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iheartmegahitt
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25 Mar 2012, 11:44 pm

Some of you know I attend Saboten in Arizona. It's an anime convention. I have mentioned before but I am faced with a huge challenge. Aside from Autism, I also have heavy meltdowns due to overloads and unpredictable situations. I have varying developmental delays, chronic stress disorder and... other troubles...

So anyway, the manager refuses to give any accommodation. One thing is sitting in front row. I don't like being in other rows where people around surrounding me. It makes it harder for me to focus and understand what goes on. D: I also hate waiting in lines. It's not due to impatience but when I don't know how long I have to wait, it overloads me.

I also worry over the rules:

Convention Behavior

The following behaviors are not allowed at the convention:
Disruptive or unsafe behavior that disturbs the staff or attendees

Sleeping in convention space
Physical or verbal harassment of staff or other attendees
Destruction or defacement of hotel or convention property
Sexual misconduct, such as indecent exposure, offensive touching, or sexual harassment
Unwanted touching without permission of the individual, such as glomping, hugging, etc.
Any activity prohibited by law
Individuals who violate these rules will be warned and asked to stop. Saboten-Con reserves the right to request anyone violating these rules to leave the convention. If the person continues to violate these rules, they may be barred re-entry to the convention. Any violation of these rules which involves activities prohibited by law will result in notification of authorities.
Please behave respectfully in the hotel space and take care not to disturb non-convention hotel guests. We would like to leave a good impression with the hotel and its patrons. Convention attendees who are found disturbing other hotel guests in convention space, outside the hotel, or in hotel hallways are subject to disciplinary action, including being ejected from the convention.


My meltdowns are bad. But even when I tell him that, he refuses to do understand. He's already saying I'm not covered by the ADA.

I don't want to stop going. It helps my social skills and I meet lots of friends. I love anime and it's one thing I can talk about to meet others. I can't find anyone else at the con with the almost the same issues as me. :( The hotel says they can't do anything either... I have no options!

I just wonder... should I press charges? What other options do I have?


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Diagnosed with an autistic disorder (Not AS but mild to moderate classic Autism), ADHD, Learning Disability, intellectual disability and severe anxiety (part of the autism); iPad user; written expressionist; emotionally-sensitive


questor
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26 Mar 2012, 12:43 am

I did some checking. The ADA does cover spectrum disorders, but you need a formal diagnosis to qualify as officially having the disorder, in order to be covered by the ADA. You could have a lawyer type up and send this guy a polite letter informing him of the ADA's stand on Autism, and what accommodations you need for your condition. However, this is not a work situation, so there is less "urgency" to accommodate in your situation. Also, if your meltdowns have been disruptive or causing a disturbance, the anime venue may have grounds for suspending you from participating. Do not try to approach these people directly again, as they may accuse you of harassment if you do. If you really want to continue there, and also want the accommodations, you will need that letter from a lawyer.

Hope this helps. :)


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If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.
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nat4200
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26 Mar 2012, 12:47 am

Redacted



Last edited by nat4200 on 21 Apr 2012, 1:52 am, edited 1 time in total.

iheartmegahitt
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26 Mar 2012, 12:57 am

questor wrote:
I did some checking. The ADA does cover spectrum disorders, but you need a formal diagnosis to qualify as officially having the disorder, in order to be covered by the ADA. You could have a lawyer type up and send this guy a polite letter informing him of the ADA's stand on Autism, and what accommodations you need for your condition. However, this is not a work situation, so there is less "urgency" to accommodate in your situation. Also, if your meltdowns have been disruptive or causing a disturbance, the anime venue may have grounds for suspending you from participating. Do not try to approach these people directly again, as they may accuse you of harassment if you do. If you really want to continue there, and also want the accommodations, you will need that letter from a lawyer.

Hope this helps. :)


I am diagnosed with ADHD and Autism... I meant everything else I might have is undiagnosed. And my parents are trying going to contact the ADA or whatever. >_<


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Diagnosed with an autistic disorder (Not AS but mild to moderate classic Autism), ADHD, Learning Disability, intellectual disability and severe anxiety (part of the autism); iPad user; written expressionist; emotionally-sensitive