Menu Close

Accessibility Policies 2025

AnimeIowa is dedicated to ensuring that all of our attendees are able to enjoy our convention to the fullest extent possible. To that end, we have taken the following steps to universal design. Please feel welcome to contact us at accessibility@animeiowa.com if you have any needs that are not currently being met, and we will do our best to make sure your convention experience is fulfilling.

Vision:

  • A number of free Anime Iowa magnifiers will be available at the Info Desk to aid in reading the program book.
  • Which anime(s) are shown dubbed or in original Japanese with subtitles will be marked on the video schedule.

Mobility:

  • Important Measurements:
    • The length of the Main Hallway, from the Lobby to the Marketplace, is 757ft/230.73m, with Chairs and Couches available at various points along its length.
      • Upstairs Doorways are 35″/87.5cm wide.
      • Carpet Depth both Upstairs and Downstairs averages 0.75 inches/ 2cm thick.
      • The Carpet along the Main Hallway has mildly variable textures in places.
      • Wheelchair Spaces in Programming Rooms should be: 30” (76 cm) Wide/ 48’ (122 cm) Long.

General information:

  • Attendees with Mobility Issues will be allowed into the Marketplace at the same time as Sponsors and Staff, which is half an hour before General Attendee access.
  • Attendees with Mobility Issues can contact us ahead of time via information@animeiowa.com to arrange to skip the line to pick up their badge at the Registration Help Desk rather than waiting in line
  • Wheelchair Spaces will be blocked out in each Program Room to allow space for Wheelchair Users to sit.

A Changing Station will be set up in Cosplay Central for cosplayers to change their Costumes in instead of in the Handicap Access Stalls in the Bathrooms; additionally, signs will be placed outside Public Restrooms to alert Cosplayers to the existence of the Changing Room.

  • Accessibility Passes/Stickers will be issued on site to Attendees with Mobility Problems; anyone else who requests an Accessibility Pass/Sticker will be addressed on a Case-by-Case Basis.
    • These passes will allow the Bearer and One Other Person (PCA – Personal Care Assistant) to skip any and all lines managed by AnimeIowa.
    • These passes also allow early access to Panel Rooms.
    • Accessibility Passes will go directly on the Attendees Badge and are Non-Transferrable
    • Accessibility Passes can be requested ahead of time via e-mail to information@animeiowa.com, and picked up at the Info Desk before or after the Attendee picks up their Badge from Registration. with the attendee’s badge.

Equipment and Assistants:

  • Equipment required by Attendees to attend the Convention does not need to be Peace Marked.
  • Those attendees who need Personal Care Assistants in order to attend the convention are encouraged to contact the Registration Department (registration@animeiowa.com) and/or the Accessibility Department (accessibility@animeiowa.com), either prior to the convention or on-site at the Registration Help Desk; PCAs are subject to the same rules and will use the same badge-type as children ages five and under.
    • PCAs are subject to the same Rules and will use the same Badge-Type as Children ages Four and under.
  • Anime Iowa welcomes service animals; attendees will be asked at Opening Ceremonies to approach the human handler for permission before interacting with service animals
    • Emotional Support Animals will be allowed with a note from a Doctor.
    • Please read this document before bringing your ESA to AnimeIowa.

Hearing:

  • Signs to direct panelists to use the microphone will be posted outside panel rooms and available at the Info Desk.
  • Attendees will be asked at Opening Ceremonies to use the microphone when hosting panels and given quick guidelines on how to properly use them.
  • Which anime is shown with subtitles or without will be marked on the Video Schedule

Volunteering:

  • AnimeIowa provides a number of fantastic prizes for volunteers and is virtually always in need of more help.
  • To that end, we endeavor to make volunteering an option for all attendees:
    • People with low vision can volunteer at Peace Marking, where large-print copies of the prop/weapons policy will be available for you to follow along with attendees
    • People with Limited Mobility can Volunteer anywhere seating is available! This includes, but is not limited to: Badge checking, Registration, and Info Desk.
    • Deaf/Hard of hearing People can Check Badges.


Allergies and Immune Responses:

  • A list of near-by restaurants will be available at the Info Desk.
  • No-contact hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the hotel.

Other:

  • Stim Toys and Coloring Pages will be available in Family Programming for anyone who needs some time to cool down.
    • While AnimeIowa doesn’t have the budget for a Quiet Room this year, Attendees are encouraged to talk to the Accessibility Team about an alternative option.
  • For any other concerns that haven’t been covered by this policy, please contact information@animeiowa.com, and we will do our best to make accommodations!
  • Website Reference Information on ADA Accessibility Standards

Anime Iowa’s Accessibility Initiative is always looking for ways to improve. We appreciate input from any attendees or potential attendees regarding what would make our convention more welcoming. If you have any suggestions or constructive criticism to offer, please contact us at information@animeiowa.com. Anime Iowa will also have surveys available to fill out for you to share your opinions with us.

Updated June 12, 2025