FAIR accessibility policy for Fan Expo events

Comments

#1

As someone who is an aide to a person with disabilities,I see how this new policy only hurts her and makes life even more unfair

(Edmonton, 2018-03-28)

#3

As a disabled attendee who could only visit for 2-3hrs, the disabled use of the VIP line access was the only way I could attend and get an autograph or picture.
Being told by Calgary Expo staff to ‘carry around a folding chair with me’ so that I could wait in line like the abled visitors, was as offensive as it was idiotic!

(Edmonton, 2018-03-28)

#5

Nobody should have to miss out on a community and opportunities like this because of things they couldn’t control.

(Hinton, 2018-03-28)

#6

Come on Fan Expo, do the right thing.

(Edmonton, 2018-03-28)

#9

I /am/ one of those disabled people who doesn't have enough energy to both stand in long lines /and/ be able to enjoy a day following my hobby.

(West Orange, 2018-03-28)

#13

As someone who can't walk for long periods this is important

(St Albert, 2018-03-29)

#16

I'm signing because I believe that Expo should be accessible to all and the previous policy worked sufficiently well and did not negatively impact the con experience for everyone else.

(Edmonton, 2018-03-29)

#17

I am also a disabled cosplayer and need to have policies in place that allow me to experience the convention like everyone else. Without Laura’s suggestions in place, I cannot attend.

(Edmonton, 2018-03-29)

#18

I am a disabled cosplayer who needs the fast lines to attend the convention

(Edmonton, 2018-03-29)

#30

I'm signing because I too have been asking about the policy and it has caused serious problems with planning because of short notice

(Regina, 2018-03-29)

#31

Please reconsider this change in policy - this does nothing to inconvenience people in the VIP line and does everything to make the expo more enjoyable for fans with disabilities.

(Calgary, 2018-03-29)

#40

I’m signing because I have medical issues that could one day have me in the same situation as them and I have friends in this boat. They’re probably larger fans to me and it isn’t fair to them to have their access limited.

(Saskatoon, 2018-03-29)

#41

I have a disability and this is not right. This policy needs to be changed.

(Moose Jaw, 2018-03-29)

#42

I have a disability and this is why we're not going this year. As well I have been asking for over a MONTH now for clarification of the accessibility policy only to be ignored this is not right!

(Regina, 2018-03-29)

#45

It's the year 2018, accessibility is a must. It would be greatly appreciated and very nice to see the accommodation to help the disabled community.

(Medicine Hat, 2018-03-29)

#46

I work with person who have disabilities. What she says is true. Persons with disabilities do not have the same stamina as a person without a disability. Their day may only last a couple of hours at an event. Having them use the VIP/fast line should not be changed. If people are complaining, perhaps they are not seeing the larger picture. You cannot ask them to wait at a side line till their attendant can help them. For one they may be on their own at the event or be a child who cannot be left alone to wait in the side. Asking them to stand aside is also a hit on a person's self image and worth. Someone might feel this is a human rights issue, as you're pushing them out of being included in the experience by telling them to sit off to the side and let an attendant stand till their turn. The anticipation of meeting a persons "hero" in line is a huge part of the experience. I also know from experience, if someone is in line in a power chair and they accidently run over a patrons foot, it can be very painful and then that will cause a problem. Power chairs bump by a hip at the joystick is all it takes to move them. Please reconsider this change.

(Regina, 2018-03-29)

#47

I'm signing because the new policy is unfair! I don't remember hearing many complaints about the 'old' policy and I worked as a volunteer dealing with patrons of the event.

(St. Albert, 2018-03-29)

#48

I am signing because it is the right thing to do!—come on!

(Burr ridge illinois, 2018-03-29)

#50

As an able bodied person I believe disabled people deserve to use the fast/VIP line at expos.

(Regina, 2018-03-29)

#52

I am signing because the Fan Expo refused to provide the accommodation (to be specific, American Sign Language interpreters) which I ask for all of the panels due to my deafness. They only provide interpreters for limits of panels. I am going to fight for my rights!

(Tyler, 2018-03-29)

#53

I’m signing because this is something fans need. Fan expo does NOT need to jam more people in the building than Emily managed. I was there the year the fire marshal almost closed it down. That was CHAOS and VERY DANGEROUS. Every year I’ve been since has been much better. As a regular person going through I find the extra space made for the scooters and things make it easier and safer for me to get around as well.

Don’t be stupid, it’s not a broken system. Isn’t it supposed to be a family friendly, accessible event? Fandoms connect people who otherwise wouldn’t ever socialize.

