Guide de l’Participant

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PARTICIPANT GUIDE

11th World Blindness Summit

São Paulo, Brazil – September 1st to 5th, 2025

 

 

  1. WELCOME

A very warm welcome to the 11th World Blindness Summit!

It is an immense joy to host you at the largest international event for blind and partially sighted people, bringing together participants from over 150 countries.

We are living a historic moment: for the first time, this meeting takes place in Latin America and in the heart of Brazil.

Here, among warm hugs, sincere smiles, and the welcoming spirit that defines us, we will share ideas, experiences, and dreams.

Together, we will build connections and debates that can transform policies and initiatives for over 300 million blind or partially sighted people worldwide.

  1. IMPORTANCE OF THE EVENT

The 11th World Blindness Summit represents much more than a conference: it is a historic milestone for inclusion and international cooperation.

Bringing together participants from over 150 countries, the event promotes a global dialogue on challenges, achievements, and innovations that directly impact the lives of millions of people.

Its hosting in Brazil, for the first time in Latin America, reinforces the region’s role in building public policies, assistive technologies, and inclusive practices that transcend borders.

More than debating ideas, the meeting values human exchange, strengthening respect, empathy, and unity among cultures, with the common goal of building a more accessible, fair, and inclusive future for all.

  1. PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT

This guide provides essential information about the event, its schedule, structure, available services, and practical guidance.

Although the information is detailed, activities are dynamic and may be adjusted for better logistics and comfort, without compromising quality.

Here you will also find useful tips for your stay in São Paulo, including transportation, safety, climate, currency, communication, and accessibility, so your experience is practical, safe, and memorable.

Our goal is to ensure that each participant makes the most of not only the meeting’s content but also the unique experience that Brazil and São Paulo have to offer.

  1. GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION

Date: September 1 to 5, 2025

Venue: Anhembi Convention District –

São Paulo – SP, Brazil

Address: Rua Professor Milton Rodrigues –

Santana, São Paulo – SP, 02012-021

Official website:

www.mundialdadeficienciavisual.com.br

4.1 Communication

Follow the main news of the World Blindness Summit on ONCB’s social media:

Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn,

always under the name ONCB na Rede.

The event will be fully broadcast by

Rádio ONCB, in Portuguese and English.

Download the Rádio ONCB app on your phone

(Android and iOS).

 

It will also be broadcast on the official YouTube channel (ONCB na Rede) and on Claro TV channel 533, available to over 7 million of the operator’s subscribers.

4.2 Special Invitation – Laramara

The Brazilian Association for Assistance to People with Visual Impairment – Laramara invites participants of the 11th World Blindness Summit to visit its headquarters, learn about the organization’s work, and exchange experiences.

Date: September 1st (Monday), from 09:00 to 11:00. Registration: via email angela.paiva@laramara.org.br, sending full name and country of origin. Spots are limited.

Laramara Address: Rua Conselheiro Brotero, 338 – Barra Funda, São Paulo.

5.1 Passport

Must be valid for at least six (6) months from the date of expiry.

5.2 Visa

Required for citizens of some countries. Check the website of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to verify the requirement.

5.3 International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (CIVP)

To enter Brazil, the yellow fever vaccine is required for travelers coming from certain countries. Check the updated list on official health websites before traveling.

Website for verification: Obtain the International Certificate of Vaccination

5.4 Entry of Guide Dogs

To enter Brazil, it is mandatory to comply with the sanitary requirements established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA).

Documents and deadlines:

  1. CURRENCY EXCHANGE AND PAYMENTS

6.1 Local Currency

Brazilian Real (R$).

6.2 Payment Methods

International credit and debit cards are widely accepted in commercial establishments, hotels, restaurants, and services.

6.3 Currency Exchange

Official exchange offices are available at airports, shopping malls, and central areas. For greater security, it is recommended to compare rates and avoid unauthorized locations.

Options near the event:

Address: Av. Francisco Matarazzo, s/n – Água Branca.

6.4 International Payments

An alternative accepted in Brazil is the use of international payment apps, such as Wise, which performs automatic currency conversion for transfers and payments.

  1. ARRIVAL GUIDANCE FOR BRAZIL

7.1 Time Zone

Brazil follows Brasília time (GMT-3).

