Our Commitment to Accessibility
ASPB and CSPB are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all Plant Biology 2026 participants. We strive to ensure that our conference is as accessible as possible, and we continuously seek feedback on how we can improve access and comfort for everyone attending in person.
Plant Biology 2026 will be held at the Rogers Centre, a fully accessible convention centre located in downtown Ottawa. The facility was designed using a universal design approach and meets or exceeds multiple accessibility standards, including the Ontario Building Code, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, and the CAN/CSA-B651 Accessible Design standard, the intent being to support a wide range of accessibility needs.
Key Accessibility Features at the Rogers Centre Ottawa
- Barrier-free access: Automatic doors at all primary entrances and accessible interior routes that are wide and free of obstacles.
- Wheelchair-accessible seating and workspaces throughout the venue
- Accessible washrooms: Door-less entry, wheelchair-accessible stalls of at least 1.5 × 1.600 meters (approximately 4’ 11” x 5’ 3”), hands-free lavatories and soap dispensers, and gender-neutral/family washrooms available on multiple levels.
- Wayfinding: Tactile walking surface indicators and braille signage throughout the building to support navigation for visitors with visual impairments.
- Ramps and stairs: Gentle-slope ramps with color-contrasting warning strips, non-slip stair edges, and clear handrails to improve safety and usability.
- Safety features: Evacuation refuge areas on each floor and visual alarms to support emergency communication needs.
- Assistive technology: Portable control units, projection services that can support captioning, and assistive listening systems are available upon request.
- Menus can be adapted to accommodate dietary restrictions upon request.
- ASPB will provide a lactation room to support nursing mothers.
If you require accessible formats, communications support, or have specific needs during the event, please contact us well in advance at info@aspb.org so that we can be prepared to assist you.
Hotels & Walking Distances
ASPB has secured room blocks at nearby hotels, all within convenient walking distance of the Rogers Centre Ottawa:
Walking Distances from ASPB hotel block (to and from the Rideau Canal Atrium in the Rogers Centre Ottawa)
- The Westin Ottawa — ~80 m (~90 yds), 1–2 minutes via a connected indoor walk
- DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown — ~250 m (270 yds), 3–4 minute walk
- Les Suites Hotel Ottawa — ~320 m (just under 0.2 miles), 4–5 minute walk
- Lord Elgin Hotel — ~340 m (just over 0.2 miles), 5–6 minute walk
Walking times are approximate and may vary depending on mobility, weather conditions, and route taken.
Nearby Food & Services
The Rogers Centre Ottawa is directly connected to the CF Rideau Centre shopping mall via indoor pathways. From the Rideau Canal Atrium, the food court is approximately 120 m (less than 0.1 miles) away — about a 2–3 minute indoor walk.
There are also a variety of cafés and restaurants in downtown Ottawa — all within a short walk from the venue. Many of these services have accessible entry and seating. The proximity of the connected Westin Ottawa hotel and nearby blocks means that attendees can access meal and refreshment options without long outdoor journeys, if preferred.
City & Local Accessibility Context
Ottawa is committed to accessibility as part of its efforts to be an inclusive destination. The city’s accessible public transportation, curb ramps, tactile wayfinding, and barrier-free attractions support a welcoming experience for visitors with disabilities. Resources on accessible travel around Ottawa are available through Ottawa Tourism.
Additional Support & Feedback
If you have specific accommodation needs (e.g., sign language interpretation, accessible seating preferences, sensory-friendly spaces), please contact us at info@aspb.org well in advance of the conference or describe your needs on the registration form where we ask about them. We are committed to working with you to make your experience at Plant Biology 2026 as accessible and enjoyable as possible.