This is an all-inclusive guide to Dragon*Con for people with disabilities. This will be an ongoing collaboration among DCDS staff to address getting around all aspects of Dragon*Con. Maps with accessible routes, restaurant guides, FAQs, self-advocacy training and more, oh, my!
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===[[File:Ds_reg_2.jpg|thumb|390px|DCDS at Registration-- obviously on Sunday or Monday]]===
This is an all-inclusive guide to Dragon Con for people with disabilities. This will be an ongoing collaboration among DCDS staff to address getting around all aspects of Dragon Con. Maps with accessible routes, restaurant guides, FAQs, self-advocacy training and more, oh, my! If you are new to Dragon Con Disability Services, this link; [[http://dragonconds.wikia.com/wiki/How_Disability_Services_Work_at_DragonCon How Disability Services Work at Dragon Con]] on all things DCDS, should be your very first stop.
: ''Dragon*Con supports equal-access and provides on-site assistance for anyone who has a disability. Please be sure to stop by the Disability Services table if you need any assistance.''
Dragon*Con seeks to do its utmost to provide equal access to its participants with disabilities in accordance with State and Federal Law. Due to the conventions limited resources, convention staff may be required to discuss your reasonable accommodation with you in order to attempt to meet your needs. Seating is limited, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. We ask that you be cooperative, and prompt for seating times for events you would like to see.
: ''Dragon Con supports equal-access and provides on-site assistance for anyone who has a disability. Please be sure to stop by the Disability Services table if you need any assistance.''
Dragon Con seeks to do its utmost to provide equal access to its participants with disabilities in accordance with State and Federal Law. Due to the conventions limited resources, convention staff may be required to discuss your reasonable accommodation with you in order to attempt to meet your needs. Seating is limited, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. We ask that you be cooperative, and prompt for seating times for events you would like to see.
*Running registration for people who can’t maneuver the tight turns or long lines.
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*Staff working all areas of Main Programming in the Hyatt, Marriott, Westin, Hilton and Sheraton, keeping them accessible for people with disabilities.
*[http://dragonconds.wikia.com/wiki/Seat_in_Line/End_of_Row_Accommodations Chair in Line / End of Row Accommodations]; for non-wheeled folks with mobility impairments.
We offer 6 stickers for badges, based on seating requirements: ([http://dragonconds.wikia.com/wiki/Sticker_Explanations details on accommodations here])
*[http://dragonconds.wikia.com/wiki/Sightlines_Accommodations Sightlines]; for access to the interpreter, safe space for working animals, and other unique situations.
*[http://dragonconds.wikia.com/wiki/Medical_Sticker Medical]: This sticker is a place to put emergency information if you have a medical condition that the EMT needs to know about before they put you in the ambulance. It does not entitle you to any other services.
*Medical: This sticker is a place to put emergency information if you have a medical condition that the EMT needs to know about before they put you in the ambulance. It does not entitle you to any other services.
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===Look for the Disability Services table at Registration, in the Sheraton.===
===Look for the Disability Services table at Registration, in the Sheraton.===
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One important thing to remember: we will do our best to make sure events are accessible to you, but that does not mean we ''guarantee'' you a front row seat, or head of the line privileges. If you are going to a very popular event, you must get there extra early to get a good seat, just like everyone else. The accessible seating will not be in the front row. We follow the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which specifies the number and arrangement required for accessible seating. If you arrive late, or in some cases even "on time" for an event, you may not get the seat you would prefer, and in some cases you may not be able to get in at all.
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One important thing to remember: we will do our best to make sure events are accessible to you, but that does not mean we guarantee you a front row seat, or head of the line privileges. If you are going to a very popular event, you must get there extra early to get a good seat, just like everyone else. The accessible seating will not be in the front row. We follow the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which specifies the number and arrangement required for accessible seating. If you arrive late, or in some cases even "on time" for an event, you may not get the seat you would prefer, and in some cases you may not be able to get in at all.
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<p class="MsoNormal">'''''While staff will always do their best to make accommodations, once *General Loading* begins in a ballroom, disability seating is NOT guaranteed'''.''</p>
===='''''Qualification for services does not guarantee availability of seating.'''''====
===='''''Qualification for services does not guarantee availability of seating.'''''====
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''People who think they will need assistance at the convention should contact Disability Services in advance.'' The Con covers more than six square blocks on a hill. We strongly suggest that if an individual has difficulty walking long distances that they consider renting an electric scooter.
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The Con covers more than seven square blocks on a steep hill. We strongly suggest that if an individual has difficulty walking long distances that they consider renting an electric scooter.
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: Scooter and Wheelchair rentals are available by contacting ''ScootAround Inc.'' toll-free at 1-888-441-7575, by email at [mailto:info@scootaround.com info@scootaround.com] , through their website at [http://www.scootaround.com/rentals/d/dragoncon www.scootaround.com/rentals/d/dragoncon] or by fax at (204) 478-1172. '''PLEASE CONTACT THEM EARLY.'''