Differences relative to some countries:

7.2 Climate and Forecast (September 1-5)

São Paulo has mild weather at this time of year, with average temperatures between 15°C and 24°C.

Light drizzles are common, especially in the mornings and late afternoons.

♦ We recommend bringing a sweater for colder nights.

  1. DISTANCES AND ESTIMATED TIME

8.1 Hotel Holiday Inn → Anhembi Convention Center

Participants staying at the Holiday Inn will have direct access to the Convention Center through an internal entrance, just a few meters from the hotel reception, located within the complex.

8.2 Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) → Anhembi Convention Center

Note: during disembarkation of persons with disabilities, the most common practice is for the procedure to be carried out last, ensuring accompaniment until:

8.3 Congonhas Airport (domestic flights) → Anhembi Convention Center

8.4 Transport between airports and hotels

Transport between Congonhas and Guarulhos airports, as well as to the Holiday Inn hotel and the Convention Center, is the responsibility of each participant.

Recommendation: do not accept transportation offers from third parties. Use only app-based transportation or official taxis available at the airports.

8.5 Paralympic Training Center → Anhembi Convention Center

Note: participants staying at the Training Center will have guaranteed transportation, in partnership with the São Paulo City Hall, in the early morning to the Anhembi District and for the return at the end of the day. Travel at other times is the participant’s responsibility.

8.6 Closest Metro Station

8.7 Accessibility

Most transport and access routes to the event have adaptations for people with disabilities, including visual impairments,

ensuring safety and comfort during movement.

  1. MEANS OF TRANSPORT IN SÃO PAULO

9.1 Regular Taxis

Available at airports, hotels, and official city stands. Recommendation: use only authorized taxis for greater safety and fair prices.

9.2 App-Based Taxis

Services like Uber, 99, and others are widely used in São Paulo, offering convenience and competitive prices. Attention: prices may vary according to time and demand.

9.3 Metro

São Paulo has an extensive and efficient metro network.

9.4 Bus

The bus system covers a large part of the metropolitan region.

9.5 Event Transportation

World Blind Union (WBU) delegates will have free transfer:

10.1 Event Insurance

During the period from September 1 to 5, from 9 am to 8 pm, at the Anhembi Convention Center, all participants will be insured against accidents and/or death, through a partnership with Capemisa Seguradora and Capemisa Capitalização.

  1. COMMUNICATION, CELL NETWORK, AND INTERNET

11.1 Telephone Code

11.2 Coverage and Operators

São Paulo has excellent mobile network coverage (4G and 5G).

Main operators: Vivo, Claro, TIM, and Oi.

11.3 Internet Connection

○ check international roaming costs with your operator, or ○ purchase a local prepaid SIM card (available at airports, malls, and official stores).

Tips:

Recommendations:

  1. EVENT PROGRAM

 

  1. EVENT SCHEDULE
  2. Lectures, panels, and conferences: 09:00 to 18:00 – check the schedule grid.
  3. Assistive Technology Fair: 09:00 to 19:00.
  4. ACCESSIBILITY AT THE EVENT

15.1 Tactile and braille signage: present at various points to facilitate orientation and mobility of participants.

15.2 Audio description: will be available in English and Portuguese, accessible via the Beplay | Accessibility Services app. To use the feature, the participant must download the app on their phone from the respective app store.

15.3 Simultaneous translation: offered in the main activities in English, French, and Spanish, promoting international linguistic inclusion.

15.4 Specialized teams: trained volunteers will be available to offer personalized support to people with visual impairments throughout the event. We will have bilingual volunteers, but we ask for collaboration and understanding in situations of more complex communication.

15.5 NaviLens Technology: at some points of the event and possibly at the reception of the Holiday Inn hotel, participants will be able to use NaviLens, a tool that integrates artificial intelligence and augmented reality (part of Google Lens). Just point your phone at QR Codes to access features that aid in navigation and interaction with the environment. The QR Codes will be applied at key points in the event space, such as bathrooms, auditoriums, rooms, and stands, and may also be installed on the ground floor of the Holiday Inn Hotel – bathrooms, restaurant, and elevator.

