Comic-Con Deaf and Disabled Services

Lobby A


Updated information will be added, and some information may change as the convention approaches, so please check back often.


Comic-Con is dedicated to serving all our attendees. Comic-Con follows all applicable disability access laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California civil rights and building codes. We are committed to providing equal access and reasonable accommodations for all attendees.

The Deaf Services and Disabled Services Departments were established to offer a hand to visitors with special needs, including:

  • Badge pick-up service (including child badges) for those with mobility issues
  • ADA stickers and service dog stickers
  • Certified ASL interpreters at large panels and the Masquerade, or when requested at other panels. Comic-Con will make reasonable efforts to accommodate all requests
  • A limited number of volunteer interpreters available for individual assistance
  • A limited number of wheelchairs for loan (in up to three-hour increments) on a first-come, first-served basis. While Comic-Con will make reasonable efforts to accommodate all requests, please understand that the supply of loaner wheelchairs is limited.
  • A limited number of rental scooters available on a first-come, first-served basis. While Comic-Con will make reasonable efforts to accommodate all requests, please understand that the supply of rental scooters is limited.
  • Special limited seating for some programming, events, and the Masquerade
  • A rest area for the disabled, the elderly, expectant mothers, and parents with small children
  • Badge pick-up service (including child badges) for those with mobility issues
  • ADA stickers and service dog stickers
  • Certified ASL interpreters at large panels and the Masquerade, or when requested at other panels. Comic-Con will make reasonable efforts to accommodate all requests
  • A limited number of volunteer interpreters available for individual assistance
  • A limited number of wheelchairs for loan (in up to three-hour increments) on a first-come, first-served basis. While Comic-Con will make reasonable efforts to accommodate all requests, please understand that the supply of loaner wheelchairs is limited.
  • A limited number of rental scooters available on a first-come, first-served basis. While Comic-Con will make reasonable efforts to accommodate all requests, please understand that the supply of rental scooters is limited.
  • Special limited seating for some programming, events, and the Masquerade
  • A rest area for the disabled, the elderly, expectant mothers, and parents with small children
  • Comfort Rooms that can be used for nursing infants, administering medication, medical privacy, or as a sensory accommodation or sensory shroud for attendees with special needs
  • Those with mobility issues can request a runner to pick up ticketed giveaways from Panel Premiums for you (at the Hyatt Hotel).

Things to Know:

IMPORTANT! 2026 is the last year attendant badges will be sold on-site. Once again, any attendant badges sold on-site in 2026 will be limited.

 For Comic-Con 2027, you will need to purchase your attendant’s badge in advance, during one of our two online badge sales that will occur in late 2026. 

  • Deaf and Disabled Services is located in Lobby A
  • The elevators in Lobbies B, E, and H provide access to the Upper Level
  • The elevator in the lower bayside lobby at the rear of Hall B2 provides access to the Mezzanine, the Mezzanine Terrace, the Pavilion Terrace, and the Upper Level
  • Satellite RFID Badge Help desks can be found in Lobbies A, D, and G
  • First aid is available in Lobby C
  • Lost and Found is in Lobby D
  • Coat & Bag Check is in Lobbies E and F
  • Costume Prop Check is located in Lobbies C2 and E

Who to Ask, and Where to Look

  • For Deaf or Disabled Services information, check our FAQ or ask at their desks in Lobby A. Staff are trained in disability etiquette and ADA procedures.
  • For Deaf or Disabled Seating information, look for someone wearing a light blue vest in the lobbies outside the larger program rooms.
  • For Line information, ask someone with a Comic-Con branded lime-green polo shirt, but be aware that some line locations are not announced in advance.
  • For Autograph information, ask at the Autographs booth in the Sails Pavilion.
  • For Exclusives information, see the exclusives portal, or ask at an individual exhibitor’s booth.
  • To find the time a panel or program will begin, and where it will be, look at either the programming grid in your Events Guide, on the Comic-Con app, or on the Comic-Con website.
  • For detailed information about an exhibitor, program, or guest, look in the Events Guide, which has QR codes to take you directly to the appropriate webpage. You can also find the information on the Comic-Con app, or our website at www.comic-con.org
  • For hourly updated information regarding autograph, Portfolio Review, and programming schedule changes or cancellations, check the “Schedule” boards posted around the convention center.

If you are an attendee with disabilities, Comic-Con strives to make your experience as fun and entertaining as possible, but there are a few limitations on what can be provided. For example:
  • Deaf Services and Disabled Services cannot guarantee any seating, autographs, exclusives, or giveaways. All event and Program rooms have limited capacity as set by the fire marshal. Even though your badge is needed to get into all events, it does not guarantee you access to any event if it has reached its capacity. We do not clear rooms between events. 
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act does not require reserved seating for all disabilities. ADA reserved seating is intended only for those with mobility issues or those requiring an ASL interpreter. ADA Seating is not priority seating. You will not be seated first, but will have access equivalent to that of other badge-holders.
  • ADA lines are not priority lines or first access lines. You will not be let in first.
  • Program rooms fill up quickly, and all seating is on a first-come, first-served, equal opportunity basis. There are no reserved seats. ADA seating may not be available if you wait until the last minute to get to the room. Please check the schedule and plan your day accordingly, keeping in mind the popularity of most events.
  • Be aware that a portion of the Hall H ADA line is outside and may subject you to many long hours in the sun, so if you are sun sensitive, bring an umbrella and water.
  • Most autograph signings are of a limited nature. It is a good idea to make arrangements to have someone within your group save a spot for you in line.
  • There will always be information that Comic-Con is not told about in advance, such as special guests in panels or at exhibitor booths.
  • We are unable to refrigerate medicines or any other perishables. If you have medications or other items that need to be kept cool, you should bring a small cooler or insulated bag. 

