Updated June 29, 2022
SXSW EDU Commitment Statement to Accessibility for People with Disabilities
All abilities are welcome at SXSW EDU. We strive to make our conference and festivals accessible to the largest number of people possible, and are always looking at ways to remove barriers. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact accessibility@sxsw.com so we can work together to find a reasonable accommodation for your request.This page will be updated with additional accessibility information as it becomes available. Please check back often.
Here you will find our most commonly asked questions and answers for our IN-PERSON events. Questions and answers for our ONLINE events can be found at the bottom of the page.
If your question is not listed here please email the Accessibility Team at accessibility@sxsw.com.
FAQ for In-Person events:
How do I contact the SXSW EDU Accessibility Team?
- Email: accessibility@sxsw.com
- Phone: 512-467-7979 (Call or Text)
- In Person: Stop by the Accessibility Desk on the ground floor of the Austin Convention Center.
How do I request accessibility accommodations?
Please click here to make ASL interpreters, session captioning, and other ADA accommodation requests. You must be a registered attendee to make these requests.
ASL Interpreter, Session Transcription & Other Accommodation Requests Deadline:
- SXSW EDU - February 20, 2023
- SXSW - February 24, 2023
We will do our best to honor requests after the deadline, however services cannot be guaranteed.
How do I request an Accessibility Designated SXSW EDU Badge?
An Accessibility Designated SXSW EDU Badge will provide attendees with a disability access to designated seating for sessions and film screenings. All designated SXSW and SXSW EDU accessible seating and platforms are based on capacity and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
To request an Accessibility Designated SXSW EDU Badge, please email reg@sxsw.com or request one while picking up your badge onsite.
All registrants attending the in-person event must pick up their own credentials by showing their government-issued photo ID at Registration in the Austin Convention Center.
Is there an option for my personal attendant to accompany me to programming?
Attendees with disabilities who require the assistance of an attendant during SXSW EDU can request a Companion Wristband to accompany the Accessibility Designated SXSW EDU Badge. The Companion Wristband does not grant access to any events by itself and the wristband must match the badgeholder’s name to be valid. Please contact reg@sxsw.com for additional information on the Companion Wristband.
I am a speaker, artist, filmmaker, or other invited guest of SXSW EDU. How do I request accommodations for my event?
Please work with the SXSW EDU staff member that is programming your event. You will be provided a form to request ADA accommodations needed for your event. And if you are attending additional events outside of your session please email accessibility@sxsw.com to request other ADA accommodations.
How do I request an accessible room at my SXSW EDU hotel?
To request an accessible room online with SXSW EDU Housing & Travel, choose your ideal hotel from our list of available hotel rooms and follow the steps to book. When you reach the “special request field” in step 3 of the booking process (where you’ll also enter your payment information), let us know that you require an accessible room and any other additional details about your stay. We’ll pass this information along to the hotel, so they can accommodate your request.
Where is the Accessibility Desk located? What are the hours?
The Accessibility Desk is located at the Austin Convention Center. The Accessibility Desk will be open from 9:00am to 6:30pm every day of SXSW EDU. After hours assistance is available via email at accessibility@sxsw.com.
Can I bring my service animal to SXSW EDU? Emotional support animal?
SXSW EDU allows ADA-recognized service animals trained specifically to assist a person with disabilities at all events. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not permitted at SXSW EDU events.
Which events will have American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters?
SXSW provides ASL Interpreters for all keynote sessions and select featured sessions. Additional sessions and events may be requested and scheduled by using this form. You can find the current schedule of ASL interpreted events here. Additional questions regarding ASL interpreters can be directed to accessibility@sxsw.com.
Which events are captioned?
All keynote and featured sessions provide open captioning. Closed captioning is also available for sessions by request. You can find the current schedule of closed captioned sessions on the schedule. These captions are accessed on your personal device (phone, iPad, computer) via link provided online. Contact accessibility@sxsw.com if you are having trouble accessing your closed captioning link.
Select film screenings will be open captioned while most provide closed captioning. These will be noted on the schedule. Closed captioned film screenings will require a handheld device to view the captioning. There are a limited number of closed caption viewing devices in each theater and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please check at the venue box office, with any SXSW staff member, or volunteer to obtain the viewing devices.
Will I know if a film has strobe lighting?
Films using strobe lighting will be identified on the schedule.
What if I Need Accessible Seating?
