2025 Ableist Cities Symposium

A one day symposium on reshaping inaccessible buildings and infrastructures in Australian cities

Join us for the 2025 Ableist Cities Symposium

The Symposium will be held in person and online via Zoom webinar.

In-person attendees: Registration will be open from 9:30 am, with the event commencing at 9:45 am.

Online attendees: The webinar will begin at 9:45 am AEST. If you are joining us online, a link will be emailed to you closer to the date.

Drawing inspiration from last year's exploration of spatial justice and the physical and attitudinal barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, this year's Ableist Cities Symposium intends to hear narratives of individual lived experience or co-designed research.

Emphasizing an integrated approach, the symposium seeks to marry the realms of politics, policy, and practical applications to address the pressing challenges faced in the built environment. In giving voice to these narratives, we aim to ignite conversations that will shape our cities to make them more inclusive, equitable, and accessible for all.

For more information on the program and speakers, click here.

The Ableist Cities Symposium is a collaboration between the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, the Melbourne Disability Institute and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne.

Venue accessibility:

- The Kenneth Myer Building is accessible via both stairs and ramp and all glass entrance doors on the ground floor are wheelchair accessible.

- The upper ground area at the back of the foyer can be accessed via the ramp located to the right of the staircase outside the Ian Potter Auditorium.

- An accessible gender-neutral bathroom can be found located in the rear of the foyer on the ground floor.

- The Ian Potter Auditorium has dedicated wheelchair spaces at both the front and rear of the auditorium.

- The Ian Potter Auditorium has a hearing loop system which can be utilized by hearing impaired occupants of the venue. Further information regarding the hearing loop can be found via this URL: https://www.unimelb.edu.au/accessibility/hearing-loops-demystified

- Fluorescent lighting is installed throughout the foyer and auditorium, although the auditorium has numerous light settings so lighting can be dimmed if needed for those experiencing light sensitivity.

- There is a quiet room located outside of the Ian Potter Auditorium that has a window connected to the auditorium. This room can be utilized as a space separated from the auditorium, with dimmable lighting.

- Support animals and guide dogs are permitted within the building, provided they display the correct service attire.

- Drinkable tap water can be found via the tap in the kitchenette at the upper rear of the foyer.

- A first aid kit can be found located at reception.

- A Defibrillator is located on the ground floor outside Dr. Dax Café