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: Scooter and Wheelchair rentals are available by contacting ''ScootAround Inc.'' toll-free at 1-888-441-7575, by email at [mailto:info@scootaround.com info@scootaround.com] , through their website at [http://www.scootaround.com/rentals/d/dragoncon www.scootaround.com/rentals/d/dragoncon] or by fax at (204) 478-1172. '''PLEASE CONTACT THEM EARLY. '''For more information please check out http://locations.scootaround.com/rentals/d/dragoncon/information.htm
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Line 39:
Line 46:
===Volunteers===
===Volunteers===
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If you would like to volunteer to help with Disability Services (we are always on the lookout for trained sign language interpreters and those experienced in dealing with physicalhandicaps), please contact Cherie Wren, [mailto:disabilityservices@dragoncon.org disabilityservices@dragoncon.org] .
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If you would like to volunteer to help with Disability Services (we are always on the lookout for trained sign language interpreters and those experienced/comfortable in dealing with people with disabilities), please contact Cherie Wren, [mailto:disabilityservices@dragoncon.org disabilityservices@dragoncon.org] .
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==[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/gform?key=0Ak-VM_vXWgJqdEZ4WHg2R05LWmhiUDJ5VnMwa1RFdnc&hl=en_US#edit Rate your experience with Disability Services]==
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==<nowiki/>==
==Links for More Information==
==Links for More Information==
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[http://dragonconds.wikia.com/wiki/How_Disability_Services_Work_at_DragonCon How Disability Services work at Dragon Con]
Welcome to the Disability Services Guide to Dragon Con Wiki
DCDS at Registration-- obviously on Sunday or Monday
This is an all-inclusive guide to Dragon Con for people with disabilities. This will be an ongoing collaboration among DCDS staff to address getting around all aspects of Dragon Con. Maps with accessible routes, restaurant guides, FAQs, self-advocacy training and more, oh, my! If you are new to Dragon Con Disability Services, this link; [How Disability Services Work at Dragon Con] on all things DCDS, should be your very first stop.
Dragon Con Disability Services
Dragon Con supports equal-access and provides on-site assistance for anyone who has a disability. Please be sure to stop by the Disability Services table if you need any assistance.
Dragon Con seeks to do its utmost to provide equal access to its participants with disabilities in accordance with State and Federal Law. Due to the conventions limited resources, convention staff may be required to discuss your reasonable accommodation with you in order to attempt to meet your needs. Seating is limited, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. We ask that you be cooperative, and prompt for seating times for events you would like to see.
The convention offers a variety of services to help you enjoy your Dragon Con experience, including:
Wheelchair accessible bus service between the Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Sheraton, Westin, and official Con overflow hotels.
Convention schedule in an electronic version to be downloaded to your screen-reading device (or printed upon request only).
Sign Language interpreters upon request.
Staff working all areas of Main Programming in the Hyatt, Marriott, Westin, Hilton and Sheraton, keeping them accessible for people with disabilities.
Providing stickers to members with medical conditions to put on their badge, giving directions for emergency contacts.
Running registration for people who, due to the nature of their disability, can’t maneuver the tight turns or long lines.
Wheelchair Seating; for our wheeled folk, of course.
Seat in Line / End of Row Accommodations; for non-wheeled folks with mobility impairments.
Proximity / 50 ft. to Screen; for visual/lip-reading access.
Sightlines; for access to the interpreter and other unique situations.
Safe Space for Service Dogs: seating for people with service dogs, to keep the animal safe.
PCA: for individuals with significant disabilities who need significant assistance with daily living and personal care.
Medical: This sticker is a place to put emergency information if you have a medical condition that the EMT needs to know about before they put you in the ambulance. It does not entitle you to any other services.
Look for the Disability Services table at Registration, in the Sheraton.
One important thing to remember: we will do our best to make sure events are accessible to you, but that does not mean we guarantee you a front row seat, or head of the line privileges. If you are going to a very popular event, you must get there extra early to get a good seat, just like everyone else. The accessible seating will not be in the front row. We follow the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which specifies the number and arrangement required for accessible seating. If you arrive late, or in some cases even "on time" for an event, you may not get the seat you would prefer, and in some cases you may not be able to get in at all.
While staff will always do their best to make accommodations, once *General Loading* begins in a ballroom, disability seating is NOT guaranteed.
Qualification for services does not guarantee availability of seating.
The Con covers more than seven square blocks on a steep hill. We strongly suggest that if an individual has difficulty walking long distances that they consider renting an electric scooter.
If you would like to volunteer to help with Disability Services (we are always on the lookout for trained sign language interpreters and those experienced/comfortable in dealing with people with disabilities), please contact Cherie Wren, disabilityservices@dragoncon.org .
