PrintAccessibility for Graduands and Guests
Graduands with disabilities or graduands who have guests with disabilities who will be attending their convocation ceremony are asked to complete the online Convocation Accessibility form. This form helps to ensure an enjoyable experience for you and your guests. After you submit the form, the Office of the Registrar will then contact you with further information. Please complete this form at least two weeks before the date of your ceremony. For additional information on accessibility at convocation, please contact the Convocation Accessibility phone line at (905) 525-9140 ext. 21676, or by e-mail at convo.accessibility@mcmaster.ca.
Also, please note that:
- Photos of the processional route travelled by graduands on the day of the ceremony (including photos of stairs, railings, etc.) is available as a PDF document.
- Hamilton Place has several wheelchairs that can be loaned to guests during the ceremony; ask your guests to inquire at the coat check counter in the main lobby. The wheelchairs can be borrowed at no charge.
- Hamilton Place also has infra-red hearing devices for guests with a hearing impairment. These are also are available for loan at no charge. These may be obtained at the coat check in the main lobby of Hamilton Place.
Parking
Parking is available for graduands and their guests in the public parking areas located near Hamilton Place and City Hall. Please note that underground parking at Hamilton Place is very limited and daily fees apply. This lot is owned and managed by the City of Hamilton.Wheelchair accessible parking is available in the Municipal lot directly across the street from Hamilton Place in the underground parking garage on Summers Lane (approximately 8 spots on the first level, 4-5 spots in the lower levels). The wheelchair accessible parking spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. A Ministry of Transportation Accessible Parking Permit is required to make use of these parking spots. A map of nearby municipal parking lots is available at the City of Hamilton website, and Hamilton Place is located closest to lot #37 on this map.
Guest Seating
If a guest of a graduand has a disability and requires a specific seating location (e.g. wheelchair seating area, a seat at the end of an aisle, a seat that can be accessed without using stairs, etc.) this can generally be accommodated. Please complete online Convocation Accessibility form and provide specific details. Seats are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis and can only be reserved for accessibility-related reasons.