Poster Display Guidelines and Requirements

Global Impact of the ADA and Universal Design in Higher Education Symposium

POSTER SPECIFICATIONS
Physical Requirements
● Size: 48 inches (width) × 36 inches (height) / 122 cm × 91 cm
● Orientation: Landscape preferred; portrait acceptable
● Format: Single poster panel
● Mounting: Self-supporting or designed for mounting on provided display boards
● Material: Durable material suitable for display (foam board, printed fabric, or laminated paper)

Digital Submission to Organizers
● Submit a PDF version (maximum 10 MB) by February 15, 2026
● Resolution: Minimum 150 dpi for final print quality
● File naming convention: LastName_FirstName_PosterTitle.pdf
● But please note that you will need to print your own posters for display at the symposium

CONTENT REQUIREMENTS
Required Elements
1. Title Section

●Poster title (clear, concise, engaging)
● Author name(s) and institutional affiliation(s)
● Contact information (email for primary author)
● Session identifier (will be provided upon acceptance)

2. Main Content Your poster must include the following sections, clearly labeled:

Abstract/Introduction (150-250 words)

● Research question or practice innovation
● Relevance to symposium themes
● Theoretical or practical framework

Methods/Approach (if applicable)

● Research design or implementation strategy
● Data collection and analysis methods
● Study context and participants

Findings/Outcomes

● Key results, innovations, or insights
● Data visualizations (charts, graphs, photos, diagrams)
● Evidence supporting conclusions

Discussion/Implications

● Significance for global disability rights and universal design
● Cross-cultural considerations
● Connections to ADA principles and international frameworks

Conclusions

● Summary of main contributions
● Future directions or recommendations
● Call to action or practical applications

References

● Minimum 5-8 key scholarly sources
● Use APA 7th edition format or Bluebook
● Include international and diverse perspectives where applicable

3. Visual Elements

● Minimum 30% of poster space should be visual (images, diagrams, charts, infographics)
● All images must include alt-text descriptions in your digital submission
● Use high-quality, culturally appropriate images with proper permissions/credits

DESIGN GUIDELINES
Accessibility Requirements (MANDATORY)
Text and Typography

● Minimum font size: 24-point for body text; 36-point for headings; 72-point for title
● Sans-serif fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Verdana)
● High contrast between text and background (minimum 4.5:1 ratio)
● Avoid italics and underlining except for citations
● Use bold for emphasis rather than color alone

Color and Contrast

● Avoid relying solely on color to convey information
● Use patterns or textures in addition to color in graphs/charts
● Test color combinations using a color contrast checker
● Consider color blindness accessibility (avoid red-green combinations)
● Provide a grayscale-friendly version in your digital submission

Visual Accessibility

● All charts and graphs must include text descriptions
● Images must have captions describing content
● Use simple, clear infographics rather than complex diagrams
● Consider providing QR code linking to accessible digital version with full alt-text

Language and Readability

● Write in clear, plain language (avoid unnecessary jargon)
● Define technical terms when first used
● Use active voice and short sentences
● Organize content with clear visual hierarchy
● Include glossary for specialized terminology if needed

Design Best Practices
Layout

● Organize content in logical flow (typically left-to-right, top-to-bottom for Western contexts;
note cultural reading patterns)
● Use white space effectively (avoid cluttering)
● Group related information together
● Create clear visual pathways through content
● Balance text and visual elements

Visual Design

● Maintain consistent style throughout
● Align elements for professional appearance
● Use borders or background colors to define sections
● Limit color palette to 3-4 complementary colors
● Ensure professional quality of all images and graphics

CONTENT FOCUS AREAS
Your poster should address at least one of these symposium themes:

Theme 1: International Legal and Policy Frameworks
● Comparative disability rights legislation
● ADA influence on international laws
● National accommodation policies
● Enforcement mechanisms across jurisdictions

Theme 2: Universal Design in Practice
● Implementation case studies from specific institutions
● Curriculum design and pedagogical innovations
● Physical campus accessibility
● Digital and technology accessibility

Theme 3: Cross-Cultural Perspectives
● Cultural models of disability
● Indigenous and non-Western approaches to inclusion
● Intersectionality in global contexts
● Translation of accessibility concepts across cultures

