Accessibility in the Convention Scene
The pop culture and convention scene is vast, a vibrant celebration of creativity, passion, and shared love for the things that engage us. These events offer a space to celebrate both our similarities and the differences that make us unique. Accessibility is an increasingly important topic in these spaces, especially as conventions and events continue to grow in scale and popularity. Conventions are a wonderful way to explore our passions and connect with the community. From booths featuring our favourite game developers and artists to the bustling excitement of cosplayers roaming the halls, there is something for everyone. Disability, whether mental, physical, or varying in degree, touches many in our community. As one of our interviewees noted, "Over 20% of Australians have a disability. The number is only increasing, and for many with a disability, gaming or pop culture is their sport, hobby, or interest. Events like these should be all-accommodating!" As conventions grow in popularity, it is crucial to ensure that accessibility becomes a priority, helping the entire community feel safe, welcomed, and seen.
We spoke to two incredible members of the community for their perspectives on accessibility at conventions:
“My name is James, otherwise known as 'Cripsy' in the community. I have been a full-time partnered Twitch streamer for over seven years and have been part of the Australian esports community since 2009. I have had the privilege of being a pro player, event organiser, MC and commentator amongst my time in the gaming community. My passion for accessibility particularly in gaming comes from my own experience with a chronic medical condition called osteogenesis imperfecta. I use a wheelchair to navigate the world safely which has given me the insight into some of the challenges for not only attendees but event organizers as well”
Our second interviewee is GrizzlyGhoul, an inspiring cosplayer:
"I am a chronically ill cosplayer and artist on a quest to max out my cosplay skill tree! My crafting journey started over a decade ago, but I only began taking cosplay more seriously in 2019. I have competed in PAX Champs twice now and love inspiring others to be creative and crafty with what they have!"
Attending a convention can be daunting for anyone, even on a good day. There are crowds, long lines, costumes that can be difficult to wear, and an atmosphere of hype that can sometimes feel overwhelming. For members of the community with physical disabilities, mental health challenges, or chronic illnesses, these hurdles can be even harder to navigate.
GrizzlyGhoul explains that even wearing a cosplay can be a struggle sometimes. "Costumes with lots of layers can be especially challenging." As a competitor in cosplay competitions, they also require a handler to help them get on and off stage, support them in managing their chronic illness, and ease their stage fright.
Crowds are another significant challenge, as James notes, "Foot traffic is a huge challenge for those who require the use of various aids. Navigating tight pathways or compact and busy booths makes it almost impossible to visit." GrizzlyGhoul adds, "Often, people are not paying attention and don’t see us. This can lead to frustration and clipped ankles."
It can also be difficult to find clear information about a convention’s approach to accessibility. Key details may be buried in pages of FAQs, left up to guesswork, or reliant on the training and knowledge of volunteers at the event.
While it is difficult to eliminate all challenges, a convention’s approach to accessibility can make or break the experience for attendees. The current state of accessibility in Australia, according to GrizzlyGhoul, "varies wildly from event to event." Both GrizzlyGhoul and James commend PAX Aus for its accessibility practices, particularly the use of accessibility passes, which help attendees make the most of panels, meet guests, and enjoy the convention. The rising awareness surrounding the use of indicators such as the ‘sunflower lanyard’ - and accommodating invisible illnesses in doing so, is a good step forward for conventions. James describes the wider scene as a "slow progression" where "there is a desire to do better, but due to time, venue, and cost constraints, it can be put into the 'too hard' basket." That said, James believes accessibility has improved significantly over the years.
When it comes to what conventions can do better, James emphasizes the importance of proper space and booth planning. "Those who purchase and create booths need to be aware that they can create a welcoming and warm experience for those with accessibility needs by creating booths with more space to move, limiting the number of people in the booth at once, and lowering tables or desks to allow those in wheelchairs to try out games, gear, or wares." He also highlights the need for clear accessibility information. "The Intel team helped me put together a video on day one of Dreamhack 2024 to help those with accessibility needs get down to the showroom floor because there was no signage or navigation tools provided. These small yet impactful tools can make or break someone's ability to attend an event." GrizzlyGhoul adds regarding stage comps, "There should always be space side stage for handlers. If you say a stage is accessible, it has to be accessible!" They emphasize that conventions must clearly indicate what is available and, just as importantly, what is not accessible.
Visibility also plays a key role. GrizzlyGhoul shares how being open about their struggles has helped others. "I have had so many lovely chats with other disabled individuals about how me being open with my struggles and use of aids has helped them feel more confident and empowered! Seeing someone on stage with their supports can have a huge impact on destigmatizing mobility aid use. The more of us who are out and proud, the more normalized our existence becomes." James agrees, noting that discussions like these can influence decision-makers to create more accessible events. "My hope is that the more we discuss these things, the more decision-makers engage members of the community who can provide their experiences to help us continue moving forward."
Despite the ongoing challenges, both James and GrizzlyGhoul offer encouragement to those who may feel apprehensive about attending events. James says, "If you are a gamer or in the pop culture community, you are welcome at these events. You will be seen, and there are people volunteering or working who will support you in your visit to ensure you have an incredible experience. Things will also continue to improve if we keep raising concerns and providing feedback." GrizzlyGhoul adds, "If you are dealing with a lack of accessibility, say something. I am never alone when in my wheelchair or on my crutches, so if I have any issues, I have someone to back me up. Ableism is going to happen no matter what you do, so use your aids. No one can tell you otherwise."
James shares his learnings working within the space, as well as his lived experiences: "What I have learned is that those with accessibility needs are incredibly passionate about the things they love, whether that is cosplay, playing board games with friends, or jumping on a server. For larger events in the gaming or pop culture space, it can be daunting to consider going, even for independent individuals. However, if a focus on accessibility is shown, we will come."
While there is still a long way to go, every step toward creating a more inclusive and accessible community is significant. Accessibility in pop culture conventions is an ongoing journey, but with open dialogue, thoughtful planning, and community advocacy, progress is happening. Whether you’re an organizer, attendee, or first-timer, know that your voice and experiences matter. If you’ve been hesitant to attend your first event, know that you’re not alone. You deserve to engage with the things you love, share your passions, and have as much fun as possible. Together, we can create spaces where everyone can share in the joy of pop culture and creativity.