An Inclusive Welcome to Comic Con

Inclusive comic conventions for people with disabilities are taking place throughout the UK.

Inspired by her own experiences of attending events which were overwhelming for her autistic son, single mother of two, Zoe Crofts, is on a mission to stage family focussed comic conventions that are fully accessible for children with hidden disabilities.

“I was that parent who shouldn’t have but did feel anxious and uncomfortable about going out and putting my son in a situation or environment with which he couldn’t cope,” said Zoe, the founder of Bolt Events.

“Comic conventions are genuinely a safe place for whoever you are to be whoever you want to be. In many ways it’s the perfect event for a child with hidden disabilities to enjoy with their family.

“Of course, like any event, it can be overwhelming, so our conventions are designed to reduce the danger of that happening by prioritising accessibility.

“Which means picking small, manageable venues outside London for our events and by restricting the number of stands at those events we can create wider aisles for people in wheelchairs to get around.”

Zoe also offers early access to people with visible and hidden disabilities, giving them half an hour before the doors officially open to adjust to their surroundings. If it is all too much there is always a quiet room away from the convention in which to take time out.

Comic conventions have been scheduled for all over the UK by Zoe this year, featuring a retro gaming zone, cosplayers, green screen photo opportunities, cars from films, workshops, and more than 100 exhibitor tables full of geeky memorabilia and handmade crafts.

To find out more see the Welcome to Comic Con feature in the current edition of Living with Disability or for more information on dates and venues visit https://www.bolt-events.com/