ACCESSIBILITY

We always strive to include everyone in the Multiverse, regardless of differing abilities. Read on to learn more about our live captioning and other accessibility features, and if you have ideas about how we can make Multiverse even more welcoming to those with disabilities, please let us know!

LIVE CAPTIONING INFO & INSTRUCTIONS:

In 2023, we rolled out an easier, more accurate, more accessible, and more personalized live captioning setup. This section is to give everyone an idea what to expect and how to use it. Read on & learn more!

KEY POINTS:

  • Each track room (with the exception of MEET, for privacy) will have live captioning available.

  • Captions will be easily accessible on your own devices: phones, tablets, laptops, whatever. As long as it can access Discord, you're good.

  • You'll need to be a user on our Discord. The link to join is right here if you haven’t already joined. If you have any issues joining, let us know and we'll get you squared away.

  • With headphones, you can also listen to your own personal live audio feed, for greater clarity/volume if you need it.

  • You can access the live audio and captioning feeds even if you're not in the room... and even if you're not physically at the con!

See the picture in this section for instructions on how it will work on-site, join the Discord, and let us know if you have any questions. This is a brand new approach we're trying, so we welcome any feedback you have. Thanks, and we'll see you all soon!

MULTIVERSE ACCESSIBILITY FAQ:

We are always looking to improve our FAQ and policies, and we welcome any and all input to help us ensure that no Multiverse member or guest feels unwelcome or impeded in any way. If you have any suggestions, questions, or concerns which are not addressed here, please contact us.

Q: How should I let Multiverse know about my accessibility accommodation needs?

A: After you register, please email info@multiversecon.org to let us know if you have special requests for accessibility accommodation, for both on-site and off-site events. (e.g. transportation, mobility, vision, hearing, etc.). Information provided will be kept in the strictest of confidences. We cannot guarantee availability of all devices or services, but we will do our best to accommodate what you need.

Q: Is the venue for Multiverse an accessible hotel?

A: Yes. We used the Accessibility Checklist for SFWA Spaces before selecting the venue for Multiverse. There are some spaces within the conference center which do not currently meet our standard for accessibility, so we have chosen not to use those spaces for Multiverse programming and events. We are petitioning the venue to upgrade these spaces for better accessibility in future years, but until that happens, we will not hold programming in any space that is not equally accessible to all Multiverse participants.

Here are some other possible barriers for attendees to consider:

  • The elevators at the hotel might be too small for some larger mobility devices.

  • Public hotel restroom facilities may be labeled “Men” and “Women,” although we do assign some restrooms as gender-neutral during the convention.

  • The Multiverse Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention is not scent-free. However, we do attempt to reduce the presence of scents that may bother some scent-sensitive attendees.

Here are some other accommodations planned for the Multiverse event spaces:

  • There will be accessible seating in all of the Multiverse event spaces. This includes seating near the front for attendees with visual or hearing impairments and spaces for wheelchairs and scooters. Accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • All event spaces (except those designed for quiet or more intimate conversation) will have microphones for speakers and PA systems to amplify panelists’ voices.

  • The Multiverse Sensory Break Room is available as a quiet, low-stimulus area for attendees who need a break from excessive sensory input.

  • The Multiverse Con Suite always strives to provide food options that are acceptable to people with allergies, gluten sensitivity, or other dietary needs.

  • If you have physical challenges with standing in lines, please alert a Multiverse volunteer, and they will ensure you get accommodation.

  • Service animals are allowed per the ADA definitions.