The Accessibility Department is here to provide improved access to all Capricon members. If you have a specific request or require assistance that is not on our website, please email accessibility@capricon.org.
The current Accessibility Coordinator is Sharon Karpierz.
Accessibility is for Everyone
Any member of the Capricon community can request accommodations by emailing accessibility@capricon.org. This is not limited to those who consider themselves disabled. To quote An Introduction To Accessibility on digital.gov:
“Disability is a mismatch between a person and their environment. For the person who isn’t able to do something, it’s this mismatch that impairs an individual.
What might first come to mind are people who have mobility restrictions, tremors, or low- or no vision, or are deaf or hard of hearing.
It’s important to understand that everyone experiences some form of disability. As an example, imagine that three people are trying to watch the same video, but each person has a different type of disability:
- Mark lost most of his hearing after a severe illness. He has a permanent disability.
- Jesse’s ears are ringing after a concert, and they are having trouble hearing a video. They have a temporary disability.
- Sam is struggling to listen to a video in a loud office. She has a situational disability.
The fix that benefits everyone in this circumstance might be to apply a captioning service to the video. That would directly help Mark who has a permanent disability, but also benefit Jesse and Sam who have temporary and situational disabilities. This is known as the “Curb-cut effect.” When we design for people with permanent disabilities, folks with temporary and situational limitations can also benefit.”
We encourage members of the Capricon community to request accommodations for permanent, temporary, and situational needs. We will do our best to provide what we can within the financial and time constraints of our volunteer-driven organization.
Accessible Rooms
Please note that Handicap accessible rooms are extremely limited. Before you request an accessible room, please determine if you can use a standard room with some accommodation. You may use the Room Accessibility Form to request accommodations.
Con Crud Prevention Policy: Our Con Crud Prevention Policy has been updated.
Helper Badges: If you or your child need a helper to navigate the convention, we now have a number of low-cost badges you can purchase for a helper, aid, or companion. These are available in the registration system now for $20 and must be purchased with a regular badge. No special disclosure or information about your need is required to make your purchase. Some non-exclusive examples:
- If you have an injury and need someone to help you manage your bags, crutches, etc while moving around the convention
- If you’re a vendor but have vertigo or a back injury and need someone to lift heavy boxes in your booth
- If you’re Deaf or have a language processing disability and want to bring someone who can interpret for you at programming.
These badges give your helper access to all areas as needed to make your convention comfortable and fun!
Available Parking: The Marriott has a large area reserved for free accessible parking. It includes in and out privileges.
Low-sensory Room: We will have a quiet room available for those who may get overwhelmed. It will be in Clark on the third floor and will be available at the below schedule. There will be seating, and some fidget toys available.
Thursday: 6pm – 10pm
Friday: 10am – 10pm
Saturday: 10am – 10pm
We’d love to do more to help everyone access Capricon. If you have any other suggestions or questions for us, reach out to accessibility@capricon.org!
Communication Cards
Capricon will provide red/yellow/green communication preference cards similar to those recommended by the Autism Self-Advocacy Network.
Wheelchair/Scooter Parking
There should be spaces available to park wheelchairs and scooters in most program spaces.The smaller programming rooms on the third floor may require you park in back. We ask that you please do not block aisles as that becomes a safety hazard.
Wheelchair and Scooter Rentals
We are not providing this service through the convention but you can make arrangements on your own and you are solely responsible for all costs and problems. Try scooutaround.com.