SERVICES FOR GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND
Middlebury College is pleased to announce the following services for guests with disabilities during Commencement Weekend. The locations for these services are clearly marked with signs posted at the events. In addition, there will be ushers at the various events throughout the weekend wearing badges with the wheelchair logo. Please feel free to ask for assistance.
Please contact Jodi Litchfield in the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ) Office for further information on any of these services or their locations. You may reach her at 802-443-5936 (voice), 802-443-7437 (TTY) or via e-mail at litchfie@middlebury.edu.
Requests for accommodations should be submitted as early in advance as possible. The College may not be able to accommodate requests that are not made in a timely fashion, that would pose an undue hardship, or that would fundamentally alter the nature of the College's events or programs.
GENERAL
ADA INFORMATION FOR COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND
Parking
There are a limited number of accessible parking spots available on campus for guests with mobility impairments who have a state-issued handicap parking placard. Spots are only available on a first-come/first-served basis. There are shuttles available from most parking lots.
Drop-off
Families may choose to drop off guests with mobility impairments if they do not have a state-issued handicap parking placard, or if the accessible parking spots are full. Vehicles may approach the drop-off location to bring guests with impairments as close to the entrance of the event as possible. The vehicle must then park elsewhere. There are shuttles available from most parking lots.
Handicap accessible parking spots and drop-off locations are listed below for each event.
ADA
Check-In Location
An ADA tent will be available at the Commencement site as a check-in location for guests with disabilities or for those who have identified themselves as having special needs prior to Commencement.
Wheelchairs
A limited number of wheelchairs are available for the weekend with an ADVANCED reservation through the ADA Office. We may be unable to accommodate requests placed after May 1st.
SATURDAY, MAY 22
PHI BETA KAPPA INDUCTION CEREMONY
Concert Hall in the
Mahaney Center for the Arts
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Parking and drop-off locations
Accessible parking is available in the parking lot of Mahaney Center for the Arts for guests who bring a state-issued handicap parking placard.
Guests with mobility impairments may be dropped off near the Mahaney Center for the Arts. Vehicles must then park elsewhere.
Seating
Specialized seating is available for wheelchair users in the Concert Hall.
Restrooms
There are accessible restrooms at this site.
Additional Services
Large Print programs for the Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony can be made available with two weeks advanced notice. Assistive listening devices (phonic ears) are available.
BACCALAUREATE SERVICE
Mead Memorial Chapel (for Graduating Seniors Only which includes Feb '10's, Feb '11's and those completing their degree requirements after May 23, 2010 but before Feb. 2011.)
11:30 a.m.
McCullough Social Space (Live broadcasted viewing for families and other guests)
Dana Auditorium (Live broadcasted viewing for families and other guests)
Lawn in front of Mead Chapel (Speakers set up for families and other guests for listening only)
**Parties with wheelchair users who wish to attend a viewing of Baccalaureate are encouraged to go to the viewing in McCullough Social Space which has accessible parking, seating, and restrooms on site.**
Parking and drop-off locations at McCullough
There are a limited number of handicap accessible parking spots near McCullough on Old Chapel Road for guests who have a state-issued handicap parking placard.
Guests with mobility impairments may be dropped off near McCullough on Old Chapel Road. Vehicles must then park elsewhere.
Parking and drop-off locations for Mead Chapel lawn (listening only)
Seating
There is no specific seating for wheelchair users in McCullough or on Mead Chapel lawn. Guests are encouraged to find a place that works for their party in the general audience.
Restrooms
There are accessible restrooms located in McCullough on the same floor as the Social Space.
Hepburn Hall will be open and there will be an accessible portable rest room located by Gifford Hall which is next to Mead Chapel.
Additional Services
Large Print programs for Baccalaureate can be made available with two weeks advanced notice. Assistive listening devices (phonic ears) are available in Mead (for the senior graduates), McCullough, and Dana.
SUNDAY, MAY 23
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
The Central College Lawn (located in the vicinity of Munroe and Voter Halls)
10:00 a.m.
Parking and drop-off locations for Commencement
There are a limited number of handicap accessible parking spots for guests who bring a state-issued handicap parking placard. These spots are located on Old Chapel Road in front of the main entrance to the Commencement site.
Guests with mobility impairments may be dropped off on Old Chapel Road in front of the Commencement site. Vehicles must then park elsewhere.
Seating
Seating for guests in wheelchairs will be available at Commencement next to the ADA tent. Guests are encouraged to check in at the ADA tent for assistance with seating. In order to accommodate as many wheelchair users as possible, we ask that the number of additional family members accompanying our guests in wheelchairs be kept to a minimum.
Restrooms
Look for signs at Commencement identifying accessible restroom facilities or locate an usher for assistance.
Additional Services
Assistive listening devices (phonic ears) are available at Commencement in the ADA tent.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is available at Commencement. Those requiring seats in the ASL section at Commencement must check in at the ADA tent to obtain an admission ticket.
Large Print programs are available for Commencement at the program distribution tables.