FAIR accessibility policy for Fan Expo events

Comments

#201

Events needs to be accessible for all

(Saint Michael, 2018-04-16)

#204

I have family members who would benefit from this. I am very lucky that my brain tumor only wiped out hearing, and that I was able to overcome my mobility issues. Most aren't that lucky. I personally know the founder of this petition, and know her to be one of the biggest comic con fans ever, from meeting all the stars to running panel discussions. It is sad to see the expos she loves and contributes to doesn't care about her or others disabilities.

(Cochrane, 2018-04-17)

#205

Though I’m not disabled I have been through needing crutches and a wheelchair a few times. Everything she said is correct. When someone is in extreme pain they can’t stand for very long in lines. Long lines are hard even on able bodied people, let those with disabilities have the shortest line.

(Calgary, 2018-04-17)

#206

nobody deserves to be excluded based on their abilities

(Hamilton, 2018-04-17)

#209

I'm signing because I know people with mobility issues already face difficulties moving around in crowded spaces such as Fan Expo's busy floors. They also become exhausted and in physical pain much faster than fully-able folks. Even with my ligament issues I'm not able to attend cons to the full extent I used to; those who have mobility aids such as chairs or walkers, and those who have very limited energy such as those on exhausting medication or chronic pain, already are in a position to be medically unable to experience full enjoyment of a con. It is our responsibility to not hinder their enjoyment further, and in the name of "being fair" actually stand in the way of people who need help.

Fairness isn't giving people the same starting line; fairness is making sure everyone can finish the race.

(Winnipeg, 2018-04-17)

#211

I believe in accessibility for all. I'm sure the VIP line is not as long as the general entrance. Many people with disabilities have a care person with them for assistance, this sounds like a no brainer. Probably more room to move around as well to access tickets or wallets.

(Chatham, 2018-04-18)

#212

People of all levels of ability deserve the right to attend any event of their choosing and fan expos should be completely accessible for anybody to enjoy to the fullest.

(St john’s, 2018-04-18)

#213

I would never have a problem allowing a disabled person to use the VIP/Fast line even if I'd payed extra to be in it. They have to pay the price of their disability every day, we able-bodied people should be doing what we can to make their lives easier, not harder.

(Cologne, 2018-04-19)

#215

This is important, accessibility is important

(Burnaby, 2018-04-19)

#224

As someone who is disabled and has spent countless hours waiting in line with pain, I only recently (as in the last couple of years) took advantage of MA coverage. My condition may look invisiable to some, but it’s very real and I’ve been dealing with it all my life. Personally, I felt like I didn’t deserve MA and or I was taking advantage because of others worse off than me. But my best friend convinced me otherwise. Honestly, it’s been a life saver for me, so I can still enjoy the con life.

(Ferndale, 2018-04-22)

#225

Because equal access isn’t always fair and changing the policy after vip tickets are sold out is callous.

(Edmonton, 2018-04-23)

#227

Everyone should be allowed to attend all the events comfortably without having to drop lots of money

(North York, 2018-04-23)

#235

Our community of fans is open to everyone, and this means our events should be too.

(Calgary, 2018-04-25)

#239

I am a disabled party who is directly affected by these policy changes.

(Surrey, 2018-04-26)

#241

Really hard for people with reduced mobility to stand in line for a long time especially when you are a fan of extraordinary ‘special’ super heros. Even Disney understands dignity.

(Calgary, 2018-04-27)

#243

I'm signing because regardless of what condition anyone has they have the right to have the same exciting experience as everyone else!

(Swift Current, 2018-04-27)

#245

My daughter is special needs and confined to a wheelchair. Comic Cons are her major entertainment and we attend events all over Canada.

(Calgary, 2018-04-27)

#246

The reasons you stated for allowing mobility limited persons access to the VIP lines are perfectly reasonable. It's not as if people are trying to "fake it" to be able to cut the line. If everything is arranged prior to the show, there should be no problems. Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy their hobbies!

(Winnipeg, 2018-04-27)

#251

Allow the disabled to have priority access as needed to allow for equal access and accessibility.

(Richmond, 2018-04-29)

#252

Everyone can cosplay and allow too. And nobody should be stopped of what they want to do.

(Laval, 2018-04-29)

#255

i could only spend about 2 hours on grounds before having to leave due to pain. If a handicap room was available I could go there to rest as soon as pain came and not have to leave early.

