Ai-Kon strives to provide an equal experience for all attendees, including those who require accessibility accommodations. We are committed to ensuring that all participants in our convention are able to experience the event equally. We continue to review and update our plans to remove barriers when possible and ensure that our convention is accessible to all, regardless if their disabilities are visible or invisible, permanent or temporary. 

Accessibility sticker

Attendees with a disability who meet eligibility conditions may register, at no extra cost, for an Accessibility sticker that allows for accommodations during the convention. Accessibility stickers are only available at the Registration Desk and staff will attach them directly to the attendee’s badge. This will indicate to our staff and volunteers that the attendee is entitled to accommodations or may need assistance in case of an emergency or evacuation. This sticker must be visible on the attendee’s badge at all times.

Eligibility conditions

To obtain the accessibility sticker, the attendee must present one of the following: 

• Access 2 Card, issued by Easter Seals;
• Accompanying documentation from an accessible parking permit;
• Letter from a healthcare provider stating the need for a support person, inability to stand in line for long periods of time, or any other necessary accommodations.

Note: It is not mandatory to have the list of diagnoses on the doctor’s letter, only the necessary accommodations required.

Accessibility accommodations

Accessibility accommodations may entitle the bearer to:

• Reserved accessible seating in Main Programming: Designated wheelchair and companion seating areas, as well as limited designated accessible seats are available in the Main Programming room and Presentation Theatre. This seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis and due to space limitations this seating may not be available for all attendees. If you have an accessibility sticker and are accompanied by a support person, only that support person can sit with you. Tickets and wristbands may also be required for limited capacity events.
• Early access/front of line entry: Attendees who may have mobility issues or may need additional time to get seated can wait by the entrance to panels and programming. We ask that if you require this accommodation that you arrive early and notify the volunteers at the door. 
• A designated queue at Registration to assist with registration and pass purchasing.
• Assistance from event staff and volunteers for navigation or information.

Autograph Line Accommodations

Due to the high demand and limited signing windows, line-skipping is not permitted in the autograph area for any attendee, including those with accessibility issues. Accessibility sticker pass holders may have a companion, support person or an Ai-Kon volunteer wait in line on their behalf. When the companion reaches the front, the person needing accommodations may join them at the front of the line. If you require this type of assistance, please notify staff and they will assist you. 

Support person

Ai-Kon offers the possibility of having a free support person if they present either an Access 2 card, issued by Easter Seals or a letter from a healthcare provider stating the need for a companion. This person can be a trained professional (ASL interpreter, sighted guide etc.), or a friend or family member who is designated to support the person. Ai-Kon limits one support person per attendee. A support person can accompany the attendee requiring accommodations, but if they are attending without the person with the accessibility pass, they will be treated as a normal attendee. 

Service animals

Although pets are prohibited, service animals are allowed and welcome. We recommend that all service animals are clearly identifiable as such. Service animals must be obedient and behave in a manner that is both safe and non-threatening to other attendees and the general public. If a service animal becomes disruptive, such as barking, lunging, snarling, scratching or biting, Ai-Kon may ask that you remove the service animal from the premises.

St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog Program 

A St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog teams provide comfort, affection, and support to many people in group environments such as at Ai-Kon! There are many benefits to interacting with our Therapy Dog Teams, including but not limited to: improving mood, lowering stress, motivating movement, stimulating the mind, promoting socialization, improving self-esteem, providing sensory stimulation, and encouraging communication.

More information regarding where and when the therapy dogs and volunteers will be located will be updated here closer to the event. 

How accessible is the venue?

The RBC Convention Centre features a number of accessibility features, including designated disabled parking spaces in both parkades, elevators at all four corners of the north building and centrally located in the south building, and washroom facilities equipped with wheelchair accessible stalls and sinks. 

How can I help?

• Allow those using wheelchairs or mobility aids to have priority access to elevators. Please allow plenty of time to change between floors as elevators can be crowded and slow. 
• Ai-Kon requests that everyone give priority to people with accessibility stickers, strollers, or young children for the use of accessible bathroom stalls. Please refrain from using these stalls as cosplay change rooms, as this enables people to access toilets that are best adapted to their needs.
• Avoid heavily scented personal products as these may aggravate health conditions in others. Please be considerate when in close proximity with others.
• Do not disturb service animals. They are on duty at work and should not be distracted.
• Refrain from having costumes or props that feature flashing lights or speakers. Ai-Kon can be a busy and stimulating event, and this can aggravate certain conditions.
• If you or anyone else need a break from the crowds or are feeling overwhelmed for any reason, visit our Health Room. Please note that this room is not a lounge or meeting place and should not be used as such.
• Do not sit in accessible designated areas unless you are a person that needs accommodations. These designated seats are limited in number and are reserved for those who may need assistance or who may benefit from accessible seating.

Feedback and Support

We value your input. If you experience accessibility issues or have suggestions for how we can improve, please reach out to us via our Contact Us page or our Accessibility Interest form.