of photo identification. We’re committed to ensuring everyone has the best possible experience at our events.

Auslan interpreters will be available for conference sessions at the Darling Harbour Theatre and Pyrmont Theatre within ICC Sydney. For detailed information on which sessions offer Auslan interpretation, please consult the festival app or reach out to accessibility@sxswsydney.com. We are dedicated to making SXSW Sydney accessible to all attendees, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to fully participate and engage with the festival.

BindiMaps is an inclusive wayfinding app designed to help everyone navigate complex indoor spaces like offices, hospitals, and shopping centres. It offers turn-by-turn directions via visual maps, audio guidance, wheelchair-friendly routes, and text directions for those with vision impairments. With precise location info, it ensures accessible routes for all. We’re using BindiMaps at ICC and UTS, accessible via the SXSW Sydney app, so you can confidently explore with ease!

The ICC Sydney provides Braille on room door signage and fixed directional signage throughout the venue, along with tactile flooring at egress points. With 80 different venues in the precinct, we recommend bringing a companion to help navigate the site safely. Alternatively, contact our accessibility liaisons to arrange an escort for assistance.

Designated accessible seating will be provided for all conference sessions and film screenings at SXSW Sydney. These seats are allocated based on venue capacity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure you have the best experience and secure accessible seating, we recommend arriving early. Our goal is to make sure everyone enjoys a comfortable and accessible festival experience.

At SXSW Sydney, some events might feature pyrotechnics, strobes, or intense lighting effects that could affect your sensory experience. To ensure you’re fully prepared, we recommend checking the session and venue pages on the SXSW Sydney app for more detailed information on where these effects might be used. Your safety and comfort are important to us, so please stay informed to avoid any sensory discomfort during the event.

Live Captioning will be available across several conference session spaces at the ICC and the Tumbalong Park Stage, enhancing accessibility for all attendees. To find out which specific sessions will offer live captioning, simply check the SXSW Sydney app for details. This service ensures that everyone can fully engage with the content, making the festival experience more inclusive. Stay connected with the app to participate in sessions that meet your needs.

If you feel overwhelmed or need to decompress, visit our sensory space, equipped with low lighting, comfortable seating, and items like noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys. Sensory spaces are located at ICC Exhibition Centre, Room E3.5 on Level 3, and UTS Building 1, Level 5 (next to the Great Hall). These spaces are designed to provide a calming environment for you to relax and recharge during the festival.

With numerous venues and sessions across the event, the SXSW Sydney App is your best resource for checking accessibility details. You can filter sessions by their accessibility features. After downloading the app, open the menu by tapping the three horizontal lines in the top left corner. Select 'Schedule' and then 'Filters' to choose sessions based on your interests, credentials, and available accessibility options. This will help you easily navigate and plan your festival experience.