SXSW Accessibility Commitment Statement
Everyone is welcome at SXSW. We strive to make our conferences and festivals accessible to the largest number of people possible and are always looking at ways to remove barriers.
If you have accessibility requests or requirements that are not covered on this page, please contact accessibility@sxsw.com so we can work together to find an accommodation.
Contact SXSW 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!
- Email: accessibility@sxsw.com
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 to reduce steps between venues -Reserved 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 -Accessibility Staff & Volunteers as resources throughout the footprint | We do not provide -1:1 ASL interpretation accompanying individuals throughout the event (use Companion Wristband for this) -Personal transport via car or golf cart (Accessibility Shuttle available) -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 2027 is February 27, 2027.
Fill out our SXSW 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
Having the Accessibility Designation added to your SXSW credential provides access to:
- Reserved accessibility seating in session rooms
- Priority entry to official SXSW events (go to the front of the line & show the ‘A’ on your badge. Does not guarantee access to events that are at capacity)
- Use of the Accessibility Shuttle to reduce steps between venues
- Ability to request a Companion Wristband if needed
To request Accessibility Designation, please 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 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 for more information. Events with Added Accessibility Features
Events with Added Accessibility Features
Finding Added Accessibility Features
Finding Added Accessibility Features: The SXSW schedule has an Accessibility Filter to help attendees find the events that have the features they are looking for.
Below, you’ll find descriptions of each accessibility feature based on the type of event.
Note: Many events have multiple accessibility features.
Accessible Conference Sessions
- Open Captioning (OC): Live Open Captioning available on a screen at the front of Keynote & Featured speaker sessions.
- Closed Captioning (CC): Live Closed Captioning available on attendees personal device.
- American Sign Language (ASL): American Sign Language interpretation for the audience. Interpreters are placed in front of the ASL/Accessibility reserved seating area.
Accessible Film & TV Screenings
- Closed Captioning (CC): Text display of dialogue and sound effects that can be turned on or off using a captioning device. Closed Captions are available for all Film & TV Screenings. We provide these devices at screenings on a first-come, first-served basis. While you can request a device on-site, we recommend filling out the Accessibility Accommodations Form in advance to ensure availability and a smoother experience.
- Open Captioning (OC): Text display of dialogue and sound effects shown directly on the screen for all viewers.
- Subtitles: Written translation of dialogue displayed on screen, typically used for films in languages other than English. Unlike captions, subtitles don’t include sound effect descriptions or speaker identification.
- Audio Description (AD): A separate audio track that describes visual elements of the film, including actions, characters, scene changes, and on-screen text, for blind and low-vision viewers. While you can request a device on-site, we recommend filling out the Accessibility Accommodations Form in advance to ensure availability and a smoother experience.
- American Sign Language (ASL): Live ASL interpretation is provided for introductions, Q&As, and panel discussions at select screenings.
- Captioned Q&A: Live captioning offered during introductions and post-screening Q&As via the patron’s personal device.
Accessible Music Showcases
- American Sign Language (ASL): Live ASL interpretation/performance for audience.
Captioning & ASL Interpreting
ASL Interpreting
SXSW provides ASL Interpreters automatically for many of our large events and by attendee/presenter request. To view which conference sessions have already been assigned ASL interpreters, select the American Sign Language option under the Accessibility filter on our web or SXSW GO schedule.
SXSW does not provide 1:1 ASL Interpreters to accompany individuals throughout the festival. If youwould like to bring your own interpreter, check out our Companion Wristband option above.
The deadline for requests for ASL interpreters for SXSW 2027 is February 27, 2027. These can be submitted to accessibility@sxsw.com. If there are last minute requests for ASL interpreters, please contact accessibility@sxsw.com . Though we cannot guarantee our ability to add interpreters after the deadline, we would love to try.
Conference Captioning
We offer a mixture of open and closed captioning throughout our conference sessions. Captions are added automatically to most sessions. To view which conference sessions have been scheduled to provide captioning, select the captioning options under the Accessibility filter on our web or SXSW GO schedule.
Closed captions are accessed from the user’s personal device via QR code available in the room. There will also be a link to the closed captioning on this page throughout the festival.
The deadline to request additional captioned events for SXSW 2027 is February 27, 2027. These can be submitted to accessibility@sxsw.com. If there are last minute requests for captioning that is not already provided, please contact accessibility@sxsw.com. Though we cannot guarantee our ability to add captioning after the deadline, we would love to try.
Film & TV Screening Captioning
Upon arrival at film screenings, we encourage attendees that will require a captioning device to let a SXSW team member know. Though we do not require it, we encourage those who have a schedule of films they plan to see with a captioning device to send their schedule to accessibility@sxsw.com so we can have them ready for you.
