Katsucon from a wheelchair
21 February 2011 | 7 comments
Remember when I said I wouldn’t miss Katsucon for anything? It looks like I was put to the test. On Thursday night, I injured my foot on a Metro escalator (an MRI today will let me know whether it’s a break or a fracture), and have been confined to an air cast ever since. But I still made it to Katsucon on Saturday, even if I did have to limp there!
I’ve been a proponent of disability rights for a long time, but being temporarily disabled myself really gave me a new perspective on how we run anime conventions. I went to Katsucon to interview artists and staff members on the new fanart policy, but I ended up doing a lot of firsthand reporting on what Katsucon is like for somebody with limited mobility. I am happy to say that Katsucon was especially disability-friendly! Here are some photos I took from a wheelchair point of view:
After getting my press pass, the first place I stopped (well, that John wheeled me to) was the Anime USA booth! It looks fantastically patriotic, in light of our 2011 theme: “Service and Duty.” In my opinion, Theo’s astronaut suit and Kevin’s poster art are the best parts. Plus, they gave me a balloon to tie onto the back of my wheelchair.
After seeing Kevin’s gorgeous poster art, I had to stop by and visit with Kevin at his Artist Alley booth. It’s especially apparent in this shot how low to the ground I am.
Lots of cosplayers were extremely accommodating when I wanted to take photos of them. They posed low to the ground so I could get a good shot.
At lunch time, we went to a place called Freshii where the only seating was in high-up bar stools. My friends sat up there and handed me my food and drink from the table.
And because I brought my own chair, I got front row seating, both at Charles’ “Dead Like Us” panel on Shinigami…
…and at the masquerade!
I bought myself a Lolita inspired headband from my friend Bune, who was selling at Artist Alley. You can see it in this photo, which we took with a bunch of friends from my alma mater, the University of Mary Washington.
I was too low to see most stuff in the Dealer’s Room. After taking this photo, I cheated a little and stood on one leg to get a better view.
My only real mobility problem at Katsucon was when it came to elevators. (Isn’t that the case at every con?) But since I was in a wheelchair, people always made sure to let me on the elevator, no matter how crowded. Later, John and I found a “secret” elevator and never had to wait again!
For more photos, visit my Flickr page. And stay tuned for my followup on fanart at Katsucon!
poor crippled Lauren, at least you had fun. That’s actually an interesting perspective to attend an anime con.
I will not forget the experience trying to wheel you around National Harbor to get food on Saturday night. Priceless.
But you got some awesome pictures!
@Charles, I won’t forget it either. Not because of the horrifying wind, or the chair, but because of the awesome stories you have! Your Gundam knowledge has inspired John and I to watch (or in his case, rewatch) Gundam Seed and G Gundam!
I had a bout of Tendonitis last year, so I understand what you went through. I also didn’t have a wheelchair, but a cane. That made it harder.
@Tom, I forgot about that! I remember running into you and your cane at the charity auction last year. Thank goodness we both had/have temporary injuries!
It was as much John as I. I was feeding off his enthusiasm as well. Make him do a panel with me at AUSA, I’m already compiling data, examples and whatnot for something awesome.
Methinks I saw some ‘Genshiken’ volumes in that last dealer’s room picture… Wish I was there, I can’t find those anywhere!