Services for People with Disabilities

Accommodations for College, School and Department Commencement Convocations
For visitors with disabilities attending individual college, school and department convocations, please contact the college, school or department representative at least five days prior to Commencement activities.

Accommodations for University-wide Ceremony
If you are attending the University-wide ceremony on the evening of Saturday, May 23rd and require accommodations, please call Equal Opportunity Services, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at (512) 471-1849.

While every effort will be made, the university may be unable to fulfill last-minute accommodation requests. A reserved seating section for Deaf/Hard of Hearing guests requiring sign language interpreting services will be available near the southwest corner of the stage. In addition, a limited number of wheelchairs will be available to help transport people with mobility issues to and from their seats. Those requiring wheelchairs for the duration of a ceremony should plan on making their own accommodations prior to arriving on campus.

On Saturday, May 23rd, information is available by calling the University Police Department at (512) 471-4441 or by TDD (512) 471-4777.

Family and Friends — Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I have a disabled or elderly passenger who cannot walk very far. What should I do?

A: Drop the passenger off at the Disability Services location. Staff will be available with wheelchairs to assist guests to seating locations reserved for people with disabilities. Following the ceremony, staff will also assist guests in returning to the drop-off location.

Please Note: A limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available to transport guests with special needs to the reserved seating section. Wheelchairs are not available for people requiring a wheelchair for the duration of the program. Due to limited space, the reserved seating area is restricted to the person with the disability and one guest. Additional members of your party should sit in regular public seating areas.

Q: I am driving to the ceremony and have a state-issued handicapped parking permit. Where can I park?

A: Park in reserved parking in campus lot F-27 at the northwest corner of Dean Keeton Street and Whitis Street. The Disability Services Shuttle will be available to transport you to the Tower for Commencement.

Q: My family member is deaf or hard of hearing. Will an interpreter or any other accommodations be provided?

A: Sign language interpreting services will be arranged for the entire ceremony. Reserved seating for those utilizing interpreting services will be available on the west side of the stage (to the left as you face the stage). Due to limited space, the reserved seating area is restricted to deaf/hard of hearing individuals and one guest. Additional members of your party should sit in public seating areas.

Q: Where can I find accessible restrooms at the university-wide ceremony?

A: A list of accessible restrooms will be available at Disability Services tables (near Littlefield Fountain and west of the Tower). Buildings adjacent to the Tower and South Mall will have signs directing people to “restroom” locations available to the public. Locations with accessible restrooms will be identified by signage with the handicapped symbol.