WisCon ConChairs
Every year, our Access Team works hard to make the con space as navigable as possible for all our members. From the unscented soaps in the public restrooms to the travel lanes on the 6th floor, accessibility is an important priority for WisCon.
A new initiative that we’re very excited about this year is….
Accessible shuttle to / from the Room of One’s Own Reception on Thursday night, for the Guest of Honor readings
Room of One’s Own is about five blocks from the Concourse hotel, which is further than some members are comfortable or able to walk. This year we have reserved a fully accessible shuttle which will be running between the Concourse and Room of One’s Own!
The reception and Guest of Honor readings start at 6pm. The shuttle will run between 4:30 and 7:30pm. The shuttle will be on-demand in that it will collect passengers until it’s full, then make a run and return for more passengers.
A few other notes about accessibility through the rest of the weekend
1st floor carpeting
If you have difficulty navigating the carpeted area next to the elevator bank on the first floor, there is a path to the right of the grand staircase past The Cupboard Under The Stairs™ (previously the business center) and around the far side of the elevators.
Accessible and all-gender restrooms
There are single-occupancy accessible all-gender restrooms in several places in the hotel, including in Conference 1 on the 2nd floor and on the 6th floor between rooms 627 and 629. Panels may be taking place in Conference 1 during the day, but you are always welcome to enter to use the restroom.
Blue tape!
Blue tape is used throughout the convention space to define accessible spaces. Blue-taped areas and chairs in programming rooms are for those who use mobility devices or who may need to sit near the front for whatever reason. Blue-taped lanes in the hallways show you which side of the hall is for walking or rolling and which side is for hanging out — please move to one side if you find yourself stopping to chat in the hall. Blue tape can also indicate where lines should form.
Mobility scooters
Do you need a mobility scooter while you’re in town for WisCon?
- Buit Mobility Solutions, LLC — the closest short term rental that will deliver to the hotel.
- 101 Mobility
Access Do’s and Don’ts
Respect Blue Zones: Please don’t stand in the striped zones. Don’t remove the tape
Do Respect Service Animals Although interacting with animals is tempting, please don’t pet, distract, or take photos of service animals
Do Use the Quiet Space if you need a break. Don’t Make the Quiet Place a loud place. Respect the space
Do Use microphones on panels. Don’t Ignore requests that you use one.
Do Ask for help if you need it. Don’t feel like asking for assistance is a problem.
Questions, comments, requests?
How can we help make the convention more accessible for you? You can always contact us at access@wiscon.net.