Accessibility Services
Middlebury College is pleased to offer the following services to guests with disabilities during Commencement Weekend. Services will be clearly marked with signs posted at each event. There will be staff wearing “Usher” lanyards. Please feel free to ask for assistance.
Parking
Middlebury is primarily a “walking campus” that is sprawling and hilly. Parking near the center of campus is limited. Please plan accordingly and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
All campus parking lots have designated accessible parking for vehicles bearing valid Department of Motor Vehicles disability parking placards or license plates. Accessible parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Guests with mobility impairments may be dropped off near event venues. Vehicles must then park elsewhere.
Phi Beta Kappa Induction Ceremony
McCullough Student Center, Wilson Hall
Seating
Wheelchair seating is available in Wilson Hall.
Restrooms
All restrooms at the McCullough Student Center are wheelchair accessible. There are accessible, single-stall, all-gender restrooms on the first floor, to the right of the MiddExpress Retail Store.
Additional Services
Assistive listening devices are available. Please check in at the ADA tent for information on assistive listening devices.
Baccalaureate Service
Middlebury Chapel
Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A live broadcast will be provided in Wilson Hall in McCullough Student Center*. The chapel is not air-conditioned. Wilson Hall offers cushioned seating and air conditioning for guests who prefer a more comfortable setting. Guests may also be seated on the lawn in front of the chapel, where a live audio broadcast is provided.
*Parties with wheelchair users who wish to attend a viewing of the Baccalaureate ceremony are encouraged to use McCullough Student Center, which offers more accessible parking spaces, seating, and restrooms on-site.
Seating
There is no designated wheelchair seating in McCullough or on the chapel lawn. Guests are encouraged to find a place in the general audience that works for their party.
Restrooms
Please note: there are no restrooms in the chapel. However, an accessible portable restroom will be located by Gifford Hall, which is next to the chapel.
There are accessible restrooms in McCullough on the same floor as Wilson Hall.
Additional Services
- American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is provided in the chapel. Please ask an usher to seat you near the interpreter.
- Large-format programs are available for Baccalaureate at the program distribution tables.
Commencement Exercises
The Central College Lawn
Parking and Drop-Off Locations for Commencement
There are a limited number of accessible parking spots for guests who bring Department of Motor Vehicle-issued accessible parking placards. These spots are located on Old Chapel Road in front of the main entrance to the Commencement site.
When accessible parking is full, guests with mobility impairments may be dropped off on Old Chapel Road at the Commencement site. Vehicles must then park elsewhere. Shuttles are available from most parking lots.
Accessibility Services Check-In Location
A small tent will be located on the east side of the Commencement site, serving as a check-in location for guests with disabilities. Guests may check in at the Accessibility Services tent for assistance with seating and other services.
Seating
Seating for guests in wheelchairs is located next to the Accessibility Services tent.
Restrooms
Look for signs at Commencement identifying portable accessible restroom facilities or locate an usher for assistance.
Additional Services
- American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is provided. If you require ASL services, please check in at the Accessibility Services tent and a staff member will guide you to the ASL seating area.
- Assistive listening devices are available in the Accessibility Services tent.
- Large-format programs are available at the program distribution tables.
Accessibility FAQ's
Q Where can I rent an ADA van?
While there are no accessible vans available for rent on campus itself, individuals can rent ADA vans from providers within an hour’s drive of campus. The Mobility Resource is one such resource in the Burlington, VT area (about 45 minutes north of campus).
Q Which local lodging accommodations are easiest for attendees with mobility issues?
Two of the best and closest options for visitors with mobility issues are The Courtyard Middlebury by Marriott and The Middlebury Inn.
Q What area restaurants accommodate specific allergies or medical conditions?
A few options in town include Fire and Ice Restaurant, Rosie’s Restaurant, The Swift House Inn, Taste of India, Haymaker, and Tourterelle (New Haven, VT). All of these restaurants make their food to order and could likely take allergens and medical conditions into consideration. This is a suggestion list. Please make specific arrangements with each restaurant upon securing reservations.