The Australian Society for Psychological Medicine is committed to ensuring that the ASPM Conference 2026 is accessible and inclusive for all attendees. We recognise that our delegates have diverse needs, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone can fully participate, learn, and connect.

our commitment to accessibility

ASPM strives to meet or exceed the standards set by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.

venue accessibility

The Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach is a fully accessible venue with the following features:

Mobility Access

• ✓Wheelchair-accessible entrances and elevators

• ✓Accessible restrooms on all conference floors

• ✓Reserved seating areas in presentation rooms

• ✓Accessible parking (limited, pre-booking required)

Visual & Hearing Support

• ✓ Hearing loop systems in all keynote rooms

• ✓ Large-print conference materials available

• ✓ High-contrast signage throughout venue

• ✓ Well-lit navigation paths and presentation areas

conference support services

ASPM is pleased to offer the following support services to registered delegates:

• Auslan (Australian Sign Language) Interpreters: Available for keynote sessions and select workshops. Please request this service at least 4 weeks in advance of the conference.

• Live Captioning: All keynote presentations will feature real-time captioning displayed on screens.

• Assistive Listening Devices: Available for loan at the registration desk (first-come, first-served).

• Service Animal Accommodation: Service animals are welcome at all conference venues. Please notify us in advance so we can ensure appropriate facilities.

• Dietary Accommodations: We cater to a wide range of dietary needs, including allergies, religious requirements, and medical conditions. Please specify your needs during registration.

• Quiet Room: A dedicated quiet space will be available for delegates who need a sensory break or a calm environment.

digital accessibility

Our conference website and digital materials are designed with accessibility in mind:

• Keyboard-navigable interface

• Screen reader compatibility (tested with JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver)

• Clear focus indicators for all interactive elements

• Minimum color contrast ratios of 4.5:1 (WCAG AA standard)

• Resizable text without loss of functionality

• Alternative text for all meaningful images

• Properly structured headings and semantic HTML

requesting accommodations

To ensure we can meet your needs, please submit accessibility requests at least 4 weeks before the conference start date (by February 27, 2026). You can indicate your requirements during the online registration process or contact our accessibility coordinator directly.

All requests will be treated confidentially and assessed on an individual basis. While we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate all requests, some services may require advance notice or may be subject to availability.

ongoing improvements

We are continuously working to improve the accessibility of our conference and welcome feedback. If you encounter any barriers to participation or have suggestions for how we can better serve attendees with accessibility needs, please let us know.

third-party content & limitations

While we strive to ensure accessibility across all aspects of the conference, please note that some speaker-provided materials or third-party websites linked from our platform may not be fully accessible. We encourage speakers to follow accessibility best practices and are available to assist with accessible material preparation upon request.