Accessibility

A photo of the Spencer Engineering building on Western's campus in the summertime, with blossoming trees framing the building

Western strives to provide an inclusive environment and for each graduate, guest, and volunteer to be able to participate in a way that acknowledges equality, inclusiveness, and celebration.

Convocation is a celebration that involves crowds – before, during, and after the ceremony. During the ceremony, attendees can expect a mixture of speeches, live performances, and video presentations. Graduates can expect to stand in line for an extended amount of time as they process into the ceremony area and across the stage.

We welcome accompanying assistants or interpreters and encourage a scent-free environment to accommodate all attendees. Please note that our convocation 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 appreciate being advised of any accessible requirements graduates and guests have prior to the ceremony so that we can ensure everyone is able to fully participate.

For questions regarding accessibility at our convocation ceremonies, contact the Convocation Team.

Making Accessibility Arrangements

Graduates

We encourage graduates with permanent or short-term disabilities who require special arrangements to participate in their Convocation ceremony to fill in our Convocation Accessibility Form two weeks or more before their ceremony.

You will be contacted and provided with more information to make the day as smooth as possible for you.

Guests

Special arrangements for guests must be made by completing our Convocation Accessibility Form one week or more before your ceremony. The form must be completed by the graduating student.

Volunteers

If you require accessibility accommodations as part of your volunteer responsibilities, contact the Convocation Team.

Venue Information

Accessible Parking:

  • A limited number of accessible parking spaces will be available close to Canada Life Place. Further information will be provided in the coming weeks.
  • Guests requiring mobility support can be dropped off at Gate 1.

Closed Captioning and American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation:

  • 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.

Visit Canada Life Place’s website for more venue-specific accessibility information.