Join Us!

Accessibility

Last updated: 22nd January 2026

Unconfined wants to be a convention that is inclusive and accessible. We are committed to bear in mind access needs both during the design of the convention and during the convention itself.

This page is a living page and will be updated often as we finalise elements of accessibility. We recommend that you bookmark this page and review it regularly.

We understand that not conditions are visible. We will listen to attendees making their needs known to us without demanding ‘proof.’ We will not use stickers to visibly indicate access needs, but will provide cards by which you can make your need known without having to describe it. These cards are entirely optional: you can just let us know if you need something. We will have sunflower lanyards available.

If you have questions regarding accessibility, please contact us at access@easterconglasgow.org

Before the Convention

Publications and Communications

Our main method of communicating with you before the convention is via our monthly newsletter. This is sent by email, but is also posted on our web site. The copy on the web site has links to a PDF and an ePUB version.

Accessibility Audit

We will conduct an accessibility audit of all venues used by the convention, and post it on this website.

At the Convention

In Person Items (Programme, Panels, Talks)

  • We will have at least one wheelchair/scooter space marked in each programme room, and ensure that the layout has space for a mobility scooter to manoeuvre. 
  • We will have 60 minute programme in 90 minute slots to aid travel and breaks. 
  • We will have seating in any area where there is likely to be queueing and will work to have a volunteer to ensure that those who need to sit are still able to access the activity.
  • We will mark some seats as reserved for those who need to sit or who need to be in a specific area, for example close to the front for sight or hearing, and close to the back for anxiety or other needs.
  • Staging or platforms may be used to improve visibility of participants in program items. Where these are used a step free method of access will be made available. No ramp, no stage. 
  • We will use microphones for speeches, readings and panels. 

Publications and Communications

We aim to have a large print paper programme available on request.

Signage

We will provide a map and signage at the venue to aid navigation. Signage will aim to be clearly legible, considering font size/type and background colour contrasts.

Scooters

  • We are working on having scooters available to hire.
  • The venue is suitable for scooters and wheelchairs, with step free access between the convention centre and the local hotels. The venue has three lifts between levels.
  • There is step-free access between the venue and the city centre using either buses or trains. To get to the trains there is a long, steep, uphill, covered walkway.

In-Person Social Spaces

  • We will have seats in all social spaces and space for mobility scooters and wheelchairs to manoeuvre. 

Communication and Social

  • We aim to have a visible way of indicating that you do not like being approached and that you do not wish to be engaged in conversation by people you don’t know, such as a sticker, badge or lanyard.
  • We aim to provide pronoun stickers, but to make them optional.
  • We will have a “New to Eastercon” meetup (everyone welcome) to ensure those who are feeling nervous or want to ask questions have an informal opportunity to do so and to facilitate meeting new people.

Food, Food Allergies and Intolerances

  • We are committed to support vegetarians and vegans, and aim to ensure that gluten free food is available.
  • The convention hotel is near to Argyll Street, which has a wide range of local restaurants, and small branches of Tesco and Sainsburys.
  • If you have an allergy that requires others to accommodate you, please let us know in order for us to incorporate that into our planning.

Alcohol

  • We aim to ensure that any time alcohol or food is available there should be a soft drink option as well. This will also apply to parties and launches.

Toilets

  • We do not police who uses which toilets and we expect our attendees not to do so either. We expect people to use the toilet that makes them comfortable and respect others’ need for privacy.
  • We aim to have gender-neutral toilets.
  • We also understand that young children or others who need assistance will need to be in the same facility as the person assisting them.

Children and Childcare

  • We understand that childcare is an access issue, and especially welcomed by staff and volunteers. We have a space and company in mind, and we will work to determine need.
  • We will have child/family friendly activities. There will be programming that is child/family friendly.
  • We recognise that breast-feeding a baby is a normal activity and does not need to be hidden away.

Scent

  • We ask all of our attendees to refrain from applying scented products while in the convention spaces, including in the toilets. It is fine to wear scented products, but please apply them in your own hotel room or outside.
  • We will endeavour to ensure that cleaning products and hand sanitisers are unscented, and hypoallergenic.

Quiet Space

  • We will have a quiet room space, especially as many fans will not be staying at the con, and resources allowing, we will work to provide a second Quiet Room of resources allowing, so there is one in both venues. We have 12 distinct spaces, so extra spaces but we aspire to get the funding to do this.

Finances

  • We will have a bursary for people who would struggle with the financial cost of attending the convention. We have a low-income membership rate.

Do you have a question or feedback?

If you have any questions or feedback about access please please contact us at access@easterconglasgow.org