SXSW EDU COMMITMENT STATEMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Everyone is 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.
CONTACT SXSW EDU ACCESSIBILITY
Our accessibility inbox is monitored throughout the year, not just during the event. There is no such thing as contacting us too early. Fill out our Accessibility Accommodation form or email us for more information to help you plan your SXSW EDU!
ACCESSIBILITY OVERVIEW
We provide
- ASL interpretation at many large events & by pre-event request
- Open & closed captioning options
- Accessibility Designation badge
- Companion Wristband for personal aides
- Accessibility shuttle between to reduce steps between venues
- Accessible seating in all session rooms
- Sensory Room with fidgets, ear plugs, and quiet space
- Service animal registration and welcome
- Accessible hotel room booking assistance through our housing team
We do not provide
- 1:1 ASL interpretation accompanying individuals throughout the event (use Companion Wristband for this)
- Wheelchair push services
- Mobility equipment rental of any kind (though we have recommendations!)
- Personal assistants or aides
Not sure if we can help? Email us and ask. We would rather hear from you early than have you arrive without the support you need.
ACCOMMODATION DEADLINES
Some services, including ASL interpreters and large-print materials, require advance coordination. The deadline for SXSW EDU 2027 is two weeks before the event, February 27, 2027.
Fill out our SXSW EDU 2027 Accommodation Form or email us at accessibility@sxsw.com to start the conversation now. We will do our best to honor late requests, but cannot guarantee services requested after the deadline.
ACCESSIBILITY DESIGNATION
An Accessibility Designated SXSW EDU badge provides access to:
- Reserved accessibility seating in all session rooms
- Priority entry to sessions (go to the front of the line & show the ‘A’ on your badge)
- Use of the Accessibility Shuttle to reduce steps between venues
- Ability to request a Companion Wristband
To request Accessibility Designation: email reg@sxsw.com. This can be done before or during the event, though requesting in advance speeds up the process at Registration. All registrants must pick up their own credentials in person with government-issued photo ID.
COMPANION WRISTBAND
SXSW EDU does not provide personal assistance services (such as 1:1 interpreters, aides, or guides). If you bring a person to provide these services, a Companion Wristband allows your companion to attend events alongside you without purchasing an additional badge.
How it works:
- The wristband is linked to your badge. Your companion can only enter events when you are together
- It does not grant independent access to SXSW EDU events for the companion
- Both you and your companion must be present with identification to pick it up at an Accessibility Help Desk
- If your companion already has their own credential, we still encourage getting a wristband so you are not separated on the accessibility shuttle, while using accessible entry, or in the reserved seating area
Contact accessibility@sxsw.com or include this in your Accessibility Accommodation Form to let us know you’ll need one in advance.
SERVICE ANIMALS
SXSW EDU welcomes ADA-recognized service animals at all events.Animals whose sole function is emotional support or comfort are not covered under the ADA and are not permitted at SXSW EDU events.
If you are bringing a service animal, you are able to register them at an Accessibility Help Desk when you arrive. You will receive a SXSW Service Animal tag that signals to all staff and volunteers that the animal is working so they won’t interrupt your great time to make sure they’re on the job.
MOBILITY DEVICES
Wheelchairs, 3- or 4-wheel electric scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches are permitted throughout our venues.
Please note: SXSW EDU does not provide push services, and we do not offer equipment rental.
Other power-driven mobility devices are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Email accessibility@sxsw.com if you have questions or need help identifying rental or repair resources in the Greater Austin area. If you plan to rent while you’re in town, we do recommend planning this as early as you’re able.
SENSORY SUPPORT
Sensory sensitivities and challenges with sensory regulation are experienced by 1 in 4 individuals, including people with PTSD, autism, dementia, and other conditions. Conference environments can be significantly overstimulating.
We will have more information about SXSW EDU 2027’s Sensory Room and tool locations as we get closer to the event.
ASL INTERPRETING & CAPTIONING
SXSW EDU provides ASL interpreters and captioning automatically at many large events and by attendee or presenter request. All requested ASL and captioning requests will be marked on the schedule as it is released. They are also included in our schedule filters allowing you to look at a complete list of ASL and captioned events on site.
To request ASL interpreters or captioning, please fill out the Accessibility Accommodation form.
Interpreter & additional captioning request deadline: February 27, 2027.
Last-minute requests: contact accessibility@sxsw.com. We cannot guarantee availability after the deadline, but we will always try.
SXSW EDU does not provide 1:1 ASL interpretation accompanying individuals throughout the event. See Companion Wristband above if you plan to bring your own interpreter.