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Accessibility at Convocation
Accessibility at Convocation
Accessibility at Convocation
Western strives to actively address the needs of our graduating students, their guests, and our volunteers who require accommodations to participate in a ceremony, including but not limited to physical disabilities, dexterity/mobility impairments, medical disabilities, sensory disabilities/impairments, neurodiversity, psychological/emotional disabilities, family supports, and gender inclusivity.
We appreciate being advised of any accessibility requirements at least two (2) weeks prior to the ceremony so that we can ensure everyone is able to fully participate in a way that acknowledges equity, inclusiveness, and celebration.
Making Accessibility Arrangements
If you are a graduating student who requires accessibility arrangements for your ceremony, please complete the Convocation Accessibility Form. You will be contacted and provided with more information to make the day as smooth as possible for you.
We encourage graduating students to make requests at least two (2) weeks prior to their ceremony to ensure sufficient time for planning.
If you’re not sure if you should submit a form response, we recommend you contact the Convocation Team.
Please note:
- Convocation is a celebration that involves crowds – before, during, and after the ceremony.
- During assembly, graduates can expect speeches and announcements.
- Graduates can expect to stand in line for an extended amount of time as they process into the ceremony area and across the stage. The arrival and assembly portion is on one level; stage access is by stairs with rails or by stage ramp (we appreciate knowing in advance if you plan to use the ramp).
- During the ceremony, attendees can expect a mixture of speeches, live performances, and video presentations. Live captioning and live ASL interpretation will be presented on large screens beside the stage.
- We welcome accompanying assistants or interpreters and encourage a scent-free environment to accommodate all attendees.
If you arrive at your ceremony and determine that you require support, please speak with a volunteer.
If you are a guest who requires accessibility arrangements to attend your graduate’s ceremony, your graduate must complete the Convocation Accessibility Form on your behalf. You will be contacted and provided with more information to make the day as smooth as possible for you.
We encourage requests to be made at least two (2) weeks prior to the ceremony to ensure sufficient time for planning.
Please note:
- Ceremonies are ticketed, and it is important for organizers to be informed of any accommodations in advance. A livestream of each ceremony will be available.
- We welcome accompanying assistants or interpreters and encourage a scent-free environment to accommodate all attendees.
- During the ceremony, attendees can expect a mixture of speeches, live performances, and video presentations. Live captioning and live ASL interpretation will be presented on large screens beside the stage.
If you require accessibility accommodations as part of your volunteer responsibilities, please contact the Convocation Team.
Venue Information
Get to know the accessibility features of the venue before you arrive.
- Wheelchair accessible seating for guests is available on various levels of Canada Life Place. Please inform your ticket-taker of your need for accessible seating and someone will assist you to these locations.
- To reserve accessible seating for guests, please complete our Convocation Accessibility Form one week or more before your ceremony. The form must be completed by the graduating student.
- For guests requiring accessible seating, tickets in an accessible seating location will be provided for themselves and one companion. Additional guests within the same party will be provided with tickets in general guest seating as close as possible to the accessible seating location, often located directly in front.
- There are two public elevators available inside the arena at Gates 1 and 6 that provide access between levels. There is an escalator located near section 109/110.
- Each ceremony is closed captioned and will have an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. ASL interpretation is provided by live interpreters within the venue and is presented virtually on screens beside the stage.
- Should you require ASL interpretation in another format, contact the Convocation Team.
- Medical First Responders are present for each ceremony and are available to assist guests with accessible needs. Once you arrive at a gate, inform your ticket taker that you require a wheelchair and someone will assist you to your seat and pick you up after the event. You can also check in at the Guest Services Desk at Gate 1 and someone will gladly provide you with wheelchair assistance.
- You can store your mobility device at the Guest Services Desk at Gate 1 during the ceremony to eliminate congestion in the seating areas and hallways.
- All washroom facilities at Canada Life Place are wheelchair accessible. In addition, accessible family services washrooms are located on all levels. Baby changing tables are located in the family services washrooms.
- Drinking fountains are located throughout Canada Life Place and are all wheelchair accessible.
- There are two public elevators available inside the arena at Gates 1 and 6 that provide access between levels. There is an escalator located near section 109/110