Section 1: Inclusivity
The May The 4th Sci-Fi Film Festival is an open for all festival that actively encourages people with disabilities to participate and enjoy what is on offer.
In 2025 we welcomed people with conditions and needs as varied as autism, special needs, mobility impairments and deafness. In particular, we encourage families with children with particular requirements to come and visit the Comic-Con event and take pictures and create happy memories with their favorite Star Wars and Sci-Fi characters.
The 501st Garrison and Rebel Legion are very familiar with this type of inclusivity efforts and charity work which really helps to make the festival a fun for all environment.
Section 2: Transport and Access
There is free parking available on site at both the Comic-Con location at the Portmagee Domes and at the Portmagee Community Centre where the film screenings take place.
For the Gala Awards ceremony, again there is free parking available at the location. All parking spaces are on flat ground leading to the venues which are all at ground level and no stairs or ramps are required for accessibility to any of the venues used.
Section 3: Facilities
As mentioned in the previous section, we have specifically chosen locations where ease of access has been prioritized. In 2026, we will make special provision to have clearly marked water stations available for guide dogs to demonstrate best practice in terms of accessibility.
Section 4: Communications
For 2026, we will create more signage, specifically to promote accessibility and inclusivity efforts for the festival. These signs will be located at relevant points at both the Comic-Con event and the Film Screenings.
Section 5: Additional Considerations
We are going to reach out to some local special needs schools and groups to cater for specific tour times where extra assistance will be provided to ensure these groups have a very enjoyable festival in 2026.
John Murphy, Festival Coordinator is currently completing an MA in Regenerative Tourism through MTU. The May The 4th Sci-Fi Film Festival is featured in several of his assigned projects to do with regenerative tourism, sustainability and accessibility considerations. It is hoped this research along with networking afforded through participation with MTU on the program ill better prepare the festival to improve in these important areas over the coming years.