  1. FOOD

16.1 Meals included in the event: officially registered participants will have

lunch guaranteed on September 2, 3, 4, and 5. These lunches will be served at the Holiday Inn Anhembi Hotel, with varied options and attention to special dietary needs. Lunch will be served from 12:00 to 14:30. Due to the large number of participants, the limited number of volunteers, and the demands related to language and accessibility, we count on everyone’s collaboration so that the tables and spaces intended for meals are used exclusively for this purpose. For conversations and social interactions, we ask that you prefer the other common areas, ensuring better organization and comfort for everyone.

16.2 Breakfast: participants staying at the Paralympic Training Center and the Holiday Inn hotel will have free breakfast.

16.3 Coffee tasting: during the event, there will be free tasting of famous Brazilian coffee, through a partnership with the company Três Corações.

16.4 Dinner: dinner is the responsibility of each participant, who can choose from various restaurant options near the event venue and the hotel, including accessible places with adapted menus.

16.5 Personal expenses at accommodations: personal expenses at the Holiday Inn Hotel or the Paralympic Training Center are the responsibility of the guests. The organization and ONCB are not responsible for these expenses.

16.6 Nearby and accessible restaurants: São Paulo offers a wide gastronomic variety, with accessible restaurants near Anhembi and the hotel. We will indicate options that meet different preferences and dietary restrictions.

16.7 Tips on Brazilian cuisine: Brazilian cuisine is rich and diverse, with intense flavors and fresh ingredients. Take the opportunity to try typical dishes like feijoada, pão de queijo, acarajé, and tropical fruits.

  1. TIPS FOR RESTAURANTS NEAR THE ANHEMBI DISTRICT AND HOLIDAY INN – UP TO 10 KM

. Coco Bambu Address: Av. Braz Leme, 201, São Paulo – SP Distance: approximately 1.5 km from Anhembi District Price: $$$ (medium-high price) Description: restaurant specializing in seafood, with a varied menu and spacious environment. Ideal for groups and families.

Churrascaria Address: Av. Olavo Fontoura, 327, São Paulo – SP Distance: approximately 1.2 km from Anhembi District Price: $$$ (medium-high price) Description: traditional Brazilian steakhouse with meat rodizio and varied buffet. Spacious and accessible environment.

Pizzeria Marcoluccio – Santana Address: Av. Braz Leme, 2145, Santana, São Paulo – SP Distance: approximately 3 km from Anhembi District Price: $$ (medium price) Description: traditional pizzeria with wood-fired oven and varied menu. Welcoming and accessible environment.

  1. NEARBY SHOPPING MALLS
  1. CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT IN SÃO PAULO

São Paulo is known for its cultural diversity and the warm receptiveness of its people. Paulistanos, although fast and efficient, are usually welcoming and helpful, especially with international visitors. It is common for people to offer help spontaneously and the city values inclusion and respect for differences.

19.1 Tips for accessible tours and landmarks

19.2 Nightlife and safety São Paulo has a vibrant nightlife, with bars, restaurants, live music venues, and theaters spread throughout the city. Areas like Vila Madalena, Jardins, and Itaim are famous for their safety and diversity of options.

  1. CULTURAL AGENDA

During the period from August 30 to September 5, 2025, São Paulo offers a rich cultural program through the Agenda Cultural Viva SP, the official platform of the State Government that brings together free and accessible events throughout the city.

To check the full program and filter events by date, location, and type of activity, access: Agenda Viva SP

  1. TIPS ON BRAZILIAN CULTURE AND ETIQUETTE

The most common greeting is a handshake. Among friends, a hug or a kiss on the cheek is common. Punctuality is important for professional appointments, but small delays are common in social events. Brazilians are welcoming and friendly, valuing cordiality in relationships.

  1. LET’S MAKE A BETTER EVENT TOGETHER To ensure a pleasant and safe experience for everyone, we ask for the collaboration of each participant by following these guidelines:
  2. Courtesy and respect:treat everyone politely, from volunteers and speakers to other participants. Small gestures of kindness make a big difference.
  3. Patience:in large events, queues, waits, and small delays may occur. Remain calm and respect others’ time.

Greetings:

Basic questions:

Simple guidance:

We greatly appreciate your presence at this meeting, which goes beyond an event — it is a global movement for the inclusion and rights of blind and partially sighted people. Your participation is essential for us to build together a transformative legacy that will make a difference for many generations. Thank you for being part of this journey!

ORGANIZATION 11th World Blindness Summit

SUPPORTERS AND SPONSORS

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