Graduation Access for Event Planners

Disability Access Considerations for your Ceremonies 

  • Include a disability access statement for your event RSVP and event communications, including websites. 
  • Graduation/Convocation Specific statement:
    • The University is committed to full access to all its programs and activities. Please visit DRC's graduation access page  for information related to accessibility at our College Convocation(s) as well as at the University Wide Commencement. All seating is first come first served. To request accommodations, please contact the UA Disability Resource Center at accessibility@arizona.edu.
  • If a disability accommodation request is made, by a graduate or a guest, contact DRC

Path of travel - Graduates 

  • All graduates take a common accessible route for procession, to/from seating, and on/off the stage. 

Seating - Graduates and Guests 

  • Seating arrangements include graduates with disabilities sitting with their cohort and guests with disabilities to sit with their party, not in separate spaces/areas. 
  • Maneuvering clearance and integration options for the accessible seating areas. For example:  
    • Accessible seating is provided in multiple locations to allow a choice. 
    • Accessible seating locations in a front/back row, remove a minimum of 2 chairs. 
    • Accessible seating at the end of rows, remove 4 chairs – 2 chairs from the row itself and 2 additional chairs from the row in front or behind the seating row.  
  • Arrange seating which provides access to Interpreters and CART Captioners.  

DRC's Graduation Disability Access - provides general accessibility information for ceremonies, parking, and locations.

Contact DRC with any questions you may have regarding access or accommodations for graduates or guests at accessibility@arizona.edu