Requesting an ASL Interpreter for Panels

Panels in Hall H, Ballroom 20, and Room 6BCF will already have ASL interpreters scheduled.
For panels in other rooms, an ASL interpreter may be requested at the Deaf Services desk in Lobby A. As always, the scheduler will try to accommodate all requests.

Deaf seating areas are available in the larger Program rooms and have YELLOW-back chairs. These seating sections are reserved for deaf attendees requiring an ASL interpreter. A Deaf Services sticker is required to sit in these sections. Stickers are available at the Deaf Services desk in Lobby A.

Requesting an ASL Volunteer Interpreter for Other ASL Needs

At the Deaf Services desk, you can also request a volunteer interpreter for a variety of other ASL needs (for up to three hours). Some examples are: interpreting for gaming or autographs, helping find a line, assisting in the Exhibit Hall, or at other Comic-Con-sponsored events.

If you are a daily volunteer and would like a volunteer interpreter to accompany you on your assignment, you can request one at the Deaf Services desk.

We will do our best to accommodate your interpreter needs, but occasionally, due to limitations beyond our control, we may not be able to accommodate all requests.

Captioning

Because each company is responsible for the program(s) they present, Comic-Con has no say in how those companies want their panel to be presented. While we welcome video content during panels to include captioning, it is the decision of the presenting company or artist on how they would like their program to be presented. 

Comic-Con is not a cable operator, television broadcaster, satellite distributor, or multi-channel programming distributor, and therefore is not required to caption.


Please visit the Deaf Services, and ASL Interpreters desks for more information


Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters

Mobility Source is located in Lobby A.

A limited number of wheelchairs are available for loan, for up to three hours on a first-come, first-served basis. ID and a credit/debit card for the deposit are required.

A limited number of rental scooters are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Rental requires ID and a credit/debit card for the deposit (fee to be determined).

The reservation phone number for rentals will be released as the convention approaches, so check back often.

If you choose to transition from your cane, crutches, walker, or wheelchair to a scooter/wheelchair, we can store your device, however, we do not have storage facilities or charging stations for your powered mobility devices.

Per ADA compliance, those with accessibility needs will be accommodated. Attendees with mobility issues are welcome to bring devices designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility-related disabilities.

All mobility devices must be operated safely, at the walking speed of those around you (4 mph or slower). VIOLATION OF THIS RULE COULD RESULT IN BEING REMOVED FROM THE EVENT AND HAVING YOUR BADGE REVOKED.

Due to legitimate safety concerns based on the high volume of slow-moving pedestrian traffic inside the convention center, all mobility devices must have three wheels or more to ensure stability. Trolleys, wagons, oversized strollers, rolling luggage, and handcarts are not allowed in the Exhibit Hall. This requirement is for your safety as well as the safety of others.

Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) with two or fewer wheels, including two-wheeled scooters, Segways, bicycles, electric motorcycles, and “hoverboards,” are not allowed in any public areas of the convention center, including the lobby. No fuel-powered devices are allowed.  

No OPDMDs are allowed without an individualized safety assessment. If you have an OPDMD for which you seek an individualized safety assessment, you should contact Disabled Services at least 30 days in advance at cci-info@comic-con.org. Please include the following information:

  1. Type of OPDMD (including the manufacturer and model.
  2. Dimensions of your OPDMD (should not exceed 32” wide x 52” long x 84” high, including rider) 
  3. Weight of your OPDMD (should not exceed 450 lbs.)
  4. Turning radius of your OPDMD (should not exceed 5‘)
  5. 5. The maximum speed of your OPDMD (and does it have an indoor setting to limit the speed to 4 mph or slower?)

Please allow three weeks for Disabled Services to reply to your email. If you do not secure a safety assessment prior to the event, having an assessment done at the event will cause you delays.

When bringing an OPDMD to the convention center, you must first take your device to Disabled Services in Lobby A so they may assess your device in person and verify if you have obtained prior clearance. They will verify the above requirements, and you will be asked to provide “credible assurance”* that the mobility device is required because of a disability.

– If your OPDMD is allowed, it will be tagged as APPROVED by Disabled Services.

– If your device is not allowed, we cannot store it for you, and you must immediately remove it from the property. 

