Capper-Friendly Comic Con

First, let me explain the term "cappers." I heard a wheelchair bound woman use it once, talking about handicap accessible parking, calling it "capper parking" and referring to herself as a capper. I liked the simplicity and "coolness" of it.

Last weekend we all went to the San Diego Comic Con. The last time we went was 2 years ago, when Soren was 2 going on 3. While we knew about his disabilities, he was merely in a typical stroller, not a wheelchair. We had gone through the Registration Line like everyone else, is always long and annoying. Back then, we didn't even look for any sort of disabled help. I guess we weren't as immersed in special needs as we are now.

So when we went to register Friday morning, we gave ourselves a full hour to stand in line. As we headed to the Con, there were swarms of people. We actually passed the Disabled Services and kept walking, figuring we would go there if we needed something later. But when we tried to follow the able-bodied crowd to registration (which is up a LONG escalator), we were quickly directed back to Disabled Services. There we found the Land of the Comic Con Disabled. We gave them the staff our information and they went upstairs and got our passes. While we waited, we visited and chatted with other disabled folks. Within 20 minutes (probably less) we had our passes. They explained that if we wanted to go to panels, there were special places for wheelchairs and gave us little cards to put on our chairs so we could sit with Soren.

So we were ready to go. The only problem was, we still had 40 minutes to kill before the Con opened! If we'd only known! When the Con doors did open, they had the disabled folks get a "rolling" start before the able-bodied folks stampeded in.

We then went to get into a Powerpuff Girls panel. There was a HUGE line. I thought we were doomed. Then I remembered the special needs special spots. We were quickly brought in and they found a place where Soren and all of us could watch together. (I must admit, I did feel a bit guilty about this. I mean, all those folks were standing in line! For the next panels, I went alone and showed up early.)

It's rare that I find people with disabilities needs really catered to. I was really surprised and impressed by how the staff at Comic Con accommodated all of the cappers.

Amy

Quick Update

Hello!

Just wanted to update everyone before the big 4th of July weekend. The art opening went off very nicely last night. A few pieces sold. And the art will be up for the next month at Cartoon Network if you want to swing by and buy something. Thanks to everyone Cartoon Network for all their help in hanging the show and for throwing the party!

On Saturday, Soren will be up to a therapeutic dose of Clobazam. So far so good. He's not extra loopy or anything. Now we just have to see if it stops the seizures.

Also on Saturday, my brother Patrick will be getting married and Soren will be the ring bearer. Aaron will stroll Soren down the aisle where the rings will be handed off to me (my sister and I are standing up for Patrick). I must admit that I am both excited and nervous about Soren's ring bearing duties. Will he be awake for it or will he just shut down? Will he be happy and chatty and disturb the ceremony? Or will he be angry like he was at the art opening last night? As with everything, it's unpredictable. But I'll send an update after the event! (and hopefully pictures too)

Amy