Disabilities and Special Needs

Making Arrangements for Special Services
Arrangements for guests or graduates in need of special services must be made prior to Commencement by contacting the Graduation Office at (405) 325-0841 or commencement@ou.edu.

Reserved Parking
For those with state-issued disability parking permits or special permits issued by the Graduation Office reserved parking will be available in the Asp Avenue Parking Facility. Those parking in this lot should enter from Lindsey Street, South of the stadium. Please note: Jenkins Avenue will be closed on the night of Commencement from Brooks Street south to Lindsey Street. Special parking permits are limited to one car per party. Guests wishing to park in other disability parking spots on campus, but who do not have a permit, may request a temporary disability parking permit by calling (405)325-3311. Guests may request a permit for parking in this lot by contacting the Graduation Office at (405)325-0841 or  commencement@ou.edu.

Special Services
A Special Services table will be set up outside the Asp Avenue Parking Facility 1st floor elevator bank and at Gate 1 to help direct guests with special needs. Guests may request a permit for parking in the special services lot by contacting the Graduation Office at (405) 325-0841 or commencement@ou.edu. There will be golf cart assistance available to assist persons from elevators to seating locations reserved for those with disabilities.

Wheelchair Seating
Seating for those who must remain in their wheelchairs is available at the stadium. Due to limited space, the reserved seating area is restricted to the person using the wheelchair and one guest. Seating passes will be issued for this area. To request a special services seating pass contact the Graduation Office at (405)325-0841 or commencement@ou.edu. Additional members of your party should sit in public seating areas.

Limited Mobility Seating
Seating for those with limited mobility will be available in section 1 and the lower part of section 2 at the stadium. All efforts will be made to limit the number of stairs guests with limited mobility will have to navigate. Due to limited space, the reserved seating area is restricted to the person with the disability and one guest. Additional members of your party should sit in public seating areas.

Complimentary wheelchairs are available to transport guests with special needs to the reserved seating section. Wheelchairs are not available for persons requiring a wheelchair for the duration of the program.

Open Captioning Available
For the convenience of all our guests, including individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, open captioning of the Commencement ceremony will run across the top of the screen located in the center of the stage.