Accessibility Services
At Midwest FurFest, we believe that everyone should have a fun and enjoyable weekend. The Accessibility Services Department was created in 2019 to better support attendees with disabilities. Our Team is led and primarily composed of disabled staff members. While we may not be able to offer the perfect solution, we will do our utmost to provide suggestions or other resources that will fulfill some or all of your needs.
Registration Queue
A separate Accessibility entrance/queue is available for those who are unable to stand for long periods during badge pickup. If you are having trouble finding the queue, please locate one of our Crowd Control staffers.
Accessibility Wristbands
This credential will help Furfest Staff identify anyone who needs priority in event and elevator lines. Each wristband holder is allowed one (1) person to accompany them. Wristbands can be obtained at Registration during badge pickup, but will also be available at the Accessibility Services office during the duration of the convention.
Scooter Rental
Scootaround offers mobility rental services and will deliver equipment directly to your hotel. Online booking is not currently available, but you can call 888-441-7575 for rental inquiries, Please contact them as early as possible to ensure availability.
Quiet Room
The Quiet Room is a place where you can spend time away from noise, lights, and other stimuli of the convention. For locations, operating hours and rules please check the programming guide.
Color Communication Badges
Large crowds can often be overwhelming for some attendees. These optional tags can be conveniently attached to your convention badge to help express your communication preferences quickly and non-verbally. These badges were adapted from guidelines provided by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
Color Communication Badges will be available free of charge at the Accessibility Services Office, Registration, Operations, and the Info Desks.
Service Animals
Midwest Furfest recognizes service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act Act (ADA) and Illinois Service Animal Access Act. A service animal must be trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. At this time, that does not include emotional support animals, nor does it include service animals other than dogs and miniature horses.
Service animals must be leashed (unless prevented by their handler’s disability or access need) at all times and under handler control. Service animals who are aggressive or disruptive may be asked to be removed from the convention space. Attendees are reminded that service animals are working animals and should not distract or attempt to pet them.
Sign Language Interpretation
ASL interpretation is provided for all major events. These include: Opening Ceremonies, Fursuit Dance Competition, Floor Wars, and Closing Ceremonies. A limited number of ASL interpreters are available for individual assistance, but must be requested at least 2 weeks prior to the convention.
Recommended Apps
Deaf and Hard of Hearing attendees who usually rely on lip reading may not be able to understand you through your face mask. A great option is to write down what you want to say, or use a speech-to-text app to automatically transcribe what you say. Here are a few apps to try out!
Google Live Transcribe (can type back, many languages) (Android)
Microsoft Translator (can type back, can translate, many languages) (iOS, Android, Windows)
Web Captioner (many languages) (universal web page)
These apps are great for typing out what you have to say:
Gender Neutral Bathrooms
Gender neutral bathrooms will be available. If you need assistance, ask the Accessibility Department or any Info Desk. Please note that some public toilet facilities may use binary language such as “Men” and “Women”.
We recognize that some disabilities are invisible and that accommodations are not always one-size-fits-all. If you have a need or request outside of these services, please reach out to us!
Although the convention seeks to minimize barriers as much as possible, we are limited by finances, logistics, facilities, and critter staffing. We always welcome suggestions or resources to help make Midwest Furfest more accessible.
Contact Us!
Please email accessibility@furfest.org.