Accessibility Policy

Otakuthon strives to provide an equal experience to all attendees, including those requiring accessibility services. We are committed to ensuring that all participants who require accessibility services can participate in the convention on an equal footing with everyone else. The following policy is designed to ensure accessibility for all individuals, regardless of whether their disability is visible or invisible, temporary or permanent.

Accessibility sticker

Otakuthon will provide an accessibility sticker that will allow for accommodations during the convention. Accessibility stickers are only available at the Accessibility desk, located near the Registration area. Staff will attach them directly to the participant’s badge to indicate to staff that they are entitled to the accommodations provided in this policy.

Eligibility conditions for the accessibility sticker

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

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

Companion

Otakuthon offers the possibility of having a free companion if they present one of the following:

Queue for registration

A designated queue for individuals with disabilities is available at Registration.

Early access to seated events

Some attendees may not be able to stand for long periods, and queues can sometimes be lengthy and tiring. We aim to make the experience more comfortable for everyone, including those with disabilities. Therefore, this accommodation is available to all attendees with an accessibility sticker who finds it difficult to remain standing for long periods.

Early access to seated events will be available when a queue is present before entering a room. This applies to concerts, screenings and panels. However, early access is not offered for autograph sessions to ensure fairness.

One (1) designated companion may follow the person with the accessibility sticker. If an event requires a ticket, whether paid or not, the disabled person must present a valid ticket to enter the room. The accompanying person will have free access to the room with a courtesy ticket obtained from Customer Service.

Early access will be possible up to ten (10) minutes before the start of general admission.

For events held at Place des Arts, the specific policies regarding accessibility are the responsibility of Place des Arts and not under the purview of Otakuthon.

If early access is unavailable, participants who are unable to stand for long periods of time can be seated with chairs while they wait in line. Alternatively, they may ask their companion to wait in line for them as a proxy. Only those with an accessibility sticker can have a proxy wait in line for them.

Priority access to elevators

To facilitate mobility, Otakuthon asks that everyone give priority to those with an accessibility sticker in elevators. This allows disabled people who cannot use escalators to move safely between different floors.

Assistance dog

Although pets are prohibited, assistance dogs are welcome at the convention. The handler of the assistance dog is responsible for their canine companion.

According to the Commission on Human Rights and Youth Rights (CDPDJ), an assistance dog is one that has undergone specialized training from a training organization to perform tasks that help compensate for a person’s disability. Dogs whose primary function is to provide emotional support are not recognized as assistance dogs and are therefore not allowed in the convention.

If the animal disrupts the convention or behaves in an unacceptable manner without its owner intervening or regaining control over it, Otakuthon reserves the right to request the removal of the animal from the premises. The assistance dog must obey its owner, be clean, refrain from excessive barking, and not roam freely around the convention centre or disturb other attendees. Additionally, it must always be kept on a leash.

The assistance dog must be clearly identifiable by wearing a vest, harness or bandana, or any other visual means of identification indicating that it is an assistance dog. The handler must always carry the training certificate (letter or identity card) with them, as it can be requested by a staff member to verify that the dog is indeed an assistance dog.

The assistance dog can wear a cosplay as long as it remains identifiable as such.

Accessible parking

Designated parking spaces reserved for people with disability permits are available at the Viger parking lot at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, accessible via Chenneville Street.

Accessible toilets

Otakuthon kindly requests that everyone give priority to people with accessibility stickers, strollers, or young children for the use of accessible bathroom stalls. This enables people with disabilities to access toilets that are adapted for their needs.

The Palais des congrès has accessible bathrooms throughout.

Wheelchairs

The Palais des congrès is fully wheelchair-accessible, with ramps at every entrance.

The Palais des congrès allows you to rent a wheelchair for free, subject to availability. We strongly recommend that you book one in advance. To do so, please visit their website.

For any questions, please contact the Accessibility Department at accessibility@otakuthon.com.