Many neurodivergent people (those with brain differences affecting processing, like autism and ADHD) love comics and graphic novels, and visual mediums support literacy, especially for those with learning differences. However, typical comic conventions are often sensory nightmares, with crowded, loud and bright convention centers creating a hostile or outright exclusionary environment for neurodivergent attendees. Because of this, many interested patrons have never been able to attend a con.
Inspired by a suggestion from a patron and funded by a Brooklyn Incubator grant, Inclusive Services at Brooklyn Public Library designed Include Con, a first-of-its-kind library comic convention with sensory needs considered at every stage. By taking major steps to manage the sensory experience of the event and providing a range of sensory tools, we allowed many neurodivergent patrons to attend and/or enjoy their first convention.
In this presentation, public and school librarians alike will learn about the barriers that typically exclude people with sensory-processing issues from comic conventions and feel empowered to create their own sensory-friendly conventions, as well as sensory-friendly teen programming more generally.
