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:

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.

First Aid Service and Wheelchair/Walker Storage:

  • 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 AM980 Guest Services Desk at Gate 1 and someone will gladly provide you with wheelchair assistance.
  • You can store your mobility device at the AM980 Guest Services Desk at Gate 1 during the ceremony to eliminate congestion in the seating areas and hallways.

Facilities:

  • 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.

Service Animals:

  • All service animals are welcomed at Canada Life Place.

Prayer Space:

  • A private place for prayer is designated on Level 300 at Canada Life Place in the Gibson Lounge. Signage or Ushers can direct you to this location.

Entrances and Elevators:

  • There are three public elevators available inside the arena at Gates 1 and 4 that provide access between levels. There are two escalators, one located near section 102/103, and one located near section 109/110.

Accessible Seating:

  • 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.

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