Stonewall Columbus Accessibility Accommodations at Pride 2024

Stonewall Columbus is dedicated to expanding access for our family, friends, and allies with disabilities.

We recognize, respect, and celebrate the broad intersections of disability, race, sexuality, and gender within our LGBTQIA+ communities and are eager to make our events more inclusive!

For the 2024 Stonewall Columbus Pride official events we are enhancing accessibility for folks with mobility-based disabilities, those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, blind or low vision, individuals with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, and neurodivergent thinkers, such as those with autism spectrum and sensory processing disorders.

We are excited to announce the following access amenities and services for Pride 2024:

Pride March Amenities

• We have partnered with the Columbus Convention Center to create additional accessible parking spaces within their North Surface Lot located on E Goodale Ave. https://columbusconventions.com/convention-center-map/ which is close to the designated accessible viewing area for the Stonewall Columbus Pride March. Please note that disability parking placards or plates and standard payment are required to park https://parking.columbusconventions.com/Onlinetickets/index.aspx
• To find additional accessible parking near the Stonewall Columbus March or Festival please visit: https://columbus.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a3d143ffbb574aa89851ffa011c1fe67
• Stonewall Columbus Pride March will have designated accessible viewing and resting areas for people using wheelchairs and mobility devices. That viewing area will be at the corner of High and Goodale Street before the Convention Center North Atrium entrance. This viewing area will be marked for wheelchair users only and will be monitored by Pride volunteers to ensure the proper use of the designated parking. The Convention Center North Atrium will be open to allow accessible restrooms and a break from the heat/crowds.

Detailed map showing the wheelchair parking at the corner of Goodale and High Street, the Quiet Zone located inside of the Convention Center North Atrium, and the designated accessible parking available at the surface lot on Goodale.

• All event spaces will include ADA-accessible ENTRY and EXIT.
• All events will include ADA-accessible and gender-neutral restrooms with appropriate signage.

Low-Sensory Zones

• Designated low-sensory zones or “Quiet Zones” will be located along the March route and at the festival as marked in the map below.
• The Quiet Zone located at the festival will be an open-air tent away from the noise and crowds of the festival, with comfortable seating, sensory and fidget toys, coloring books, and ear plugs.
• The Quiet Zone located along the March route will include air conditioning, a private restroom, a muted livestream of the March, and soft ambient lighting.

Map shows the Quiet Zone in the Northwest area of Goodale Park that will be open on Friday and Saturday during Festival hours. The map also shows the Quiet Zone at 5 Star Staffing located on Russell St. will be open on Saturday only during the March.

Additional Accessible Amenities

• ASL interpreters will be available for the Stonewall Columbus Pride Main Stage events and the Stonewall Columbus Pride March commentator stage.
• All Stonewall Columbus Pride staff, volunteers, and board members will receive disability awareness and etiquette training.
• All Stonewall Columbus Pride staff, volunteers, and board members will be asked to refrain from using scented cosmetics and fragrances.
• Large print maps will be available for viewing at the Stonewall Columbus booth.
• There will be a lost people station at the South end of the Shelterhouse for any lost folks to be able to reunite with their loved ones safely and securely.
• Events held at the Stonewall Columbus Center will include elevators and accommodation for individuals with disabilities will be facilitated by staff and volunteers.

We encourage all members of our community to participate as volunteers, including those with apparent and non-apparent disabilities. We want you here! When you register to volunteer for Pride, our application form has a section for accessibility needs and accommodation requests. We will be in conversation with you and honor reasonable requests for accommodation to the best of our ability.

We believe that Pride is for ALL of US, and we hope to see you there!

Have any questions about access or disability accommodations? Please email  cevqrnpprffvovyvgl@fgbarjnyypbyhzohf.bet