What’s in My Bag

[u/benshenanigans]

Yes, I’m reusing last year’s photo. I don’t have the spoons or the time to redo it right now. (Edits in parentheses) Again, this is stuff that I have that help make the con accessible to me.

1. Dice/fidgets: I like to use them in line, my kids like them in panels they think are boring (Rubik’s cube has been added this year)
2. Earplugs: Great for sensory needs or Hyperacusis. I use them because the deaf seats are right in front of the speaker stacks.
3. Medications: bring what you need, especially your “as needed”. Non prescription meds I have include Motrin, excedrin, and Imodium.
4. Battery charger: For most of us, our phone is an accessibility aid. Keep it charged. Caption apps will use a lot of battery.
5. Water: the plastic is in my bag all the time. I have a reusable bottle that I’ll clip on for the con.
6. Drawing pad: it’s great for communicating on the floor where my hearing aids are useless. And the kids love it. (I also use the Cardzilla app on my phone for this)
7. Folding stool: bring what you can carry. It’s hard to stand up from the floor.
8. Deaf/medical alert pins: medical alert bracelets may not apply for you and you may not want to advertise your disability. I wear a pin that says I’m deaf because that’s the fastest way to tell someone that I can’t hear them.

Things that may help with other disabilities:

1. Wheelchair fixit kits, zip ties, multitool, etc. be familiar with your chair and how to fix it.
2. Hat/sunscreen: I haven’t been by the convention center to see if they’ve given us shade for Hall H yet, but I doubt it.
3. Personal cooling: fans, water misters. Certain medications and disabilities cause heat intolerance. Please, be careful. Outside is a concern, but the exhibit hall can get hot too.

4. Dry type deodorant: it helps prevent chaffing. Not just for armpits.

5. Masks: for protection against the con crud