Access to the castle and the event is limited. Due to the building’s age, there are significant barriers. On this page, you will find information about the barriers you can expect, as well as the measures that have been put in place.
Wheelchair Accessibility and Physical Barriers
The castle is not wheelchair accessible.
In detail, we have identified the following issues regarding wheelchair use. We will develop solutions for some of these issues, which we have also described.
Sanitary facilities
There are no accessible showers or toilets in the castle. The door width at the entrances to the toilets is 80 cm. In addition, öKlo (Classic) toilets will be available next to the campsite.
Floor plan
The ground floor will be equipped with homemade ramps. The ramp leading to the dining room will have a steeper gradient. The first floor and the basement, where some of the lecture and organisation rooms are located, are only accessible via steps. In fine weather, there will also be opportunities for outdoor lectures. The castle courtyard is paved with solid gravel and cobblestones.
Getting there and back
The roads to Ottenschlag are relatively winding. In particular, the roads coming from the direction of St. Pölten have sharp bends.
Public transport
You can travel to and from the venue on weekdays and Saturdays using ÖBB public transport. The “Ottenschlag Oberer Markt” bus stop is about 100 metres from the castle. On Sundays, a shuttle bus is available for the return journey; it will stop about 150 metres from the castle. Neither the ÖBB Postbus nor the shuttle bus are accessible. The journey by bus involves some very winding roads.
Car park
The car park is approximately 700 m from the castle. If you need to park closer to the castle, please contact accessibility@hack-mas.at before the event.
Languages
The event is organised as an unconference. There will be talks and workshops in spoken English and German, as well as Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS). Interpretation between ÖGS and the spoken languages German and English will be provided. This will be available for workshops, talks and social interaction. If required, please contact accessibility@hack-mas.at.
At specific locations, such as registration, the information point and the first aid area, communication tablets will also be available for quick and easy written communication.
Deaf Space
A Deaf Space, where communication takes place exclusively in sign language, will be available in the castle. This room serves as a deliberate retreat from a conference where the majority of communication takes place in spoken language. In the spirit of consciously handing over power, this space is managed and organised by Deaf people themselves.
Tactile Navigation
There is no permanently installed guidance system on the premises. Navigation within the castle is made easier by the long, straight corridors. In certain areas of the castle and the inner courtyard, a guidance system will be set up using exhibition carpets and wooden strips. Tactile signage and a tactile map will be provided.
Quiet Space
A dedicated quiet space is provided within the castle.
Essen
There will be an all-day breakfast, with pastries, spreads and the like available at all times. The all-day breakfast also includes an all-day soup. The ticket price also includes one hot meal per day. All our food is vegan, with some items also available in vegetarian versions. If you have any common dietary intolerances, please speak directly to the kitchen on the day of your arrival. For more specific requirements, please email us before the event at accessibility@hack-mas.at.
Accommodation
The site will feature a campsite, dormitories and a caravan park (booking required!). There is a limited number of rooms, which will be allocated on a needs basis (people with disabilities or health conditions, parents with young children). If you require a room, please contact accessibility@hack-mas.at. The rooms have a door width of 80 cm.
Assistance dogs
Dogs are generally not permitted on the Håck ma’s Castle site. Assistance dogs are, of course, exempt from this rule. If you are bringing your assistance dog, please bear in mind that some people may be allergic to dogs. We therefore ask you to bring your own blanket for your assistance dog and, if possible, to ensure that it does not come into contact with upholstered furniture. The atmosphere at Håck ma’s Castle may be very stressful for dogs (e.g. flashing lights, smoke machines, loud music, large crowds, and potential hazards such as soldering irons and 3D printers).
Personal assistant
If you need to bring a personal assistant with you, please contact accessibility@hack-mas.at.
Contact
If you require further information, please contact accessibility@hack-mas.at. Enquiries are intended solely to clarify matters and not to question the requirements.