Screenings that provide Open Captioning will show the captioning on the screen without a device needed. The type of captioning available for each screening will be listed in the schedule and can be accessed with the Accessibility filter on the schedule.
Accessibility/ASL Entry & Seating
Conference Sessions
Those with Accessibility Designation have the option of using Accessibility entry and Accessibility/ASL seating during our event. Those who are using Accessibility entry are encouraged to head to the front of the line and show the ‘A’ on their badge to the SXSW team member admitting attendees. All accessibility designated SXSW accessible seating is based on capacity and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Film & TV Screenings
We recommend that those with Accessibility Designation who have a specific seating request use Accessibility priority entry so they are able to choose the seat that will work best for them upon entry. Doors open for priority entrance approximately one hour before and are held until approximately 45 minutes before the screening time. We encourage those who will be using Accessibility Entry to show the ‘A’ on their badge to a SXSW team member upon arrival.
Music/Comedy Performances
We recommend that those with Accessibility Designation who have specific seating needs arrive early so they can enter before the line. Though all performance venues use our Priority entry system, many performance venues have limited seating options and/or fill quickly.
Additional questions about Accessibility/ASL entry & seating can be directed to accessibility@sxsw.com.
Audio Description
Film Audio Description
Audio description will be available for select films. Audio Description equipment is limited and is first come first serve.
While you can request a device on-site, we recommend filling out the Accessibility Accommodations Form or emailing us at accessibility@sxsw.com in advance to ensure availability and a smoother experience.
We do not provide guides at SXSW. Attendees who would like to bring a guide of their choice are encouraged to do so via our Companion Wristband system.
Contact accessibility@sxsw.com with any questions or concerns.
Accessible Housing
To request an accessible room online with SXSW Housing & Travel, choose your ideal hotel from our list of available hotel rooms and follow the steps to book. When you reach the “special request field” in step 3 of the booking process (where you’ll also enter your payment information), let us know that you require an accessible room and any other additional details about your stay. We’ll pass this information along to the hotel so they can accommodate your request.
For assistance, contact housing@sxsw.com.
Service Animals
SXSW allows ADA-recognized service animals trained specifically to assist a person with disabilities at all events. Service animals are defined as dogs/mini horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
Pets and animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not permitted at SXSW events.
If you are bringing a service animal, we ask that you register your service animal at one of the Accessibility Help Desks. You will receive a SXSW Service Animal tag that signals to all staff and volunteers that this animal is working and you have been in touch with the Accessibility Team.
Sensory Information
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with PTSD, dementia, autism, and other similar conditions (1 in 4 individuals). One of the significant barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to overstimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of this environment.
Sensory items such as ear plugs and fidget tools can be found at our Accessibility Help Desks. Sensory Room location information will be located here closer to the festival.
High Sensory Experience
Though SXSW itself is a high sensory experience, events across the festival we expect to have more sensory stimulation than attendees may anticipate are marked “High Sensory Experience” on our schedule. Examples of this are conference sessions that include an unexpected light show, performances or social events that tend to be crowded and loud by design, and busy film premieres that often have unexpected exciting entrances.
If you have questions or concerns about any events’ content or sensory experience, contact [accessibility@sxsw.com](mailto:accessibility@sxsw.com.
Transportation & Parking
Transportation
Austin, in general, is accessible. Be aware that there are some places throughout the City that are historic, or dated and could pose challenges for some who have a disability. Please reach out to accessibility@sxsw.com for questions about specific establishments or areas.
Our advice to attendees is to utilize public transportation, rideshare, or taxi service when available. All public transportation methods have an accessible option.
Shuttle Services
SXSW provides Accessible Shuttles for those with Accessibility Designation added to thier credential and their companion. More information about the Accessibility Shuttle including the map and ocntact phone. number will be provided here closer to the festival.
Parking
Drivers who have a government-issued disabled hang tag or license plate may use street metered parking free of charge. Private parking lots and garages may have different rules and regulations. Attendees with Accessibility Designation may park near any of the SXSW Shuttle Stops and request the Accessibility Shuttle.
Mobility Devices
At SXSW, wheelchairs and 3- or 4-wheel electric scooters, walkers, canes, and crutches are allowed and are reasonably accommodated. Please know that SXSW does not provide push services for attendees. Attendees who require this service are encouraged to read about our Companion Wristbands. For safety reasons, requests to use other power-driven mobility devices will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please email accessibility@sxsw.com.
Repair/Rental
There is no equipment rental of any kind offered by SXSW. Please make your own mobility accommodations, if required. If you need assistance email accessibility@sxsw.com and we will help provide options within the Greater Austin Area.
This page is regularly updated as more information becomes available.