Handicap Services

We are pleased to announce a number of services available to our members with special needs. The Torcon Access Lounge will be located in Room 205C in the Convention Centre. We will be providing a number of services there, from scooter pick-up to water for seeing-eye dogs. We invite you to come by anytime during the convention. We're in need of volunteers, and would love to have you help us. If you're interested in volunteering, we are also keeping track of opportunities around the convention. Let us know at handicapaccess@torcon3.on.ca

Physically Handicapped

All our hotels are accessible. For more information, check the Hotel information below. If you have a mobility issue that you need specific information about, please contact us at handicapaccess@torcon3.on.ca.

We are providing rentals of electric scooters. Motorized Scooters will be available for $50 USD per day OR $145 USD per 7-day rental. Manual Wheelchairs will be available for $25 USD per day OR $68 USD per 7-day rental. We will be offering at-convention pickup in the convention centre, from August 27th (the day before the convention). Please try to book by August 1st to guarantee availability.

To book a scooter online, please visit:

http://www.scootaround.com/rentals/torcon.htm

Or call 1-888-441-7575, and a representative from ScootAround will be happy to help you.

Visually Handicapped

We are contemplating various things we can possibly do to assist our visually handicapped members. Large print or Braille pocket programs, and other printed material. If you would make use of such items, please contact us at handicapaccess@torcon3.on.ca.

Torcon is planning on having screen readers available on some of the computers in the Internet lounge. In addition, working with the Royal Bank of Canada, we will have access kits for their Audio Bank Machines. The Access Kit consists of a pair of headphones (standard jack), and information on using the machines on either audio tape or in text format on computer disk. We will also have directions to the nearest Audio Bank Machines in the Access Lounge. The Access Lounge will also have amenities such as a watering station for working dogs. Please contact us if there are any other services that you would like to see at your Worldcon.

Hearing Handicapped

We are exploring options based on what our members need. Please contact us to let us know what your preferences are, so we can better help assist you. We would like to know if you prefer real-time captioning for the big events, such as the Hugo Awards, or if you would prefer American Sign Language interpreters. We are currently hoping to provide transcripts of the GoH speeches to our hearing impaired members. Please ask about this in the Access Lounge.

We are also looking into providing ASL interpreters on an 'as-needed' case, for smaller events. Would this service be of use to you, or will you be providing your own ASL interpreter? Please let us know.

We are planning, at this time, to make sure that all security Rangers are equipped with paper and pens to help you communicate with them. Please let us know if there are any other services that can help make Worldcon more enjoyable.

Hotel Access Info

The Fairmont Royal York Hotel
Main entrance: 
Not accessible. Use East entrance that has an elevator to the lobby level.
Restrooms: Accessible
Signage: 
No Braille inside elevators, but numbers and letters are raised.
Sleeping rooms: 
15 rooms have been designed for wheelchair accessibility and an additional eight rooms have been partially modified for access. Visual fire alarms are installed in the bedrooms.
Meeting rooms: 
Accessible; wheelchair lift is available to the Imperial Room.
Health Club: 
Wheelchair lift to the Health Club cannot accommodate a scooter.
Restaurants: 
Accessible
Aids: 
Assistive listening device kits are available; bath benches are available.
Crowne Plaza Toronto Centre Hotel
Main entrance: 
Accessible
Restrooms: 
Accessible
Braille signage: 
No Braille on elevator panels. There are raised numbers outside elevators to indicate the floor.
Sleeping rooms: 
10 rooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility: eight with king beds and two with two double beds. All accessible rooms are near the elevator. No roll-in showers.
Meeting rooms: 
Accessible
Restaurants: 
Accessible
Aids: 
Assistive listening device kits are available; shower benches are available.
The Holiday Inn on King
Main entrance: 
Accessible
Restrooms: 
Accessible
Braille signage: 
Raised and Braille lettering in all elevators and guest rooms. Braille menus in the Canadian Bar & Grill restaurant and through room service. Braille in-room Guest Services Directory (upon request)
Sleeping rooms: 
4 rooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility. All have roll in showers. Visual Fire Alarm indicator and visual smoke alarm
Meeting rooms: 
Accessible
Restaurants: 
Accessible
Aids: 
Assistive listening device kits are available; shower benches are available.
Renaissance Toronto Hotel at Skydome
Main entrance: 
Accessible.
Restrooms: 
Accessible
Signage: 
No Braille inside elevators, but numbers and letters are raised.

The Renaissance at Skydome has not, at this time, provided other information on their accessibility.

 

Last updated: 19 August 2003

Send comments or suggestions to HandicapAccess@torcon3.on.ca.