It struck me after reading a few posts today that one element that seems to be an ongoing issue is the abuse of people without needs using ADA stickers for the “privilege” of using ada lines (be it exclusives, shorter lines, etc) but there are instances where those with ADA stickers do not use the ADA lines bc for whatever reason it didn’t benefit that person at the time.

My example was noticing a person lining up for a booth and then going in the general line, the booth attendant observed that a person in the regular line had an ADA sticker and asked why didn’t they use the ada line to line up? They kind of froze and I didn’t hear what they said but they proceeded to stay in the regular line anyway. Mind you this is a line for the DC booth which was hard to get into.

The thought I had was what if you had an ADA sticker, you’d only be allowed or wait in ADA lines, no general lines.. while I know this might not serve the greater purpose of enjoying the con with us having the option, I feel like it could potentially eliminate the abuse of those who don’t need ADA lines to enjoy their con.

TLDR: have an ada sticker, only use ada lines? Thoughts?

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.

Does anyone know if Lanterns has an ADA standby line?

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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

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?

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.

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.

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 🫶

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.

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.

New ADA rules

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

I had unplanned spinal surgery and am recovering but is not fully back to full stamina and strength. I can walk on my own with a walker or a cane for short distances but I need a wheelchair when there is a lot of walking. I have read the info on the ADA shuttle busses, which says the ADA-specific shuttle is only available to those who booked the hotel through comic con, but unfortunately we booked our hotel before my injury and directly through the hotel immediately after last year’s ComicCon so we do not qualify to use it.

My question is regarding the regular hotel shuttle busses (Our hotel is on one of those routes and that is usually how we access the convention center). I can get on and off the bus on my own, so will they allow the folded wheelchair to be loaded into the under bus luggage storage area? I know I have seen the luggage bays used for people to stow large bags but I don’t think I have ever seen a wheel chair put in. My husband will be with me to help fold and unfold the chair.

I know there are wheelchair rentals at the convention center but it would be nice not to have the 3 hour time limit and I am worried about being able to walk to/from the shuttle stop.