We are pleased to assist your guests with accommodations for the upcoming Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) Commencement Ceremonies. The Harris Family Center for Disability and Health Policy (CDHP) will coordinate the required support. Please review the important guidance below regarding accessibility services for the WesternU Commencement Ceremonies.
Arrival Time & Door Closures
Please ensure that your guests requiring accessibility services arrive well in advance of the ceremony. We recommend that your guests arrive at the Accessibility Station 30 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure they do not miss any part of the ceremony. The doors will close prior to the start of the commencement ceremony for the processional and will remain closed for approximately 20 minutes before reopening. Please visit the WesternU commencement website at https://commencement.westernu.edu/schedule-of-ceremonies/comp/ for information about your specific graduation ceremony.
Accessible Parking
The Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center provides accessible parking spaces for vehicles displaying disability plates or placards. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Red Lot and the parking lot at Gate 17. The Red Lot is adjacent to the Conference Center and is the designated lot for graduate parking. We recommend that guests with mobility impairments drive in with their graduate to ensure parking close to the venue. An accessible transport is available for all guests that park at Gate 17 to the Conference Center.
Passenger Drop Off and Pick Up
The Conference Center does not allow for the drop-off or pickup of guests. We recommend that guests with mobility impairments drive in with their graduate to ensure parking close to the venue.
Accessibility Station
The Accessibility Station for the Commencement Ceremony at the Sheraton Fairplex Conference Center is located outside of the Conference Center to the left and will be staffed from the time the ceremony doors open until 30 minutes after the ceremony concludes. For any inquiries or to make advance arrangements for courtesy assistance, please email disabilityaccommodations@westernu.edu or call 909-469-5385.
ASL Interpreters and Assistive Listening Devices
ASL sign language interpreters and assistive listening devices will be available upon request for guests who require this service. WesternU kindly requests that guests who need sign language interpreters or assistive listening devices provide CDHP with as much advance notice as possible but must notify us by April 25, 2025, at the latest. If a request for these services is made after this date, CDHP will make every effort to accommodate the guest but cannot guarantee the availability of an interpreter or an assistive listening device. To arrange for ASL sign language interpreters or an assistive listening device, please contact disabilityaccommodations@westernu.edu or call 909-469-5385. Guests requesting these services are required to check in at the Accessibility Station for assistance.
Wheelchair Escorts
Manual wheelchair escorts are available for guests on a first-come, first-served basis at the Accessibility Station. WesternU kindly requests that guests who need this service provide CDHP with as much advance notice as possible but must notify us by April 25, 2025, at the latest. If a request for these services is made after this date, CDHP will make every effort to accommodate the guest but cannot guarantee the availability of this service. Guests should sign-in at the Accessibility Station, where an Accessibility Team member will assist them. Please note, Segways, go-carts, and similar devices are not permitted, and WesternU does not provide personal care assistance. For any questions or to make advance arrangements for a manual wheelchair escort, please contact disabilityaccommodations@westernu.edu or call 909-469-5385. We do not offer escort service from the parking lot to the entrance.
Wheelchair-Accessible and Companion Seating
Wheelchair-accessible and companion seating is available. For guests who require alternative seating arrangements (such as remaining seated in their wheelchair or walker) during the commencement ceremony, WesternU requires that you notify CDHP by April 25, 2025. This ensures we can accommodate your guest’s needs. If the request is made after April 25, 2025, CDHP will make every effort to accommodate the guest, but we cannot guarantee that an alternative seating arrangement will be available. For alternative seating requests, please email disabilityaccommodations@westernu.edu or call 909-469-5385. Guests requiring this service should check-in at the Accessibility Station.
Service Dogs
If your guest intends to attend the commencement ceremony with a service animal, they are required to check in at the Accessibility Station for assistance. Please be advised that, in accordance with event policies, pets and emotional support animals are not permitted in the venue. Only service animals, as defined by the ADA, will be allowed. If your guest requires assistance from their service animal during the ceremony, we encourage you to contact disabilityaccommodations@westernu.edu or call 909-469-5385 in advance to confirm appropriate seating arrangements.
Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact disabilityaccommodations@westernu.edu or call 909-469-5385. We are dedicated to providing an accessible and enjoyable experience for your guests, and we look forward to welcoming them to the commencement ceremony.