Accessibility

If you have any concerns during the Bookfair volunteers sitting at the welcome table are available for assistance.

The Victoria Anarchist Bookfair Collective actively strives to create an accessible event. We aim to avoid replicating the barriers in society that exclude and marginalize people. In line with our principles, we organize the Bookfair to challenge exclusions deriving from social oppression. We maintain:

• A policy of no alcohol or other drugs and we ask all participants to respect this and help us ensure our relationship with the venue remains solid.

• Wheelchair access to events: the hall is fully wheelchair accessible. The bathrooms are wheelchair accessible on both levels of the bookfair.
• A safe and welcoming event for children and their parents.
• Encouraging the wearing of masks at all times and locations for the duration of the bookfair to help diminish the spread of COVID-19. Free masks will be available for guests.
• An event free of smoke, nuts, and perfumes/scents, to enable a kid-friendly and accessible event for people who might have allergies, including allergies that are life-threatening.
• Journalists are escorted and ask permission before they take pictures.
• Respect everyone’s privacy. Before taking pictures and/or posting them online, ask for permission.
• All pets must remain outside and on leash. Only working/service dogs are welcome inside and they must stay near their human at all times.
• Free admittance (donations gratefully accepted, and all money supports future bookfairs).

The dynamics of hierarchy, power and privilege that exist within society are also found among us. People participating in the Bookfair are asked to be aware of their language and behavior, and to think about whether it might be oppressive to others. The Bookfair is no space for violence, racism, ageism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, sizism, or touching another person without consent. Acting in a way that perpetuates oppression, including through language, will not be tolerated.

People participating should be aware of how they are presenting them self to insure their choice of atheistic is not of cultures other than their own. The bookfair acknowledges that cultural heritage and identity is not always visible, we will not be discriminating based on appearance.

Our attempts to equalize access are made within the limits of current resources and therefore may not be perfect. However, we welcome suggestions for improvement and will do our best to implement them.

About the Space

Fernwood NRG is fully wheelchair accessible. The main entrance contains two sets of two glass doors. They are automatic with the press of a button. Entry to the gym entrance on the lower level is gained through two windowless doors that are left open, depending on weather. There is a carpeted ramp to gain access from the lower level to the upper level and it is wide enough for two people to walk side by side. Lighting in the NRG space is fluorescent tubes. Signs will be posted on how to get to workshop space and tabler space. Tables are arranged to allow room for wheelchairs. A vegan meal will be served by Food not Bombs free of charge. Parking is available on the street by the main entrance, and below by the gym for people who have trouble walking long distances. Bus 22 will drop you off 200m east of the venue on Fernwood St. Seats provided for workshops are wooden without arm rests. Some workshops fill up to standing room only, we ask that folks prioritize seating for people that need it.