(Calgary, 2018-04-29)

#256

I have had a VIP pass every year that they have been available. I have happily shared the VIP line with people disabilities. Chatting about our favourite geek/nerd fandoms. This year I didn’t get a VIP pass because my wife was diagnosed with MS last year and has vision and mobility issues. I wasn’t sure if she would be able to attend the entire weekend for those reasons. I just couldn’t justify paying the VIP pass price without knowing if she could fully utilize it (and it is $200 more to get a refundable pass). I was shocked to find out that the policy had changed so dramatically. It is shameful that Fan Expo doesn’t do everything in their power to ensure that all guests have the best time possible. It isn’t a shock because this weekend proved to me that they only care about money and not people.

(Calgary, 2018-04-30)

#257

How can this possibly even happen anymore. I'm embarrassed and disgusted that this would happen here.

(Calgary, 2018-04-30)

#259

I, myself, am disabled and I stand in solidarity with Alberta Cosplayers with Disabilites and their request for acesss to the VIP/fast lines and fair treament.

(Chilliwack, 2018-04-30)

#272

I am disabled

(Calgary, 2018-05-01)

#274

I'm signing because I believe that all people should be able to attend and enjoy things like the Expos and not have to worry about what their limitations will allow them to do. No one should have to miss out because of the things that make them unique.

(Calgary, 2018-05-01)

#276

I have trouble standing for long periods of time so hoping that they take note of the concerns of those with accessibility problems or those advocating for us, as I would like to be able to attend the expo for years to come

(Calgary, 2018-05-02)

#277

It's important for many of those I know to enjoy the events as best as they are able to.

(Tofield, 2018-05-02)

#278

Equality yo

(Calgary, 2018-05-02)

#280

As a nurse I advocate daily for my patients, and find the idea of removing accessibility abhorrent.

(Westlock, 2018-05-02)

#290

Calgary Expo is a place where people who don't "fit in" can find their community and belong. It was for me. Persons with disabilities (who often face more barriers to "fitting in" than most) should be able to access that just as easily as able-bodied folks. Recognize their unique needs and keep these amazing event acessible to all.

(Banff, 2018-05-02)

#293

As a woman with disabilities, although not visible, I understand what it’s like to have issues with mobility. Disabled people have a right to experience these events and without proper access many will not.

(Vancouver, 2018-05-02)

#294

I have close friends that have accessibility issues and we were not pleased with the direction that the expo went this year in that regard.

(Calgary, 2018-05-02)

#295

I have MS and struggle with exhaustion, balance, and vision issues. The MS also makes being trapped in large crowds for too long almost painful-it’s like someone jamming spikes in my brain, and it causes my anxiety to flare. I’ve always purchased a VIP in the past but this year I couldn’t afford the extra charge for a refundable ticket and I couldn’t risk my illness making it impossible for me to attend.

(Calgary, 2018-05-02)

#301

I'm signing because the Expo is about community through fandom, and all people should have fair access to their community.

(Calgary, 2018-05-02)

#302

I believe all spaces and events should be accessible.

(Calgary, 2018-05-02)

#303

Accessibility matters! Do right by the community that supports your event.

(Calgary, 2018-05-02)

#310

I am physically disabled and feel every public event should be sensitive to the abilities of all individuals, whether they are physically able or physically disabled. Thank you.

(Calgary, 2018-05-02)

#314

By removing simple accommodations for individuals with limitations to have a comfortable and as close to normal time at the Expos as possible, it demonstrates that the show doesn't care and cares even less for those with limitations.

Taking away assistance is an ablist move and as the owner of a business who is a regular vendor at the expos, and an individual with a major handicap too, I sign this petition in hope that my voice and other fellows who disagree with this policy change can be heard.

(Edmonton, 2018-05-03)

#317

I'm signing because fair treatment is not necessarily equal treatment. Let disabled nerds through the quick line, you money grubbing Trump fans.

(Fort Saskatchewan, 2018-05-03)

#318

My daughter is autistic. Bottom 1% in adaptive functioning. Meaning she gets incredibly overwhelmed in social situations. Being able to use the fast pass lane means she isn't in tears for her photo op, or doesn't get one at all. Many People with disabilities do not have money to spend on vip passes. And they shouldn't have to just because of how they were born.

(Edmonton, 2018-05-03)

#322

I am signing because I understand my privilege. As an able-bodied person, I realize that there are things I take for granted that are difficult, if not impossible for others. Equity is one of the pillars of our democratic society, and it does not mean that everybody gets the same treatment. It means that everybody gets WHAT THEY NEED.

(Edmonton, 2018-05-03)

#323

Many people I know are disabled, and this change will significantly change their ability to attend and fully experience this event. It's sad, frustrating and disappointing to see what was a fantastic show of support and compassion taken away.

