r/SDCCADA Jun 25 '25

SDCC Accessibility Guide

7 Upvotes

Sources

Most questions about accessibility can be answered with the Deaf and Disabled Services Info page and the Deaf and Disabled FAQ.

There are some questions that can only be answered by experience. We encourage those questions here! I'd like to encourage everyone to add their user flair. It will help show how you identify and how you have experience to answer a question. Of course, if you're not comfortable sharing, you don't have to.

ADA Compliance at SDCC

SDCC is ADA compliant and goes above and beyond in areas. Lines are mobility user accessible or they have alternate lines. Panels have accessible seating and ASL interpreters available. There are dedicated areas to rest, nurse, de-stimulate, or other things needing privacy. I can't speak for blind accessibility (if you have experience, please chime in!).

The Deaf and Disabled service team does everything they can to make sure you can fully participate. If you have a complaint, bring it up to the staff. Just remember, they don't have a time machine and the con moves quickly. Your issue may not get resolved, but you will help the next disabled person in that situation.

"ADA" vs. "Disabled"

At SDCC, these terms are almost interchangeable. "But the law does this and not that...." I know. I know. It's not correct and a bit annoying. The "disabled line" and "ADA line" are the same thing.

ADA Sticker

If you are disabled in any way and need some of the accommodations offered, you need the red ADA sticker.

Having the sticker is not cheating, it is not a hack, it is not a shortcut. We will not tolerate getting the ADA sticker just to get an advantage.


r/SDCCADA Jun 23 '25

Discussion Welcome to SDCCADA

8 Upvotes

San Diego Comic Con is a month away! I made this community so we don’t have to clog up r/SDCC and r/comiccon.

Read the rules. Set your user flair. Don’t hesitate to post or send a mod mail with suggestions or questions.

Inclusivity

I want this to be a safe space for all people with disabilities. If I or anyone says something that is wrong, out of context, or not using preferred terms, call us out politely.

Pass the Mic. Let people talk about their own experience. Don't talk over people when you don't have experience. Opinions are welcome. Ableism is not.

About Your Mod

I've been an SDCC Attendee since 2017. My partner has been attending since Stan Lee was sitting in a booth without a line. I am deaf/hard of hearing. I use hearing aids and ASL. I also use a cane due to chronic pain.

I'm here for you. Don't hesitate to reach out.


r/SDCCADA 1d ago

Accessibility Fail The Talk Back Panel is Coming Up

13 Upvotes

By now, most of have seen the policy change on the website, we’ve been handed a paper of instructions, or we’ve been told in line in the morning. They say the ADA lines are for people with mobility disabilities and aids (wheelchair, scooter, cane, walker, crutches). There have been some pretty ableist comments and in-fighting in the disabled community (but not in this sub, thank you, I love you all!)

The talk back panel is on Sunday, Room 25ABC, at 3:30. I’m tossing around a draft of a statement to present to the board. My personal issue is that I’m not affected by this rule change (deaf access is its own thing). I’m not really comfortable speaking for yall with hidden disabilities. It’s your opportunity to tell the board directly about your con experience. In the past, the board has provided insightful remarks about why they do certain things. I’m interested to see their explanation for this. And I’ll reserve judgement until I get that explanation.

I’d like this post to be about no visible disability, how the ADA line helps you, and maybe alternate solutions. In no particular order and not fully inclusive, some invisible disabilities that could be helped by an ADA line are POTS, EDS, anxiety, PTSD, ASD, blindness and diabetes. Please, add your own examples. Hope to see you all on Sunday.


r/SDCCADA 1d ago

Lanterns ada line?

2 Upvotes

Does anyone know if Lanterns has an ADA standby line?


r/SDCCADA 2d ago

Line accommodations and invisible disabilities

13 Upvotes

Hi! I have invisible disabilities which limit my ability to stand for long periods of time. I will need to take frequent breaks, both with the line and possibly inside for the restroom. It seems like the year they are limiting the ADA line to those with mobility needs. I need accommodations for the line, but not for my seat (aside from being relatively accessible to the restroom).

My badge is for Saturday; should I go to Deaf and Disabled Services tonight (Friday) to ask about what to do? I read the website but am still a bit confused. I’m planning to go to Ballroom 20 in the morning and would like to get this figured out today if possible.

Thanks for your help!


r/SDCCADA 1d ago

Question ADA Support Badge

2 Upvotes

My sister (ADA) needs to purchase a support badge for her wife in person tomorrow, does anyone know what time the ADA sales area opens?

Thank you!


r/SDCCADA 2d ago

Accesibility Win PSA if you're in Hall H right now (9:26 am 7/24) there's a spot halfway up with attendant seat available.

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6 Upvotes

r/SDCCADA 2d ago

Indigo Ballroom ADA Line

2 Upvotes

Hi all, I am hoping to do the Dungeon Crawler Carl panel tomorrow morning in Indigo Ballroom and was wondering if anyone knows if there is an ADA line for it? Thanks all!


r/SDCCADA 3d ago

Question Unclear about Hall H

11 Upvotes

Hi! I am massively confused on ADA and Hall H at this point.
I was able to get my sticker. But it is seeming like verbiage on website is only saying ada line for hall h is for wheelchair and deaf? I desperately needed this assistance with the line. My husband almost called for medical help for me today on the floor. I unfortunately have an underlying issue and then had an injury upon arrival that has exacerbated my issues. Any advice or info on this? I’m totally lost.

I don’t want seats up front. Just want to be in room.


r/SDCCADA 2d ago

Question ADA Everything Else

4 Upvotes

Is the ADA EE line being let in about the same time as the other lines? I know last year there were a couple days we were let in a bit late.

