Accessibility

Below is the A-Kon, LLC policy towards accessibility for the duration of the convention. You can proceed to medical to pick up a sticker for your badge to inform volunteers to additional needs or assistance you might require. Please review the below policies and proceed to medical or contact a First Responder staff member (light blue badges and reflective arm bands), located around most major buildings, if you have questions.

Medical is located in Centennial Hall (building 4) with public access next to Registration.

This policy applies to all attendees, event staff, exhibitors, vendors, panelists, guests, and any other individuals attending A-Kon.

POLICY

• Onsite Registration services for attendees with disabilities/mobility issues are available via the exceptions desk.
• Attendees will bring a letter from their physician to validate a need for accommodations.
  • Letter must include:
    • Letterhead
    • Doctor’s name, address, phone number, credentials, and signature.
    • Patient’s name
    • Necessary accommodations for the condition without identifying the condition.
    • Attendees can use this letter to go through the Registration Exceptions line to pick up their badge.
• The A-Kon Accessible sticker will be color coded and have limited information in case of medical emergency. Information will include:
  • Individual’s name
  • ICE name and phone number
  • Needs: (ex: high sugar food, frequent water, medication, EPI Pen, Interpreter, service animal, severe allergy alert, No 911, etc.)
  • File number if the member provided medical history information to medical.
• Color Coding:
  • Category 1 (yellow)- Limited Mobility. This person will have early access to lines and accessible seating in Programming/Events, and priority access to elevators
  • Category 2 (red) – Self Reported Conditions. This person has a condition that requires critical medication and/or diet. In the event this person has a medical emergency, contact Medical Staff immediately.
  • Category 3 (blue) – Communication. This individual has a disability that affects their ability to communicate with others (including but not limited to Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Speech Impediment, Blind/Low Visibility (for written communication), Autism.)
  • Category 4 (pink)- Mental Health. This person will be able to utilize the designated Quiet Room for low-stress and calming activities in a quiet environment.
  • Category 5 (green) – Handler. This person is a designated handler/assistant to anyone in the above categories and would need to be in close proximity to the attendee.
• The Staff works with all areas of Main Programming to keep them accessible for people with disabilities and mobility issues.
• Event schedule is provided to an electronic version for a screen reading device on Fan Guru.
• Limited number of volunteer interpreters are available. (Advance notice is requested)
• The Event is largely staffed by volunteers. Volunteer interpreters are not required to have a BEI or NIC certification. Interns can serve as interpreters if they have a mentor interpreter for supervision.
• All Interpreters (certified or non-certified) must adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct at all times while on shift.
• The Event will make best efforts to provide enough interpreters but can not make a guarantee one will be available at all times.
• Attendees will utilize the requested doctor’s letter to pick up a designated ‘A-Kon Accessible’ sticker at the Registration Exceptions desk or at Medical room (if Exceptions desk is closed). This sticker will be placed on the back of the badge and will be used to inform A-Kon volunteers of the type of accommodations needed for this person. The letter will be returned to the attendee once sticker is given. If an ADA certified service animal is required, please provide paperwork for that service animal.
• Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

One important thing to remember:

We will do our best to make sure events are accessible to people requiring accommodations, but that does not mean we can guarantee a front row seat.  If you are going to a very popular event, you must get there early to get a good seat, just like other participants.  We follow the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which specifies the number and arrangement required for accessible seating.