HDA ( Hackers With Disabilities ) for DEFCON 30

[Delchi]

HDA is now part of DEF CON Policies!

https://defcon.org/html/links/dc-hda.html

[Delchi]

Thanks!

I have a higher risk of death or disability from COVID, so I'd like to know what infection precautions almost everyone will be taking.

(Infection rates are based on what people will actually do, not what the rules are in theory. Specifically, airborne COVID infections are controlled by good ventilation, masks, vaccinations, testing, and isolation of sick people.)

As an update, the word I got back today is that there is no official statement as yet , but it is being looked into.

[Delchi]

Thanks!

I have a higher risk of death or disability from COVID, so I'd like to know what infection precautions almost everyone will be taking.

(Infection rates are based on what people will actually do, not what the rules are in theory. Specifically, airborne COVID infections are controlled by good ventilation, masks, vaccinations, testing, and isolation of sick people.)

Las Vegas in general is a place where people from all over the world come together and do their thing. Because of that you will find a mix of people who wear masks, don't wear masks, or use hand sanitizer like they use Axe body spray in New Jersey. Hotels each have their own policy , and pretty good ventilation. There is no word yet as to if DEF CON will have a vax check or mandatory masking this year. I have inquired and will update here. As always please do what you feel is best for you , and should you encounter any issues please let a DEF CON Goon know or contact hotel staff for assistance.

Currently it's a mixed bag of mask use as the mandates have been lifted, but there are some people who still use them. I still use mine as I don't feel like taking the risk in public and to be honest it helps with pollen and allergies when the season is upon us. Hand sanitizer is contently present at bars, casinos, and in some eateries. Testing is still going on in Vegas but more n a voluntary basis rather than before where it was mandated. Some companies are still mandating testing for employees, or employees in public contact.

It's hard to predict what people will or will not do, but we had good response from DEF CON attendees last year, and the mood in general in Vegas is one that supports people who choose to mask.

I will update this soon!

Thanks for the excellent question!

- D

[Delchi]

I've been trying to find information about COVID safety at DEFCON.

Is there a consistent safety policy that people will stick to?
Or does it vary a lot between different villages and venues?

Are there any events outside, or with very good ventilation?

Greetings!

The rules and requirements are changing on a regular basis, so the best thing you can do for right now is monitor the main page for any announcements. For example last week the mask mandate for air and public transport was lifted, this week it's being challenged again. I am making the rounds of the hotels to get the current state but at the moment they are mask optional. There has been no formal decision as yet as to what DEF CON will be doing as it's a bit early yet. I will definitely keep an eye on this and make announcements here.

Last year there was a mask mandate that applied to the entire venue, including villages and venues, as well as a vax check when you checked in. While there were some objections and special cases ( some that HDA helped with ) for the most part people did comply and sick to the rules.

This year there will be an outdoor area as part of the new Caesars Forum where people will be gathering. Events, gatherings and parties are still being planned so there is no hard word on what will be happening where at this time.

Thanks for a great question, and I will keep everyone updated here.

- D

[teor]

Thanks!

I have a higher risk of death or disability from COVID, so I'd like to know what infection precautions almost everyone will be taking.

(Infection rates are based on what people will actually do, not what the rules are in theory. Specifically, airborne COVID infections are controlled by good ventilation, masks, vaccinations, testing, and isolation of sick people.)

[number6]

The last discussion on this topic took place here:
https://forum.defcon.org/node/239769
I have no newer information on COVID Safety at DEF CON 30.

At some point, a map will be produced to show where content will be created and presented. I do not think any such map has been made public, as some things are still be decided.

I do not have information on hotel/casino air flow and re-circulation or filtering.

[teor]

GREETINGS!
If you are disabled and have questions about ANYTHING related to DEFCON
If you are traveling with, assisting a person with ADA needs and have questions about DEFCON

I've been trying to find information about COVID safety at DEFCON.

Is there a consistent safety policy that people will stick to?
Or does it vary a lot between different villages and venues?

Are there any events outside, or with very good ventilation?

[Delchi]

It seems to be a policy decision. Get Jeff to agree and I can add it.

HTH

Working on just that. Thanks!

[number6]

It's hard to get participation from attendees with nothing more than a link to the forums :) I'm trying to get web space, and a link on the main web page but that also has stalled. I run a twitter account that does announcements and it has some good followers -- what would it take to get a section of the forums under planning for HDA? Not like this thread, but a stnading out there HEY YOU CLICK ME kinda thing?

It seems to be a policy decision. Get Jeff to agree and I can add it.

HTH

[Delchi]

I can see an argument for a different section on the forums for various parts of con, and links to services, plus opportunity for feedback. We have groups like the official photographers, and Info Booth, the NOC, plus this and work from other departments which have attendee facing involvement. If each were interested, maybe a different section for each of these services might work. The only way it could work is if there is/was participation from each.

Thanks for the reply!

It's hard to get participation from attendees with nothing more than a link to the forums :) I'm trying to get web space, and a link on the main web page but that also has stalled. I run a twitter account that does announcements and it has some good followers -- what would it take to get a section of the forums under planning for HDA? Not like this thread, but a stnading out there HEY YOU CLICK ME kinda thing?

[number6]

I've been asking for years. As of now it's technically under Operations, but it is not an event or a party or a village. It's like oversight to help people not unlike the infodesk, just more mobile. The people who do have the ability to decide have been silent thus far. I can ask again.

I can see an argument for a different section on the forums for various parts of con, and links to services, plus opportunity for feedback. We have groups like the official photographers, and Info Booth, the NOC, plus this and work from other departments which have attendee facing involvement. If each were interested, maybe a different section for each of these services might work. The only way it could work is if there is/was participation from each.

Thanks for the reply!

[Delchi]

Did you get this all classified as an event or similar classification so it can all be included in a dedicated forum?
I do not get to decode what is a village, event or party, as those decisions are made by others.

I've been asking for years. As of now it's technically under Operations, but it is not an event or a party or a village. It's like oversight to help people not unlike the infodesk, just more mobile. The people who do have the ability to decide have been silent thus far. I can ask again.

[number6]

Did you get this all classified as an event or similar classification so it can all be included in a dedicated forum?
I do not get to decode what is a village, event or party, as those decisions are made by others.

[kathysrazor]

TENT CARDS : Look for these in the meeting rooms - reserved seating for people with disabilities

That's awesome.

As someone with standing issues, it's nice to see consideration taking for sitting. I'm fortunate in that I can sit on the floor (and don't mind doing so), but not everyone has that option.

[Delchi]

TENT CARDS : Look for these in the meeting rooms - reserved seating for people with disabilities