SXSW provides reasonable accommodations to make our events accessible for all attendees and participants. 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.
Is your question not listed here? Please email the Accessibility Team at accessibility@sxsw.com for assistance.
FAQ for IN-PERSON Events
How do I contact the SXSW Accessibility Team?
- Email: accessibility@sxsw.com
- Phone: 512-467-7979 (Leave a message in the general mailbox. Relay services and TTY users may call the same number Monday – Friday, 10AM to 6PM Central Time. Ask to speak to a member of the Accessibility Team.)
During the event, please stop by the Accessibility Desk in the Austin Convention Center or call a contact phone number which will be published here closer to the event.
How do I request accessibility accommodations?
Please fill out this form to make ASL interpreter, session captioning, and other ADA accommodation requests. You must be a registered attendee to make these requests.
ASL Interpreter, Session Transcription & Other Accommodation Requests Deadlines:
- SXSW EDU – February 21, 2022
- SXSW – February 25, 2022
We will do our best to honor requests after the deadline, however services cannot be guaranteed.
How do I request an Accessibility Designated SXSW Badge?
An Accessibility Designated SXSW Badge will provide attendees with a disability access to designated seating for sessions and film screenings, and access to the viewing platform at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake. All designated SXSW accessible seating, transportation, and platforms are based on capacity and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
To request an Accessibility Designated SXSW Badge, please email reg@sxsw.com or you can also pick one up in Registration if you’re on site.
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 can request a Companion Wristband to accompany the Accessibility Designated SXSW 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. How do I request accommodations for my event?
Please work with the SXSW 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, showcase, or film, please email accessibility@sxsw.com to request other ADA accommodations.
What services are not provided by SXSW?
SXSW does not provide the following:
- Devices that are personal or individually prescribed, such as wheelchairs, prescription eyeglasses, or hearing aids.
- Services of a personal nature, such as assistance in eating, toileting or dressing, or the pushing of wheelchairs.
- Connections to soundboards.
- Guides and ASL Interpreters for trade shows, expos, parties, sponsor events, satellite functions, or music showcases (with the exception of the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake).
- Guides and ASL interpreters to accompany individual registrants.
How do I request an accessible room at my SXSW hotel?
To request an accessible room online with SXSW 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 in the Austin Convention Center outside of Exhibit Hall 4 on Trinity Street side of the building. The Accessibility Desk will be open each day from 9:30am to 6:30pm. Assistance after hours (until 2AM) is available until 2am via email (accessibility@sxsw.com) and phone. Please check back here for a contact phone number closer to the event.
Can I bring my service animal to SXSW? Emotional support animal?
SXSW 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 events.
I am visually impaired. How can SXSW assist me with navigating printed materials?
Any volunteer at a SXSW Information Desk, or the Accessibility Desk at the Austin Convention Center, can help read printed materials.
Will there be films with audio descriptions?
Yes. Please check the schedule to find which films will be part of our audio description pilot program. At the theater, please find a Theater Manager to obtain the required listening device.
Does SXSW provide American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters?
SXSW provides ASL Interpreters for all keynote sessions, select featured speakers, and music performances at the SXSW Outdoor Stage on Lady Bird Lake. Additional sessions may be requested and scheduled by using this form. Additional questions regarding ASL Interpreters can be directed to accessibility@sxsw.com.
What will be closed captioned?
Closed captioning will be shown for all keynote and featured speaker sessions. Additional sessions, comedy and awards shows may be requested and scheduled by using this form.
Additionally, all live film screenings will be closed captioned and will require a handheld device to view the captioning. There are a limited number of viewing devices in each theater and are available on a first come, first served basis. Please check at the venue box office to obtain the closed captioning 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 Badge will provide attendees with a disability access to designated seating for sessions and film screenings. All designated SXSW 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. Please plan on arriving up to 60 minutes early for film screenings.
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 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 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, 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.
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 cannot be responsible for unattended devices left charging.
What should I know about accessibility at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake?
SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake is a large outdoor venue with natural terrain. Attendance may require covering large distances over grassy, uneven, and sometimes muddy ground.
The accessible viewing platform is on the eastern side of the venue. The accessible viewing platform is available to patrons with disabilities, plus one adult companion and/or minor children, as applicable. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The musical performances at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake will be interpreted, featuring professional and certified ASL interpreters.
Accessible portable toilet facilities are provided at all outdoor SXSW produced events where there are portable toilets.
Information is available on directional signs, or from any volunteer.
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.
How accessible is Austin?
Austin, in general, is accessible. Be aware that there are some places throughout the City that are historic, or dated and could pose challenges for some who have a disability. Please reach out to accessibility@sxsw.com for questions about specific establishments or areas.
What is transportation like for those with accessibility needs?
Transportation can be a challenge for everyone attending SXSW. 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 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. The accessible shuttle is located outside the Austin Convention Center on Trinity Street, across from the Accessibility Desk. A phone number to contact the accessible shuttle will be found here closer to the event. Shuttle times are:
3/11-3/13: 9:00am to 2:00am
3/14-3/19: 9:00am to 2:30am
If I need to get dropped off or picked up, is there a safe place for me to do this close to the Austin Convention Center?
The ADA drop off area is on the 400 block of Neches between Brush Square Park and the main Hilton Hotel entrance.
Does SXSW provide session transcription for registrants?
Please check back closer to the event for more information.
Will there be a sensory / quiet room at SXSW?
Yes. SXSW will be providing sensory rooms for our registrants.
Locations:
- Hilton Room 614
- JW Marriott Room 208
Hours of operation are 10am-5pm.
FAQ for ONLINE Events
Most programming at SXSW Online 2022 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 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 complete this form to make ASL interpreter, session captioning, and other ADA accommodation requests. You must be a registered attendee to make these requests.
ASL Interpreter, Session Transcription & Other Accommodation Requests Deadlines:
- SXSW EDU – February 21, 2022
- SXSW – February 25, 2022
I am a speaker, artist, filmmaker, or other invited guest of SXSW. How do I request accommodations for my event?
Please work with the SXSW 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, showcase, or film, please email accessibility@sxsw.com to request other ADA accommodations.
What services are not supported by SXSW?
We are unable to troubleshoot any issues you may have with your personal electronic equipment, including any devices or software utilized for accessibility purposes.
Does SXSW provide American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters?
SXSW provides ASL Interpreters for all keynote sessions, select featured speakers, and music performances at the SXSW Outdoor Stage on Lady Bird Lake. 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 provide session transcription for registrants?
Yes. Transcripts will be available for online content. Please make those requests here.
