DJ Ranma asked me to write two reports for Zenkaikon. I usually write standalone reports for each event– and this is quite the different but exciting approach!  I even started typing on my day home from the con!  This initial report will mainly focus on my positive experience with the Accessibility Department at the Zenkaikon. However, I’ll also provide relevant info along the way. More details of my general Zenkaikon experience will be coming soon in a future coverage post.

So, what helped make my accessibility experience at Zenkaikon a positive one?  Conventions are a place where I feel accepted. Getting accommodations helped me get the most out of my convention experience. 

 Zenkaikon made major changes to their layout, which threw me for a huge loop. Two members of staff from registration swooped in, stylish gear and all, and helped me out. One allowed me to use the accessibility elevator before I got ahold of my ribbon. A member of the registration staff was really sweet and checked up on me while passing by in the halls later on.

I’m the type of person who’s rather routine-oriented and spends a lot of time preparing for anything outside of the norm. I was confused for much of Thursday and scrambled for a while to find registration in regards to my press badge. Despite my reaction to the new layout,  most of my adventures around the con ended up quite positive in the end, enhanced further by having accessibility options available to me. I got settled in on Thursday much easier because of Accessibility Staff, Registration Staff, and my friends. My general coverage of Zenkaikon (in a future post) will discuss the changes in more detail. 

Ramblings aside, once I got settled and talked to the accessibility desk, getting the accommodations was a game-changer. The setup of the desk and improvement of overall organization (accommodations desk and beyond), over the weekend are what made it so great. 

Zenkaikon gives those with accessibility needs a red ‘priority’ ribbon to affix to their badge. I received the badge ribbon from the accessibility table after checking in with the staff. In addition to the ‘priority’ ribbon, a ‘companion’ ribbon is also an option for folks who bring another person along their convention adventure. DJ Ranma also let me know about the ‘Hard of Hearing’ and ‘Invisible Disability’ ribbon offerings.

Throughout the weekend, I felt comfortable knowing about the accessibility options available to me. The accessibility elevator was something I used occasionally over the weekend when the hustle and bustle of the con became too much. Attendees with accessibility needs could also get seats close to the stage during con offerings such as panels or main events. Although I didn’t utilize all options,  such as the front row seating, I noticed the con did have flexibility for various attendees’ needs, and appreciated this! 

 I also want to bring up and commend the small and helpful gestures from staff in the Accessibility Department. A staff member patiently guided me through accessibility options while pointing to the convention map and relevant info on paper, such as the convention’s quiet spaces.

Source: Zenkaikon Facebook

I love quiet spaces. The two quiet room options: The Carolina Manga Library at the con and The Lancaster Library down the road gave attendees chances to relax. I visited the Carolina Manga Library this year, browsed shelves of materials, and decided to flip through the Sailor Moon Raisonne artbook. I’ve also noticed substantial growth in the Carolina Manga Library’s Collection. The library was quite relaxing, and I decompressed to pages of gorgeous Sailor Moon artwork!  Although I didn’t get the chance over the weekend to stop inside of the Lancaster Library, I did pass by groups of attendees relaxing outside on benches. The con had at least two choices for quiet rooms. 

Source: Zenkaikon Facebook

Zenkaikon also brought a brand new accommodation this year by offering a couple of American Sign Language interpreters for select panels and events. Folks who may need an interpreter were asked to send a request ahead to ensure availability. Although I do not know ASL personally and cannot speak fully on experiences in this regard,  two interpreters did show up at the masquerade in proximity to rows dedicated to accessibility. In some events I’ve seen with ASL interpreters, there’s also a small corner area dedicated to a popup and overlay video of the interpreter signing on the main event screen. In other words, as the main event shows live on screen, so does a small video of the interpreter at the same time! The overlay is something the con could potentially consider. I’m glad more accessibility options are being added.

My gratitude also extends to the attendees. Inclusion is also a topic that I think about as someone with disabilities and I piece I felt important to add!  As I mentioned at the start of this post, conventions make me feel welcomed and included. Staff and attendees make cons possible, while also creating a warm atmosphere for all. Zenkaikon staff worked hard throughout the con for the attendees to have a good time and it showed. I could tell there was a collaborative effort between departments and emphasis on accessibility, even outside of Accessibility Department Interactions.

Cosplay often is what made my weekend go from good to great..I feel included and accepted..and meet others who share relatable stories.  I cosplayed throughout the weekend as characters who resonated with me. Bocchi from Bocchi the Rock is a shy girl who wants to make friends.  Bocchi uses a  creative hobby as a springboard for her personal growth, but with her new friends, she is able to slowly but surely get out of her shell. Other folks who seemed shy got the courage to come up to me and asked for pictures. I saw people’s own anxieties lessen from the quick interactions alone. 

I also cosplayed as Meta Knight, a character from the Kirby franchise who is implied to be neurodivergent. He typically hyper fixates on training in almost all adaptations, and interacts with the other characters in a different way. The rest of the characters accept Meta Knight and are friendly with him despite these differences. Interactions in this cosplay were also positive too! 

Overall, Zenkaikon offered great accessibility throughout the weekend and in my own personal experience. Inclusivity also was prioritized over the weekend with good vibes from staff inside and outside of the Accessibility Department. Although there are potential opportunities for Zenkaikon to further improve accessibility, I had a solid year and good time. 

Cinna Knight

CinnaKnight has been in the convention-scene for over a decade! C.K. runs on candy, coffee, and sometimes ...chaos! She's an avid writer, foodie, and a big fan of the Kirby franchise. She will also remind you to hydrate and almost always has safety pins and Advil handy.

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