Comic-Con reserves the right to restrict OPDMD use when, in our opinion, such limitation is required to protect all convention goers’ public health, safety, and welfare. The OPDMD shall not be operated in an unsafe manner or cause damage to convention center property. The OPDMD operator assumes all risks of operating the OPDMD on convention center property. Comic-Con does not represent that convention center property is safe for OPDMD use and does not assume any liability for the operation of the OPDMD. Certain risks are inherent in the use of OPDMDs. No OPDMD may be stationary less than 20 feet from any entrance or exit. The only exception is if foot traffic is at a standstill. *Credible assurance means a Disability Placard or Card presented by the person to whom it was issued that is in compliance with the state of issuance’s requirements for disability placards or cards, or a verbal statement that does not contradict observation.

ADA Seating

The ADA does not require reserved ADA seating for every disability. Please do not line up in the ADA line or sit in these seating sections just because you have an ADA sticker. 

ADA lines are not first-access lines. You will not be let in first. ADA reserved seating is not priority seating. You will not be seated first.

We offer ADA seating in three specific ways:

  • Wheelchair seating is available for mobility scooters and wheelchairs at the end of some aisles, next to a RED-back chair that is reserved for your attendant. The rest of your party must wait in the general admission line. We will do our best to seat parties with children together, but this may increase your wait time in line.
  • Deaf seating areas are available in the larger rooms and have YELLOW-back chairs. These seating sections are reserved for deaf attendees requiring an ASL interpreter. A Deaf Services sticker is required to sit in these sections. Stickers are available at the Deaf Services desk in Lobby A.
  • Ambulatory seating areas are available in Hall H and Ballroom 20. These seating sections are reserved only for people with limited mobility, such as; those who use crutches, walkers, canes, have a prosthetic limb, can’t bend their leg, or for those with an over-sized service dog (service dog sticker required). Ambulatory seating sections have RED-back chairs.

In rooms where Ambulatory Seating is not available, those with limited mobility may sit in any seat.

We do not allow transitioning or self-transitioning from a mobility device to a seat in any Program room or event.

If you do not have mobility issues, or you do not need an ASL interpreter, you may sit in the general seating areas, accessible from the general line. 

All seating, including ADA-reserved seating, is “as seats become available.” All event and Program rooms have limited capacity as set by the fire marshal. Although your badge is required to attend all events, it does not guarantee access to any event if it has reached its capacity. We do not clear rooms between events. In the larger panels, Disabled Seating volunteers will let you know when seats become available.

Attendants

Attendees with disabilities sometimes need an attendant who supports and helps them with activities such as eating, using the bathroom, supervision, communication, or getting from place to place. An attendant is present only to assist the attendee. 

All attendants are required to purchase a badge either in advance during our public badge sale, or on-site (2026 only). Your attendant will need a Comic-Con Member ID.

IMPORTANT! For Comic-Con 2027, you must purchase your attendant’s badge(s) in advance during one of our two online badge sales that will occur in late 2026.

Misuse: The attendant’s role is support, not to attend as an extra guest. All badges are non-transferable and tied to photo ID. An attendant not accompanying the badge holder or using the badge independently may result in revocation of the badge.

For more information, please also see our Deaf and Disabled FAQ

Service Dogs

Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.

The ADA requires that service dogs be under the control of the handler at all times and be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work, or the individual’s disability prevents them from using these devices. 

Service dogs are required to behave and not bark or growl. They must not jump up on, or lunge at, anyone or other dogs. They must be housebroken. They are not allowed on chairs or tables. Corrective action must be taken if the service dog is behaving inappropriately, up to and including removal of the animal from the venue.

You may get a sticker for your service dog from the Disabled Services Desk in Lobby A

The San Diego Convention Center does not allow comfort/support animals. Only trained service dogs as defined by both the ADA and California law, are allowed to assist and accompany a disabled owner. San Diego Comic Convention and the San Diego Convention Center follow all state and federal ADA compliance laws and directions.

Exclusives and Exclusive Autograph Signings

To ensure everybody has equal access to exclusives and exclusive autograph signings, Comic-Con uses a randomized selection process through the online Exclusives Portal.

Watch the Toucan blog – the official blog of Comic-Con and WonderCon – and social media for announcements about the portal.

Special ADA wheelchair access points are at the discretion of the exhibitor. The line itself must be ADA-compliant, but most exhibitors will not have a separate ADA line, due to fire marshal restrictions. Do not start your own line.

Please refer to the Comic-Con website and the Toucan blog for more details.

ADA Hotel Shuttle

For mobility-impaired attendees who reserved their hotel room through the onPeak/Comic-Con website reservation system and require special transportation, the ADA Hotel Shuttle operates between all official Comic-Con hotels and the convention center, by advance reservation only, on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to the capacity of the vehicles. 

Shuttles can accommodate one scooter or wheelchair, and one companion only. 

You must make reservations in advance. The reservation phone number will be released as the convention approaches, so check back often. Sorry, this service is only available to those who registered their room through onPeak, from the Comic-Con website.


The Deaf and Disabled Services team is here to help.
By working together, we can make the convention experience enjoyable for everyone.


For answers to many other questions about Deaf and Disabled Services please review our FAQ HERE.


For information not listed in the FAQ, please contact cci-info@comic-con.org or ask on-site
at Deaf and Disabled Services.


Be sure to read the Comic-Con Policies page here:
https://www.comic-con.org/cc/plan-your-visit/convention-policies/