Theme 4: Innovation and Technology
● AI and machine learning for accessibility
● Assistive technology developments
● Digital learning platforms
● Emerging accessibility tools

Theme 5: Advocacy and Social Change

● Disability rights movements globally
● Student and faculty activism
● Community partnerships
● Policy advocacy strategies

SUBMISSION PROCESS
Proposal Stage (Initial Submission)
Submit by March 1, 2026

1. Extended Abstract (500-750 words) including:

○ Research question or innovation description
○ Methodology or implementation approach
○ Preliminary findings or expected outcomes
○ Significance to symposium themes
2. Author Information Form:

○ All authors’ names, titles, affiliations
○ Primary contact information
○ Brief biographical statement (50 words per author) or CV

3. Keywords: 5-7 keywords identifying your topic area

Review Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated on:

● Relevance to symposium themes (30%)
● Originality and significance of contribution (25%)
● Methodological rigor or implementation quality (20%)
● International or cross-cultural perspective (15%)
● Clarity and organization (10%)

Final Poster Submission
Upon acceptance, submit by March 1, 2026

● PDF of final poster design

● Accessible version with complete alt-text for all visual elements
● 100-word plain language summary for program
● High-resolution author photo (optional)

PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS
Poster Session Format
● Duration: 60-minute poster session
● Presence: At least one author must be present for entire session
● Engagement: Prepare 2-3 minute verbal summary for attendees
● Materials: Bring business cards or handouts with contact information

Accessibility During Presentation
● Prepare large-print handouts (18-point minimum) with poster summary
● Offer to describe visual elements verbally
● Stand to the side of poster (not blocking view)
● Be prepared to discuss in multiple languages if possible
● Have digital version available on tablet or laptop for closer viewing

Interactive Elements (Encouraged)
● QR code linking to:
○ Extended research paper or report
○ Video demonstration or presentation
○ Accessible digital version
○ Additional resources or data
● Handouts with key takeaways
● Contact information for follow-up collaboration

EVALUATION AND RECOGNITION
Poster Competition Categories
● Best Overall Poster
● Most Innovative Approach
● Best Visual Design
● Outstanding International Perspective

● Best Student Poster
● Excellence in Accessibility

Judging Criteria
● Content quality and significance (40%)
● Visual design and accessibility (30%)
● Clarity of communication (20%)
● Engagement and presentation (10%)

IMPORTANT DATES
● Proposal Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026
● Notification of Acceptance: first week March 2026
● Final Poster Submission Deadline: March 20,2026
● Symposium Dates: April 10
● Poster Session: April 10 11:50am -1 pm

ACCESSIBILITY COMMITMENT
We are committed to ensuring this symposium exemplifies the principles of universal design and
accessibility. If you require accommodations for the submission or presentation process, please
contact Anna Dallam at atdallam@syr.edu at least a week before relevant deadlines.
Accommodations available include:

● Alternative submission formats
● Extended deadlines for documented accessibility needs
● Presentation support (sign language interpretation, live captioning)
● Accessible presentation technology
● Dietary accommodations

QUESTIONS AND CONTACT
Symposium Coordinators:

Anna Dallam atdallam@syr.edu

Professor Cora True-Frost, Laura L. and Douglas Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence Website
Link

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES
Ethical Considerations
● Obtain informed consent from research participants
● Respect cultural sensitivity in representations
● Acknowledge funding sources and conflicts of interest
● Credit all contributors appropriately
● Obtain permission for copyrighted materials
● AI use should be focused on editing

Style
● Avoid ableist language and deficit models
● Define acronyms on first use

International Considerations
● Include geographic diversity in references
● Acknowledge limitations of context-specific findings
● Consider multiple legal and cultural frameworks
● Translate key terms where helpful
● Note currency conversions and equivalents

PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITIES
Selected posters may be invited for:

● Extended publication in symposium proceedings
● Possible webinar presentation for broader audience
● Inclusion in edited volume on global disability rights

We look forward to your contributions to this important dialogue on the global impact of
the ADA and universal design in higher education. Your research, innovations, and perspectives are essential to advancing accessibility and inclusion worldwide.

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