accessibility FAQ

Everyone must enter the hotel lottery. We understand that this may not provide everyone with their desired room. Although the Hyatt Regency has historically been the preferred choice, placement at this hotel in and of itself is not a reasonable accommodation.

Our department provides some options that can help. There are plenty of areas throughout the convention space to rest and recharge. There is also a shuttle service between all of our partner hotels. Many of our attendees rent a mobility scooter to help reduce the overall amount of walking. We encourage everyone to consider all available resources to fully enjoy the weekend.

We have developed a number of services you can utilize to make the convention more enjoyable. Other requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. Everyone has different experiences of disability, so it is extremely helpful to tell us what you need and why you need them. Accessibility Services will make every effort to reasonably accommodate you. 

Medical documentation, prescriptions, or a formal diagnosis are NOT required for your request. Please do not bring sensitive documents to the convention with you unless absolutely necessary for acute medical care.

A reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is defined as one that will not impose any undue financial or administrative hardship on the convention. 

Requesting reasonable accommodations is typically an informal and negotiated process. We may ask you some questions about what your needs are related to the convention and determine how we can best meet your needs at that time.

You are not required to provide any proof of disability to receive any of our services. Although you are welcome to share specific details, we will never ask you to disclose your disability or medical condition(s). 

Under the ADA, we ARE required to ask how your disability impacts your experience at the convention. Any information that you provide will be held in strict confidence.

There are a number of options available in the Village of Rosemont. 

• Scootaround | Rent a Scooter or Wheelchair in Chicago

• Cloud of Goods, Village of Rosemont, IL

• Mobility Rental Solutions in Chicago

Please note that we cannot offer an official endorsement of any of the services listed above and cannot be held responsible for their quality of service or lack thereof. 

We do, however, strongly recommend placing your mobility device/aid reservation(s) as early as possible to ensure availability.

MFF offers a courtesy badge for any companion, caregiver, or personal assistant of individuals with disabilities who require assistance to attend the convention. Contact registration@furfest.org to request more information.

Short answer: no. Longer answer: You do not require permission prior to the convention for any service animal recognized as such by Midwest FurFest according to the criteria below. However, no service animal outside those criteria is allowed in convention spaces.

Midwest FurFest recognizes service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act Act (ADA) and Illinois Service Animal Access Act. A service animal must be trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. At this time, that does not include emotional support animals, nor does it include service animals other than dogs and miniature horses.

In addition, service animals must be leashed (unless prevented by their handler’s disability or access need) at all times and under handler control. Service animals who are aggressive or disruptive may be asked to be removed from the convention space.

ASL interpretation is provided for all major events. These include: Opening Ceremonies, Fursuit Dance Competition, Floor Wars, and Closing Ceremonies. Members of our interpreter team are also available in Registration as needed.

A limited number of ASL interpreters are available for other panels and workshops during the weekend, but we ask that this request be made at least 2 weeks prior to the convention.

We really do appreciate your willingness to help! However, we cannot discuss accommodations with anyone but the person who needs them. The questions that we ask to determine them include private, legally-protected health information.

While everyone deserves accommodation, not every need is one we are resourced to meet. We will offer alternative solutions whenever possible.

Accessibility is an ongoing process; we continually re-evaluate services and make improvements based on feedback and changing/emerging needs. Just because we cannot accommodate something now does not mean we won’t be able to in the future.

You should flag down an Accessibility Services staff member (they will be wearing bright green vests) or stop by our Accessibility Office in the Hyatt Regency. You can also ask any MFF staff member with a radio to contact our Department. We will do our best to remedy the situation immediately.

You can contact us at accessibility@furfest.org. Please provide us with as much information as you can remember. If at all possible, include the name of the staff member(s) and/or attendee(s) involved, panel(s)/event(s), and location(s). These details will help us properly investigate and address the incident and your complaint. 

Midwest FurFest’s partner hotels have a wide variety of ADA-compliant rooms which can accommodate those with mobility, hearing, or visual impairments. As a general rule, we recommend calling your hotel directly if you require additional information regarding specific characteristics of accessible guest rooms. 

Hyatt Regency O’Hare

The Hyatt Regency has both king and double rooms that are wheelchair accessible. They have a wider entryway, accessible-level room controls, and lower bed heights. All rooms are equipped with hearing-accessible features. Bathrooms have modified fixtures, safety bars, and contain either a roll-in shower, stall shower, or tub with handrails

Crowne Plaza

The Crowne Plaza only has single king rooms that are wheelchair accessible. They have a wider entryway with lowered door locks. All rooms are equipped with hearing-accessible features. Bathrooms have modified fixtures, safety bars, and contain either a roll-shower or tub with handrails. This hotel has no guest rooms on the lobby level. An elevator can be taken to reach guest rooms. 

Comfort Inn

The Comfort Inn only has single king rooms that are wheelchair accessible. Some rooms are equipped with hearing-accessible features. Bathrooms have modified fixtures, safety bars, and accessible tubs with handrails. 

Aloft

The Aloft has both single king and double queen rooms that are wheelchair accessible. Some rooms are also equipped with hearing-accessible features. Bathrooms have modified fixtures, safety bars, and roll-in showers.

There are TWO (2) animal relief areas available at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. There are not any available at the Convention Center, making the relief areas at the Hyatt the closest relief areas to the Convention Center.

1. The first animal relief area is by the front, main entrance to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare on the street level off W Bryn Mawr Avenue. Looking at the front entrance, the animal relief area is to the right of the main entrance, towards the “Smoking Area” under the tower. There is a grassy area with several trees, this is the animal relief area with a waste receptacle and disposal bags provided.

2. The second animal relief area is on the East side of the building, outside of the Delta and Allegheny Conference Rooms, immediately adjacent to the exit doors facing the Convention Center.