Accessible Participation in Academic Conferences if You Are Visually Impaired

Abstract

Participating in academic events of knowledge exchange is primordial for researchers. The experiential experiences of people with visual impairments with accessibility differences in such scientific practices are reflected. The theoretical concept of ‘accessible participation’ is linked with the exchange of lived experiences of the first two authors—both PhD researchers who are visually impaired—who take part in academic conferences in the domain of Disability Studies. Boundary conditions, intensive preparation, connecting with colleagues and making scientific contributions are analysed as accessibility issues that are necessary to enable participation in an academic context.