Accessibility Information

OffKai Expo is dedicated to ensuring accommodations designed to welcome all attendees with disabilities or additional needs welcomed and can enjoy the convention experience in a safe environment. Additionally, in support of accessibility and inclusivity, we offer complimentary badges for medical attendants accompanying attendees with disabilities. Attendees are highly encouraged to reach out to OffKai Expo ahead of time to ensure that their needs are met during the event. All participants are expected to follow the convention’s code of conduct, fostering a respectful and supportive atmosphere for everyone.

1. Standard accommodations at OffKai Expo include but are not limited to the following:
   1. Priority access and limited seating for programming events such as panels, meet and greets, and special events. Individuals requiring accessibility accommodations or who are otherwise unable to stand or sit for long periods of time, will be able to use lines and early entry privileges similar to our Supporter tier badge holders and VIPs. There will also be designated accessibility seating in each of the Panel Rooms and Stages.
      1. Please plan to show up to said panels or events at least 10 minutes prior to published start time. Early entry options will be provided for those requiring extra time to find their seats. Event rooms fill up quickly, so special seating may not be available if you show up at the last minute.
   2. Wheelchair and mobility device-friendly pathways, elevators, and ramps. We will have accessibility seating and line placement for all convention programming, and the San Jose McEnery Convention Center has multiple elevators and ramps that will be accessible for all attendees, but attendees with accessibility stickers/needs will have priority access to those elevators.
      1. Disabled attendees will not be required to wait in lines for elevator access.
      2. OffKai Expo does not provide mobility devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, and canes.
         1. While mobility aids are not available for rent through the convention directly, you can rent locally and have the aid delivered to OffKai Expo. This is one vendor that we suggest: https://www.cloudofgoods.com/san-jose-ca/
   3. Badge appointed accessibility marker to highlight need for accommodation from staff.
      1. Please visit the accessibility table at registration to receive said accessibility marker and confirm accommodation requests or preferences.
      2. Each disabled attendee is allowed one (1) helper for events and panels that have special seating.
2. Participants must provide details about specific accommodations required (e.g., ASL interpreters, wheelchair-accessible seating).
   1. Please try to provide at least 30 days’ notice if you will be requesting any special aides such as ASL interpreters.
   2. We do not require medical documentation of disabilities, except when permissible by law, but may request voluntary disclosure about the nature of a disability to provide better service
   3. Any information collected by OffKai Expo staff and volunteers is subject to HIPAA handling guidelines and will be destroyed at the completion of the convention.
3. Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA. Per SJCC policy, only service animals trained to work and perform tasks for a person with a disability are allowed.
   1. Service animals must be obedient and behave in a manner that is safe and non-threatening for other attendees and other service animals at all times.
   2. OffKai Expo reserves the right, as allowed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, to inquire 1) if a service animal is required because of disability; and 2) what work or task the animal has been trained to perform.
   3. Emotional support animals, and animals who are not fully trained as service animals are not qualified as service animals per the Americans with Disabilities Act.
   4. Attendees are required to provide their own sanitary items for their service animals, and cleaning up after them fall under the responsibility of the attendee. The service animal must be present with their user at all times.

For any further questions, please reach out to us at accessibility@offkaiexpo.com.