Support for Arisia Attendees
Arisia is committed to being a diverse and inclusive event that attempts to provide accommodation for people with disabilities. You can find more information at http://2013.arisia.org/Access
Recommendations
Arisia makes full use of the hotel facilities. Events are spread out, and a significant amount of walking will be required. There are a number of places to sit and rest in the hallways, in large corridors outside the ballrooms, near the panel rooms, and in the main lobby of the hotel. However, we recommend that if you use mobility aids, you should bring them or arrange a rental for the convention.
If you have serious allergies, we strongly advise that you bring medication with you, or a mask if your allergies are severe. Arisia has always had a number of service dogs in attendance, and you may also encounter any number of foods at the convention, as well as perfumes, dust, and many other common allergens. We ask attendees to go consider going scent-free for the convention, and for pet owners to go over their clothing with a lint brush, but it is best to be prepared.
For attendees who may be immunocompromised, be aware that there is a serious flu outbreak in Massachusetts right now. While the consuite and other food areas will be diligent in their cleanliness, you may wish to take extra precautions, whether that is medication, tea, or extra rest.
If you have any questions about accessibility or if you would like to make a request, please send an email message to access@arisia.org. We'll try our best to accommodate your needs.
ASL at Arisia
Any Deaf Attendees who wish to bring an interpreter with them, can get a free (Adult-in-tow) membership for their interpreter, when they register.
We will be having two ASL meet and greet sessions at the convention, 11am on Saturday and Sunday, at the tables near Starbucks. We will also be distributing pins to attendees who know some sign language.
Tactile Tours
The Tactile Tour of the Art Show will be on Saturday, and will start at 11:30 am.
The Tactile Tour of the Masquerade will be on Sunday, during Masquerade Halftime (about 9:30pm)
Please send email to access@arisia.org if you are interested in either tour.
Quiet Room
This year we are adding a Quiet Room, located in room 402, a space to take a break from the noise and chaos of the con and those omnipresent fluorescent lights. This is our first year doing this, so the room will be very simply furnished.
This room will have set hours:
Friday 4pm-10pm
Saturday 10am-10pm
Sunday 10am-10pm
Monday 10am-3pm
This room will have a minder, or someone checking on it frequently, and it will have a list of basic guidelines and expectations of behavior. To help people with allergies, we are going to ask that this be a food free space. We ask that people not sleep here, or try to use the space as crash space. Nursing moms are welcome, but this not be used as a play space for small children. This space will also have a gender-free restroom.
If you have ideas about how we might improve Access Services in 2013, or if you would like to volunteer to help, we would love to hear from you. Please email access@arisia.org.
Recommendations
Arisia makes full use of the hotel facilities. Events are spread out, and a significant amount of walking will be required. There are a number of places to sit and rest in the hallways, in large corridors outside the ballrooms, near the panel rooms, and in the main lobby of the hotel. However, we recommend that if you use mobility aids, you should bring them or arrange a rental for the convention.
If you have serious allergies, we strongly advise that you bring medication with you, or a mask if your allergies are severe. Arisia has always had a number of service dogs in attendance, and you may also encounter any number of foods at the convention, as well as perfumes, dust, and many other common allergens. We ask attendees to go consider going scent-free for the convention, and for pet owners to go over their clothing with a lint brush, but it is best to be prepared.
For attendees who may be immunocompromised, be aware that there is a serious flu outbreak in Massachusetts right now. While the consuite and other food areas will be diligent in their cleanliness, you may wish to take extra precautions, whether that is medication, tea, or extra rest.
If you have any questions about accessibility or if you would like to make a request, please send an email message to access@arisia.org. We'll try our best to accommodate your needs.
ASL at Arisia
Any Deaf Attendees who wish to bring an interpreter with them, can get a free (Adult-in-tow) membership for their interpreter, when they register.
We will be having two ASL meet and greet sessions at the convention, 11am on Saturday and Sunday, at the tables near Starbucks. We will also be distributing pins to attendees who know some sign language.
Tactile Tours
The Tactile Tour of the Art Show will be on Saturday, and will start at 11:30 am.
The Tactile Tour of the Masquerade will be on Sunday, during Masquerade Halftime (about 9:30pm)
Please send email to access@arisia.org if you are interested in either tour.
Quiet Room
This year we are adding a Quiet Room, located in room 402, a space to take a break from the noise and chaos of the con and those omnipresent fluorescent lights. This is our first year doing this, so the room will be very simply furnished.
This room will have set hours:
Friday 4pm-10pm
Saturday 10am-10pm
Sunday 10am-10pm
Monday 10am-3pm
This room will have a minder, or someone checking on it frequently, and it will have a list of basic guidelines and expectations of behavior. To help people with allergies, we are going to ask that this be a food free space. We ask that people not sleep here, or try to use the space as crash space. Nursing moms are welcome, but this not be used as a play space for small children. This space will also have a gender-free restroom.
If you have ideas about how we might improve Access Services in 2013, or if you would like to volunteer to help, we would love to hear from you. Please email access@arisia.org.