What’s next, removing the kid zone? Or the gamer’s zone?

(Moose jaw, 2018-03-29)

#55

Because I'm deaf, and I requested for extra interpreters also because my fiancee is Deafblind. She needs protactile interpreter.

(Houston, 2018-03-29)

#56

I am a cosplayer with a disability and invisible chronic illness. This change in policy changed our plans for Calgary Expo from a four day trip to one day. Previously being able to use the VIP lines meant I could sometimes stay a little longer, or see more people, than I otherwise would have done. Allowing the fraction of disabled patrons to zipper in to the regular line harms no one, and helps those of us who struggles on a daily basis enjoy something we only get to do a few times a year to the fullest extent possible.

(Edmonton, 2018-03-29)

#60

Fanexpo possibly refuses to provide DeafBlind interpreters for my full communication access. It upsets me that I may not have DeafBlimd intrepreter so that I’ll know what the actors/actresses are saying during the act/lectures on the Panels.

(Houston, TX, 2018-03-29)

#64

We are all fans. Those of us who Can stand in line can do so graciously while those who can’t can go ahead. It’s fair. Don’t change the policy.

(Saskatoon, 2018-03-29)

#68

My girlfriend is disabled and we have been to Calgary con every year of our relationship. The amount of people there is crazy and I as an able body person can barely stand in lines for as long as they are. They need to stop being greedy and be the company that supports the people

(Moose Jaw, 2018-03-29)

#71

Accessibility shouldn't be ignored or reduced. People with disabilities need extra accomodations, simply put. I believe they could in fact demand more than asked. The requests are extremely reasonable, especially considering the announcement timeline putting them.at an even greater disadvantage.

(Caronport, 2018-03-29)

#72

Any one with a disability should be given these at any con and if someone with a out a disability don't like it they should try a day in the life of some one with a disability they soon change there mind

(Cwmbran, 2018-03-29)

#74

Fans come in all shapes, sizes and abilities. Everyone should be welcome at fan events. I understand the organizers potential concerns about sharing the vip/fast pass lines with thoes who have paid for the upgrade, however penalizing people for a disability isn't the way to go. A seperate line could be created for accessibility purposeds and those users could be inserted into the main line every 5th or 10th guest. Its not a hard problem to solve. That its not being addressed shows a great deal of shortsightedness and greed on the part of FanExpo. Fix it.

(Sherbrooke, 2018-03-29)

#75

This new policy makes it almost impossible for two of my friends to attend.

(Medicine Hat, 2018-03-29)

#79

People who have disabilities do not need these type of restrictions put on them. There is no problem with them getting direct access to admissions or autograph lines. We shouldn't be making it harder for people to enjoy these conventions, we should be making it easier.

(Calgary, 2018-03-29)

#82

I've worked convention accessibility. Some disabilities don't need this accommodation, but a great many do. Do you really want someone using a cane, for instance, do be standing in pain in your lines? Even if chairs were available, disabled people very frequently cannot keep going as long as others. Most of become somewhat disabled with great age. Some of us are "lucky" enough to be disabled early, and it ain't fun. Please do the right thing here.

(Hoboken, 2018-03-29)

#84

Everyone should be able to access the things they enjoy in life.

(Calgary, 2018-03-29)

#85

Everyone should be able to have a chance to meet everyone they want

(Edmonton, 2018-03-29)

#88

I personally need the accessibility policy for myself due to dealing with symptoms of multiple sclerosis. My disability is invisible and therefore requires me to be vocal of my needs otherwise I get lost in the crowd and my needs end up ignored. Which is not an option for me. I'd have to stay home if that were the case. And I truly love expo so I'd be heartbroken if I had to miss it or meeting any of my heroes due to having to leave. Having access to the accessibility pass has been a savior for my expo experiences. Not having to stand in lines means being able to use my energy to care for myself and get to see everything I intend to at the event. As a person with a disability, I am only trying to level the playing field to have the same experience that an able-bodied person is able to have. And that requires a bit of help from the Calgary Expo.
Calgary Expo is a unique event that also requires a unique accessibility policy to match. Even if you are meeting the same standards that other event venues provide, that is not necessarily covering everything. Calgary Expo is a large event which consists of mostly standing in line. That is similar to going to a place like Disney, where they have quite a fair accessibility policy- doesn't require the disabled person to be alone without their caregiver or for them to stand in line although they are still required to wait a certain amount of time before enjoying an attraction or event.

