The following is an overview of the Access Forward Musicology Access Guide 2026, which is available at the top of this page in PDF and Word Document formats.
Access Forward Musicology 2026 takes place on Wednesday, November 11 through Saturday, November 14 and Wednesday, November 18 through Saturday, November 21 on Zoom. To register for the conference, please visit the “Program” tab of the Access Forward Musicology website for Zoom registration links.
The program is located on the “Program” tab of the Access Forward Musicology website. It is available as both a PDF and a Word Document.
Asynchronous, or recorded, presentations and recordings of synchronous, or live, presentations will be posted on the “Video Gallery” tab of the Access Forward Musicology website.
Access Support
An Access Request Form is included within each Zoom registration link. We will do our best to honor all personalized access requests. If the form is not accessible to you or if you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at accessforwardmusicology@gmail.com.
Access Copies
Accessible copies of conference presentations will be posted on the “Access Guide” page of the Access Forward Musicology website.
Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART)
CART is a live, word-for-word speech-to-text transcription service that converts spoken language into written text almost instantaneously. CART will be offered in Zoom for the following sessions:
Word Doc - CART and ASL Availability
PDF – CART and ASL Availability
When CART is not offered, automated captions will be available.
American Sign Language (ASL)
American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual-gestural language used by Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in the United States and Canada.
The organizers will pin the ASL interpreters. Participants can choose their view by clicking on the View option panel on the top right of the application.
ASL will be offered for the following sessions:
Word Doc - CART and ASL Availability
PDF – CART and ASL Availability
Participants can join our online sessions at any time. Please prioritize your health and well-being before deciding to participate.
We encourage each presenter to follow the accessibility recommendations available in the “For Presenters” section of this guide.
If desired, you can request additional compliments, emotional support, and encouragement. We will call for volunteers to provide compliment support in the chat.
Each presentation will include time to process questions. Not all questions may be answered live: some questions may be answered at a later date. Participants who want organizers/moderators to ask specific questions are encouraged to send us a list.
Presenters have the option of opting out of Q&A. Another option is to have a Q&A session with no critiques or feedback, focusing only on questions. Please feel free to request this during your session or ask the session chair to make this request on your behalf.
When asking questions, please check with the presenter before offering any feedback or suggestions for their work. Even if a suggestion is meant to be constructive, it may be triggering for people with anxiety disorders and other forms of neurodiversity.
Please be supportive and encouraging when asking and answering questions. This will help ensure that the space feels as safe and comfortable as possible.