(Beaumont, 2018-05-03)

#324

I appreciate the energy and resilience it takes to try and enjoy life when your body is opposing you. Accessibility is something many of us take for granted, this gives me an opportunity to appreciate my ability, while respecting the limits placed on someone else’s.

(Pathein, 2018-05-03)

#326

I'm signing because I have fibromyalgia and accessibility for everyone is super important!

(Fredericton, 2018-05-03)

#328

Everyone deserves expo

(Calgary, 2018-05-03)

#329

Let’s keep all conventions and events accessible to all abilities.

(Drippings Springs, Texas, 2018-05-03)

#330

I have friends and relations who use mobility devices, from canes to walkers to wheelchairs and scooters, and who regularly attend events such as the ones listed in this petition. The original policy is much more in line with the values of the cons and events that I enjoy attending, and is something that I keep in mind as I schedule my annual conference calendar.

(Denver, 2018-05-03)

#332

As an able bodied geek who loves to attend these events it is equally as important to me to know that people who need or could use accommodations be granted access to them. I am so proud of how inclusive we as fans in fandom can be and it's important that Fan Expo reflect that value by giving all peoples the options to enjoy their events regardless of ability.

(Lethbridge, 2018-05-03)

#333

Those with disabilities struggle enough in day to day life and small advantages like these can make a huge difference to them. Also, there appear to be a number of ill-considered changes to how the Calgary and Edmonton expo have been run, making them significantly worse for all involved. The Fan Cons have always been run in a less functional and considerate way and it is saddening to see the Comic Expo conventions that were amazingly run adopt the poorer standards and policies of the Fan Con Conventions.

(Edmonton, 2018-05-04)

#334

I’m signing this because I know how hard it can be for people who don’t have the same mobility as others and they should get this consideration back. Many people with various disabilities don’t have the same stamina and this helps them greatly attend the event and have a good time as well. Expos are for all no matter what.

(Edmonton, 2018-05-04)

#337

I have several friends that are longtime participants and vendors of Cons like Calgary Expo, and a couple have disabilities which limit mobility. But they still make the effort to be part of this community both for fun as well in some cases it’s their livelihood. It’s dhameful that a culture so immersed in stories and characters with extraordinary abilities would deny basic accessibility to many who have turned to this platform as a means to be inspired and rise above their limitations.
Long story short? Get your shit together.

(Edmonton, 2018-05-04)

#340

This is just too mean spirited

(Van, 2018-05-04)

#344

I am a cosplayer with a physical disability

(Powell River, 2018-05-05)

#346

Everyone should be able to attend events of all kinds regardless of their needs or disabilities!

(High Prairie, 2018-05-05)

#348

Having been a sibling of someone with a disability and seeing the exhaustion that a day of much needed fun causes. The fast pass lanes made a world of difference. There is no way we could have done all there was to do at an event with my brother who was very ill without the benefits of a disabilities pass etc.... No one wants to be in such a position, why make life harder for them... Shame on you.

(Portland, 2018-05-07)

#352

I believe that monetary gain should not come before compassion and human decency

(Sudbury, 2018-05-08)

#357

I need both my knees replaced but im "too young at 48" so I am in constant pain. I will be going to Fan Expo in Toronto this year and I'm not sure how I'm going to handle the lines for the Q&As, panels and photo ops

(Mitchell, 2018-05-11)

#358

It makes sense

(EDMONTON, 2018-05-14)

#360

I am signing this petition because I feel my friend Laura and others who live with day to day physical mobility issues should have the be allowed to have the same convenience they had before gaining their early passes without having to physically endure the physical stress on their bodies prior to enjoying the Expo.
The Expo IS For Everyone.
Please Consider what I have said.

(Edmonton, 2018-05-15)

#362

We need to start seeing some change in the convention community.

(Ottawa, 2018-05-19)

#364

Everyone deserves to go to fan expo and see there favourite actors and actresses

(Trenton Ontario, 2018-05-21)

#365

As a person with limited mobility who would love to attend a Fan Expo event, I would find it difficult at best and impossible most of the time. This is not acceptable and clearly discriminatory in nature. Please change your policy.

(Enderby, 2018-05-21)

#374

The changes Fan Expo made to the accessibility policy is a move in the wrong direction. I doubt they can get away with this in Ontario with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Disabled people want to have fun, too. With the limited time we can do things in a day, Fan Expo has effectively banned disabled people from their events.

(Guelph, 2018-05-28)

#376

I’m signing as a disabled person who requires a walker for all-day outings and can’t stand in long lines.

(Oakland, CA, 2018-08-21)

#378

my child has autism and like many kids, adults he requires an accessibility pass. The new policy is complete bull and needs to be changed. Well done for being the voice of many.

(Fort McMurray, 2018-08-21)