(Edmonton, 2018-03-29)

#89

I'm signing because I, myself have mild mobility issues. I also have friends and family that do as well and since I'd eventually like to get my mom to go to an expo in the future to see guests that she might fancy meeting, she'd need access. Restricting the accessibility to those of us in the fan community with mobility requirements makes it harder for us to enjoy the expo or even bother coming.

(Edmonton, 2018-03-29)

#91

I'm signing because as someone with a disability, I find it very difficult even impossible to stand in a line up for more than ten minutes. Basically my plan is to avoid lines at all costs unless the policy changes which means a lot of missed experiences.

(Edmonton, 2018-03-29)

#97

At the moment, I'm able bodied and grateful for it. I have enough spoons (see spoon theory of chronic illness) to last me through an entire expo day. But by the end of that my feet are tired and sore. We certainly should accommodate those with disabilities. They have even more need of the fleeting joys that expos bring than the able-bodied. This is a sad change to policy.

(Meadow Lake, 2018-03-30)

#100

I have many friends that are affected by this policy. Some of them don’t have the energy to even stand for half an hour, and many lines for celebrities are longer than that. By changing the policy, you are taking away the chance for them to truly enjoy themselves.

(Edmonton, 2018-03-30)

#102

I was someone who at one point needed that line when I had surgery and was still experiencing dizzy spells. Everyone deserves to enjoy the con and disabled people shouldn't have to pay for VIP just because of a situation they have no control over in life.

(Edmonton, 2018-03-30)

#103

These events should be inclusive and accessible to everyone.

(Edmonton, 2018-03-30)

#107

Agree 100%.

(Winnipeg, 2018-03-30)

#112

I'm signing because I have friends who would love to attend these events and without these changes, they would not be able to. This is not fair.

(CALGARY, 2018-03-30)

#116

As a disabled vendor and attendee, I rely on fair access to earn a living and participate in society.

(Edmonton, 2018-03-30)

#120

Folks who pay to attend the Expo family of conventions deserve equal opportunity to attend panels shoots and signings.

(Edmonton, 2018-03-31)

#122

Disability is not an option accessibility is'

(Moose Jaw, 2018-03-31)

#127

I'm signing for my spoonie friends

(Spruce Grove, 2018-04-01)

#128

This is insane that it's expected for the disable to stand in the long lines ..
For sure they should be allowed to use fast lines .
Calgary expo needs to give it's head a shake!

(Cranbrook, 2018-04-01)

#130

I believe in accessibility for all people in all its forms.

(Edmonton, 2018-04-01)

#131

Everyone deserves fair access to this events

(Edmonton, 2018-04-01)

#132

Equality means everyone as equals

(Saint albert, 2018-04-01)

#134

I am a caregiver for a person with MS and I believe what is being done and how not all needs are being met is wrong and shameful.

(Edmonton, 2018-04-02)

#135

The policy change is ridiculous! I've been to Expo with Laura and it's a very reasonable and necessary policy.

(Cochrane, 2018-04-02)

#136

People with disabilities should get to enjoy conventions as much as anyone else.

(Edmonton, 2018-04-02)

#140

It is fair and reasonable to make these events more accessible

(Edmonton, 2018-04-03)

#141

I’m signing this because I’m in a wheelchair and I don’t have a companion to stand in for me.

(Calgary, 2018-04-03)

#145

As a cosplayer who is on disability myself, I believe that no one should be left out of a celebration like this when options can easily be implemented.

(Red Deer, 2018-04-04)

#146

I’m signing because I’m disabled and unable to stand in the long lines. I require a cane for mobility and am in constant pain

(Calgary, 2018-04-05)

#148

These are my friends and deserve a chance to meet everyone fairly too.

(Beaumont, 2018-04-06)

#152

While not "noticably" disabled as my prosetics are in my shoes, I do suffer from health issues that mean standing for even short periods of time causes me a large amount of pain that can last for days after an event. You're change in policy and timing of announcements has left me with no accommodations for my condition and no way to purchase a VIP pass. The old policy was seen as a best practice, a shining example of how all cons could be more welcoming to so many different nerds who need it. Please. Bring back to old policy to at least Calgary and Edmonton. Consider it for your other ventures. Thank you.

(Edmonton, 2018-04-06)

#153

While I don't need this personally I don't mind allowing someone who does access to the fast lane. Come on Expo! Give those who need it a break!

(Edmonton, 2018-04-07)

#155

I bring my visually impaired niece to Expo every year, and I want her to enjoy Expo without the extra barrier that her and other guests with disabilities already face every day.
Make Expo fair for everyone! Bring back the previous policy!

