LAcon V recognizes that there were failures in accessibility and communication surrounding our main stage during the convention.
The rear backstage ramp did not meet ADA accessibility requirements, and as a result we failed to provide the level of access that we intended and that our community has every right to expect. While this originated with a third-party vendor issue, responsibility for ensuring an accessible experience remained ours. We also failed to communicate the problem, its impact, and potential solutions effectively to those affected.
We recognize that this created barriers for attendees using mobility devices and caused understandable frustration, disappointment, and exclusion. We are deeply sorry for that harm.
We also apologize to anyone who was told that “backstage is for walking participants.” This language was ableist, inappropriate, and inconsistent with our values. It should not have been used, regardless of intent. We recognize the harm caused by inappropriate and ableist language used in interactions with attendees, and by subsequent communications that did not reflect the seriousness with which these concerns were in the process of being addressed.
We sincerely apologize to everyone affected.
We recognize that these were not isolated incidents, but part of a broader pattern of barriers and exclusions experienced by members of our community with accessibility needs. We understand how frustrating, disappointing, and exhausting it can be to encounter these issues repeatedly, and we are deeply sorry that we contributed to that experience. We fell short of the standard our community deserves and that we set for ourselves. We are committed to learning from these failures, improving accessibility, and earning the trust placed in us as Worldcon hosts
While LAcon V is over, we have, and will continue to, share the lessons from this experience with future Worldcon organizers to help improve accessibility planning, communication, and accountability at future events.
Joyce Lloyd
Chair – LAcon V, the 84th Worldcon
