Accessibility Policy
1. Purpose
Otakuthon strives to promote an inclusive, safe, and equitable experience for all attendees, including individuals with visible or invisible, temporary or permanent disabilities. This policy provides examples of accommodations that may be offered to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the festival.
2. Accessibility Stickers
Otakuthon offers two (2) types of accessibility stickers to better reflect attendees needs and required accommodations:
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Accessibility Sticker (Regular);
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Accessibility Sticker +1 (Support Person).
2.1 Accessibility Sticker (Regular)
This sticker provides access to the accommodations described below (e.g., dedicated queues, early access to seated events, seating in queues, elevator priority), without a free admission for a support person.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Visible disability;
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Letter from a healthcare professional confirming the need for accommodations (e.g., inability to stand in queues, need for seating, or other required measures).
2.2 Accessibility Sticker +1 (Support Person)
This sticker provides access to the accommodations described in this policy and a free admission for one (1) support person.
Eligibility Criteria:
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Leisure Companion Card (CAL) issued by AQLPH;
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Access2 Card issued by Easter Seals;
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Equivalent companion card issued by a recognized organization;
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Letter from a healthcare professional confirming the need for a support person.
Note: A medical diagnosis is not required. Only the required accommodations must be specified.
3. Obtaining and Using Accessibility Stickers
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Accessibility stickers may be obtained at the Accessibility Desk located near Registration or Customer Service and must be affixed to the attendee’s badge.
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Stickers are issued only to the person requiring accessibility accommodations.
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Stickers allow staff to quickly identify attendees eligible for the accommodations described in this policy.
4. Support Person
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A support person must be at least 14 years old in order to qualify for free admission granted by the Accessibility Sticker +1.
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A support person cannot be younger than 14 years old at the time of the convention.
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If the person requiring support is between 7 and 13 years old (inclusively), an adult support person aged 18 years or older must purchase a day or three-day badge. The child requiring support will be admitted free of charge.
5. Registration Queue
A dedicated accessibility queue is available at the registration counters. It is intended for participants with disabilities, visible or invisible.
6. Early Access to Seated Events
Some participants cannot stand for extended periods. To reduce constraints related to queues:
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Early access is offered to participants holding an Accessibility Sticker (Regular or +1) for seated events (concerts, screenings, panels).
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Early access is offered up to 10 minutes before general admission.
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One (1) support person may accompany the participant only if they hold an Accessibility Sticker +1.
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If a ticket is required (free or paid), the person with a disability must hold a valid ticket. The support person may receive a courtesy ticket from Customer Service.
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Early access does not apply to autograph sessions, to ensure fairness for all participants.
Alternative Measures:
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Seating may be provided, if available, for participants unable to stand.
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A support person may wait in line as a proxy for the participant (restricted to Accessibility +1 sticker holders).
7. Elevator Priority
The public is encouraged to give priority in elevators to participants holding an Accessibility Sticker (Regular or +1) to facilitate safe movement between floors.
8. Service Dogs
Service dogs are permitted during the festival.
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The dog must be trained by a recognized organization to assist a person with a disability. Emotional support animals are not considered service dogs and are not permitted, in accordance with the Palais des congrès de Montréal’s regulations.
Service dogs must:
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be kept on a leash no longer than 1.85 m (6 ft). If it weighs 20 kg (44 lb) or more, it must also wear a halter or harness attached to its leash, in accordance with the City of Montreal regulations;
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be clean, calm, and under the handler’s control;
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not disrupt festival activities or compromise participant safety.
The dog must wear visible identification (vest, harness, or other), and proof of training must be available upon request by authorized staff.
In the event of behavioral issues, the dog may be escorted out of the venue, even if previously admitted.
Costumes are permitted, provided that service dog identification remains clearly visible at all times.
9. Accessible Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are available in all washroom areas of the Palais des congrès de Montréal. The public is encouraged to give priority to persons with reduced mobility.
10. Contact
For any questions or special requests, please contact the Accessibility Department: accessibility@otakuthon.com