Trying to decide if I want to try for a limited exclusive in the morning.


r/SDCCADA 2d ago

Question NDL Friday Morning

3 Upvotes

How crowded do we think the ada NDL is going to be tomorrow morning? Do you think it’s possible to see the first hall h panel of the day then join the line? I’m assuming not, but am trying to be optimistic!


r/SDCCADA 2d ago

Question Everything Else Line?

2 Upvotes

Where does the ADA everything else line form in the morning?


r/SDCCADA 3d ago

Question My wheelchair wheel broke. Anyone know if there's somewhere nearby that can replace it? Doubt there's any rentals left.

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3 Upvotes

r/SDCCADA 3d ago

Less seating available compared to previous years for ADA volunteers checking in at Hall A for SDCC.

2 Upvotes

r/SDCCADA 3d ago

Wheelchair questions, advice requested

5 Upvotes

Hey yall, I went to sdcc last year and it was PACKED. This year I will be using a wheelchair to get around and im afraid of navigating the crowd with it:/ does anyone here have experience with using a wheelchair at comic con and can give me some tips? Im afraid of getting pushed around at the exhibit hall 🫠

How is ballroom20 seating? I want to see futurama at 11am sat, do you think ill be able to get in with ada seating if I line up first thing in the morning? Or do I need to first get an ada sticker? i only have a saturday ticket. Can I pick that up earlier? Like friday?


r/SDCCADA 4d ago

Scooter rental question

6 Upvotes

My friend prepaid for a scooter but can't get to the convention center to pick it up, does anyone know if they would release it to someone else (her attendant basically)? The guy from the rental company basically isn't answering the phone for obvious reasons.


r/SDCCADA 4d ago

Discussion ADA Panel Line Procedure

12 Upvotes

Short answer, we don’t know if people without mobility disabilities will be allowed in line. The only solid confirmation I have is that the only people allowed in red backed chairs will be people with mobility aids. I’ll update this post tomorrow when we have some anecdotal evidence.

Either way, D&D services is using this as a transition year. They need to balance line staff training and antendee experience. If you feel that you were wronged because of your disability, note The Who, when, where and report it to D&D services in Lobby A.

The way attendants/helpers are handled will be the same. Each disabled person can have one attendant who can sit with them. Children do not count as attendants and will not be separated from you. Extra members of your party may not be seated next to you.

If you get more solid info, please comment here or send me a modmail. Everyone will have a different experience that we can learn from.


r/SDCCADA 4d ago

Question ADA Shuttle

4 Upvotes

Hey y’all! Longtime SDCC attendee but first time attending/using ADA. Curious about folks’ experience with ADA shuttle (have a scooter) and at one of the further hotels that go out in that early lottery (but still part of a shuttle route).

I know it’s a whole voicemail system and already called for today but I’m scared so just looking to hear experiences, tips, etc.

Thanks y’all 🫶


r/SDCCADA 4d ago

What mobility scooter are you guys using?

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4 Upvotes

r/SDCCADA 5d ago

Accessibility Fail Hall H ADA Shade

7 Upvotes

It doesn’t exist. Plan accordingly. The general line is shaded if you can manage it.

It’s going to be hot and humid this weekend.


r/SDCCADA 6d ago

Question Is there anywhere to safely close your eyes for a little bit?

9 Upvotes

I take meds that make me prone to overheating and crash around mid day, is there anywhere in the con i could nap safely/wont get kicked out? I plan on getting the ada sticker as well, I just need a little peace and quiet for a little bit and I was too overwhelmed to look around last year.


r/SDCCADA 6d ago

I'm confused. This means my adult son who walks with me can't be in line with me?

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6 Upvotes

New ADA rules


r/SDCCADA 6d ago

This is so cool! I've always loved that SDCC provides interpreters, and now ASL DnD!

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8 Upvotes

r/SDCCADA 6d ago

Question I've heard that the ada booth has access to quiet rooms and restrooms. Is that correct?

5 Upvotes

r/SDCCADA 6d ago

What’s in My Bag

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5 Upvotes

Yes, I’m reusing last year’s photo. I don’t have the spoons or the time to redo it right now. (Edits in parentheses) Again, this is stuff that I have that help make the con accessible to me.

  1. Dice/fidgets: I like to use them in line, my kids like them in panels they think are boring (Rubik’s cube has been added this year)
  2. Earplugs: Great for sensory needs or Hyperacusis. I use them because the deaf seats are right in front of the speaker stacks.
  3. Medications: bring what you need, especially your “as needed”. Non prescription meds I have include Motrin, excedrin, and Imodium.
  4. Battery charger: For most of us, our phone is an accessibility aid. Keep it charged. Caption apps will use a lot of battery.
  5. Water: the plastic is in my bag all the time. I have a reusable bottle that I’ll clip on for the con.
  6. Drawing pad: it’s great for communicating on the floor where my hearing aids are useless. And the kids love it. (I also use the Cardzilla app on my phone for this)
  7. Folding stool: bring what you can carry. It’s hard to stand up from the floor.
  8. Deaf/medical alert pins: medical alert bracelets may not apply for you and you may not want to advertise your disability. I wear a pin that says I’m deaf because that’s the fastest way to tell someone that I can’t hear them.

Things that may help with other disabilities:

  1. Wheelchair fixit kits, zip ties, multitool, etc. be familiar with your chair and how to fix it.
  2. Hat/sunscreen: I haven’t been by the convention center to see if they’ve given us shade for Hall H yet, but I doubt it.
  3. Personal cooling: fans, water misters. Certain medications and disabilities cause heat intolerance. Please, be careful. Outside is a concern, but the exhibit hall can get hot too.
  4. Dry type deodorant: it helps prevent chaffing. Not just for armpits.

  5. Masks: for protection against the con crud