Accessibility for Commencement

In an effort to effectively support the celebration of graduating Hokies, ADA and Accessibility Services has compiled accessibility information to assist guests attending Virginia Tech commencement ceremonies.  

If you are an individual with a disability and require accommodation, please contact adaaccess@vt.edu at least 10 business days in advance of the ceremony.  

If you are student with a disability and require accommodation, please contact Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) at least 10 business days in advance of the ceremony.

Accessible Seating

Accessible seating is available on a first come, first served basis in Lane Stadium.

For Lane Stadium Commencement Ceremonies:

Ambulatory Seating (Non-wheelchair users)

Individuals who can transfer from their wheelchairs or who have limited mobility have several choices for seating. Wheelchair corrals will be available for individuals who can transfer from mobility devices in the main terminals to drop off and pick up their devices when needed.

Park in the Stadium lot or be dropped off at the south end zone gate 2 or use BT Access (Para transit) vans.  Enter Gate 2, proceed to the elevator, go to level 2:

• For South Stands: Enter the stands between sections 203-204.  Rows of seating are roped off for ambulatory seating.  People who wish to remain in their wheelchairs can sit closer to the stage by using the east or west side stands’ wheelchair seating areas; please see information under Non-Ambulatory Seating for directions.
• For East Stands: Enter the odd-numbered portals (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13) from under the east stands, use the second or third rows which is approximately 5-7 steps. Do not use the first row as this is companion seating for those needing to stay in wheelchairs.

Please have only one family member sit with you in the accessible seats. We request additional family members sit on the rows in front of the wheelchair areas or behind the access seats to allow space for all patrons needing the accessible seats.

It is approximately 750 feet from the Stadium Lot to the East Stands. Please use your best judgement for long distance walking and mobility devices. There will be no carts available to transport individuals.

Non-Ambulatory Seating (Wheelchair users)

Wheelchair accessible seating is located in the south end zone area and in the east side of the stadium.  Individuals who cannot, or prefer not to transfer out of their wheelchairs, can use any of these areas. Parking for both south and east areas is best in the south stadium lot.

• For East Stands: Enter through Gate 2 at the South End Zone, exit the elevators for the main terminal and go to the right. Enter the odd-numbered portals (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13) from under the east stands.  Companion seating is on the benches located behind or in front of the wheelchair seating.
• For South Stands: Enter through Gate 2 at the South End Zone, exit the elevators on the fourth floor; enter portals 401 – 409 for wheelchair seating which has companion-seating in-between the wheelchair areas.  Limited wheelchair seating without interspersed companion seating is located in the corners of the second level of the south end zone stand.

There are no assistants available to help push wheelchairs for guests. You must have a family member accompany the guest if they need help moving with their wheelchair.

Ushers will be available to help direct you to seating in all areas.

Captioning

Captioning of the live stream video will be available on the commencement website.

Interactive Campus Map

Virginia Tech’s Interactive Campus Map allows for viewing accessibility options.  Go to the “Layers” tab and click on the “X” next to “Accessibility.".  This will allow you to see parking spaces, curb cuts, elevator locations, accessible entrances, etc. 

Interpreters

American Sign Language interpreters will be provided for commencement ceremonies upon request.  To make a request, please contact adaaccess@vt.edu. 

Parking

To enter Lane Stadium on the day of the commencement ceremony, guests are asked to enter through Gate 2, adjacent to Lot 2. 

Accessible parking spaces are located near Lane Stadium.  The Stadium Lot/Lot 2 will be reserved for accessible (ADA) parking.  Accessible parking passes will be available for pickup at 310 Lavery Hall above the Turner Place dining facility. Please contact SSD for accessible parking passes.  Individuals with DMV issued accessible hangtags or license plates do not need an accessible parking pass to park in the Stadium lot/Lot 2 during commencement.

Detailed commencement parking information is provided by Virginia Tech Parking Services.

Parking Services
505 Beamer Way (0540)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-3200
parking@vt.edu
Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
310 Lavery Hall (0185)
430 Old Turner St, Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-3788
ssd@vt.edu
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wheelchairs and Other Mobility Devices

Virginia Tech does not provide mobility devices to individual guests or employees specifically for commencement. If you do not have a personal mobility device that you can bring with you, you may rent one in your hometown or from a local rental agency.