No Limits: How to Rock a Con
Picture by Kiera Vallone
Conventions are a wonderful way to meet new friends and spend a weekend full of geeky adventures. They are places to show off new costumes or buy those ever-so-hard-to-find action figures and other goodies. This type of fun is one that everyone should get to partake in, including those with physical disabilities and mobility issues.
The list of things to consider before attending a convention can be stressful for anyone, but such things can seem even more daunting to someone with alternate methods of getting around. While one person may worry about finding the quickest route to an interesting-sounding panel, a person with mobility issues may spend an hour simply trying to locate an elevator in a crowded convention center.
Planning ahead is a simple yet crucial step in reducing the stress of attending your first convention. If you have any difficulty getting around or would like to plan out your schedule beforehand, it is a good idea to contact the venue where the convention is being held and ask them any questions you see fit (locations of accessible restrooms, elevators, etc.). Do not be afraid to ask questions in order to obtain all the information that you need. No one knows your own needs better than you. This statement applies to everyone, especially in terms of convention time, when the number of meals are less and hours of sleep few. However, this does not have to be the case. Make time to eat properly, and get enough sleep to comfortably function. Find a place to sit down when you feel tired, and be familiar what your body is telling you. Never underestimate the importance of taking care of yourself and staying safe.
The convention staff is another helpful resource available to you as a convention attendee. Do not be afraid to ask a staff member a question, even if you are not sure they will have the answer. You will never know until you ask. The convention staff are there for you and to make sure that you have the best experience possible.
Another major component of most geeky conventions is cosplay, short for “costume play.” Now, we have all seen the perfectly detailed, hand-crafted weapons and flawless wigs and may begin to doubt ourselves or feel intimidated. But there is no reason to feel this way. Cosplay is all about representing a character you love and having fun in the process. Having to use a wheelchair or other mobility aid is no excuse not to cosplay if you want to do so. Also keep in mind that these devices do not need to dictate which characters you choose to dress as or limit you in any way. Do not worry about what others may think, but the chances are their thoughts are revolving around how awesome you look!
If you are feeling a little uneasy about attending a convention, here are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, it is just a fact that you will be surrounded by lots of people, sometimes even thousands of people. And while this may seem rather unsettling at first, you must also remember this; all of these people are there for the same reason you are. To have a fun weekend with people who enjoy the same things that you do. It is as simple as that.
Secondly, it is important to remember that your convention experience is what you make it. If you want to attend panels all day every day, then do it. If you want to wear a beautifully detailed costume and wander around the convention, be my guest. Schedule your days at the convention to whatever suits your personal preference, and plan accordingly.
Lastly, have fun! Conventions are all about fun, and everyone is there to have a good time. Do not let your worries get in the way of doing what you want to do and having the time of your life. Just be yourself, and there is no way that you can go wrong!