(Fort Smith, 2018-04-07)

#156

I purchased a VIP pass and would happily share the line with those who have disabilities that limit the length of active time in a day, or limit their ability to stand in line. There are other perks to the VIP tickets that that make it worth it even with those with disabilities joining the fast queue. Using a holding area for those with mobility issues could also increase risk in the event of an emergency evacuation as now you’ll have a handful of people pooled in an area separate from their companions (who would otherwise be able to help them leave the building safely). The expo needs to work with those affected to come up with appropriate policies.

(Calgary, 2018-04-07)

#158

Ms. Taylor very accurately layed out and described the reasoning with which individuals with disabilities require access to the VIP/Fast Lines. Remaining in a regular line for extended periods of time can be extremely detrimental to the health and safety of those with disabilities. There are factors beyond the length of time, such as concerns for the health and safety of the disabled attendees who may be unable to remain in a solitary place, within such close proximity to others. They could be, accidentally or not, bumped or pushed past in a regular line and this can cause immediate, serious injury in certain circumstances. I am sure that Fan Expo would like to avoid instances in which a disabled individual is harmed in their lines due to their lack of understanding and knowledge. This isn't about "jumping the queue", it is about the health and safety of attendees.

(Calgary, 2018-04-07)

#162

Personal experience with friends with disabilities and how difficult attending conventions that they love can be

(Sylvan Lake, 2018-04-09)

#167

It is outrageous to not accommodate those with disabilities. Especially those with physical disabilities. Cons take so much physical and mental energy and everyone should be able to enjoy themselves.

(Edmonton, 2018-04-10)

#170

I'm signing because I live with a disability, so I know that these claims are all true.

(Tomahawk, 2018-04-10)

#171

To support people with disabilities being able to have a great experience at conventions while they can.

(Spruce Grove, 2018-04-11)

#172

I've met awesome people who really enjoy these events, and I want everyone no matter what to be able to come and connect with others and have fun without any undue stress

(Edmonton, 2018-04-11)

#174

I have been restricted to wheelchair for 10+ years and able to stay at CCEE only for short periods at a time, with a companion to push my chair and reach for items and open doors and otherwise assist me to participate in CCEE. Even with a constant companion/assistant, I can only sit up as little as 2 hours at a stretch. Despite my encumbrances, I have managed to gain many fond memories of past expo experiences. There is zero point to me buying a con pass at all if I'll pay full price for a companion only to spend all my limited time sitting in lineups.

(Calgary, 2018-04-11)

#178

I am disabled and the policies that were in place before worked very well. With the change I would likely not be able to attend the con.

(Hamilton, 2018-04-11)

#179

Accessibility is a right

(Hamilton, 2018-04-11)

#182

My wife, my friends and myself are disabled and also science fiction fans. expo is supposed to be open to all regardless of disability or ability. i've had the pleasure of being at several other conventions and the standards are pretty much the same at all of them.. until now. I know that there is a lot of "but it's not fair" talk that can and has been used but seriously, there's a handful of disabled people. we have to live with our disabilities day after day. we "pay" on a daily basis. can't we just have this?

(Calgary, 2018-04-12)

#183

It is absolutely ridiculous that Fan Expo would change their disability policy for the worst and fail to be accommodating to those with mobility issues or other disabilities.

(Calgary, 2018-04-12)

#188

That's*****ed up man, fix it

(Edmonton, 2018-04-13)

#189

My physical privilage does not keep me from being considerate to the disabled. Im so disappointed and disturbed at this new policy. Everyone deserves to be a part of this culture and fun. EVERYONE. I can stand. Some cant.

(Sherwood Park, 2018-04-13)

#191

I have mobility issues.

(Edmonton, 2018-04-14)

#197

I wrecked my ankle almost four years ago at my workplace, and now I have severe standing and walking restrictions due to pain and the way my tendons and ligaments healed. I volunteer with the DWSC, and have had great difficulty at Fan Expo Toronto getting assistance for these lines that I physically cannot stand in. I don't want anyone else to have to miss out due to unfair policies.

(Hamilton, 2018-04-16)

#199

I am an able bodied person. I agree that the disabled community should use the VIP and fast lanes to heighten their experience at conventions! I stand with them and urge FanExpo to rethink this stance.

(Almonte, 2018-04-16)

#200

Every event should be enjoyable and accessible for all! This is a basic human right!

(Hamilton, 2018-04-16)