An Accessibility Designated SXSW EDU Badge will provide attendees with a disability access to designated seating for conference sessions and film screenings. All designated SXSW EDU accessible seating is based on capacity and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating for an attendee with a disability and one companion will be held until five minutes before the event starts, after which unclaimed seating will be opened to the general audience.
Will there be a sensory / quiet room at SXSW EDU?
Yes. KultureCity is making SXSW sensory inclusive -- through this partnership, trained volunteers, sensory bags, and a sensory room will be available for families and individuals who have sensory needs/non-visible disabilities. Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with PTSD, dementia, autism and other similar conditions (1 in 6 individuals). One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of this environment. Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, and verbal cue cards will be available for registrants to use and take home at no additional cost. Sensory rooms can be found at Hilton Austin & JW Marriott and sensory bags are available at these locations plus the Accessibility Desk at the Austin Convention Center.
Location and Hours of Sensory Rooms: Hilton Austin, Room 614, March 6–18, 9:30am-6:30pm
What is transportation like for those with accessibility needs?
Transportation can be a challenge for everyone attending SXSW EDU. Our advice to attendees is to utilize public transportation, rideshare, or taxi service when available. All public transportation methods have an accessible option. More information about their accessibility services during SXSW EDU will be available closer to the event. SXSW provides a free registrant shuttle service serving the Austin Convention Center and several of our other venues. There is also an ADA accessible shuttle that travels the same route. To contact the ADA shuttle service, please call 512-730-0049. There is an accessible shuttle stop located outside the Austin Convention Center on Trinity Street, and 3rd street. There will be a black and yellow sign with the blue accessibility logo.
Accessible Parking
If you have a government issued disabled hang tag or license plate, you don’t have to pay the parking meters. Private parking lots and garages may have different rules and regulations. If you park near any of the SXSW Shuttle Stops you will be able to request the Accessibility Shuttle to bring you to your desired venue.
There are limited ADA parking spaces available in the parking lot adjacent to Lady Bird Lake on a first-come, first-served basis. An ADA drop off is located in the same parking area.
What mobility devices are allowed at SXSW?
Wheelchairs and 3- or 4-wheel electric scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches are allowed and are reasonably accommodated. Please know that SXSW EDU does not provide push services for attendees. For safety reasons, requests to use other power-driven mobility devices will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please email accessibility@sxsw.com. There is no equipment rental of any kind offered by SXSW. Please make your own mobility accommodations, if required.
Where can I charge my medical or mobility device during the event?
Charging outlets will be available at the Accessibility Desk located on the first floor of the Austin Convention Center. Charging is on a first-come, first-served basis and devices must be secured with a lock or other means of securing the device. SXSW EDU cannot be responsible for unattended devices left charging.
Where can I find information on medical and mobility device rental/repair?
Email accessibility@sxsw.com and we will help provide options within the Greater Austin Area. While visiting SXSW EDU, please feel free to call or visit the Accessibility Desk on the first floor of the Austin Convention Center for a list of local vendors that can assist with rentals or repairs. It is advised to make rental arrangements in advance of your arrival to ensure availability of equipment.
FAQ for ONLINE Events
Most programming at SXSW Online 2023 will feature closed captioning, and some will have ASL interpretation. For questions about ADA accessibility accommodations email accessibility@sxsw.com.
Below you will find our most commonly asked questions and answers for our ONLINE events.
How do I contact the SXSW EDU Accessibility Team?
- Email: accessibility@sxsw.com
- Phone: 512-467-7979 (leave a message in the general mailbox. Relay services and TTY users should also use this number.)
How do I request accessibility accommodations?
Please click here to make ASL interpreters, session captioning, and other ADA accommodation requests. You must be a registered attendee to make these requests.
ASL Interpreter, Session Transcription & Other Accommodations Request Deadlines:
- SXSW EDU – February 20, 2023
- SXSW – February 24, 2023
I am a speaker, performer, filmmaker, or other invited guest of SXSW EDU. How do I request accommodations for my event?
Please work with the SXSW EDU staff member that is programming your event. You will be provided a form to request specific accommodations needed for your event. And if you are attending additional events outside of your session, performance, or film, please email accessibility@sxsw.com to request other ADA accommodations.
Does SXSW EDU provide American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters?
SXSW EDU provides ASL Interpreters for all keynote sessions. Additional sessions may be requested and scheduled by using this form. Additional questions regarding ASL Interpreters can be directed to accessibility@sxsw.com.
Does SXSW EDU provide session transcription for registrants?
Yes. Transcripts will be available for online content. Please make those requests here.
