Disability Services - Accommodations
Congratulations, graduates! Commencement is a time to celebrate your accomplishments with the people who were alongside you on this journey. We recognize the dedication, sacrifice, and confidence you invested to reach this exciting moment. We are so proud and cannot wait to celebrate you.
We have provided information about accessibility and accommodations below, but we understand there are likely some questions we may not have answered. Please contact dsps@sac.edu if you have a question that is not listed below.
Accessible/ADA Parking
Accessible parking is available in the Stadium Parking Structure across the street from Santa Ana Stadium. The parking structure has a total of 32 accessible/ADA parking spaces. Please ensure the vehicle displays the appropriate ADA/disabled parking placard or license plate.
American Sign Language Interpreting & Captioning
American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be available at the ceremony. Each side of the stadium will have a large screen for guests to view the picture in picture ASL interpreting, as well as closed captioning.
Service Animals
Service animals are always welcome to join the fun in the stadium [in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)]. Service animals are trained to perform a task(s) directly related to a person's disability; animals that solely provide emotional support or companionship to a guest will not be permitted inside the stadium.
Accessibility/Disability Information Booth
On the day of commencement, guests inside the stadium can visit the Accessibility/Disability Information Booth for accommodation information or any accessibility-related questions.
Personal Mobility Devices
Wheelchairs and other mobility devices/equipment will not be provided by Santa Ana College. Individuals experiencing impacted mobility are encouraged to consider bringing a personal device should one be needed. Guests in need of mobility, wheelchair, or visual assistance are to have a peer, friend, or family member assist them. Santa Ana College will not have this type of assistance available for guests.
Disability-Related Accommodations
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that allow opportunity for full participation and engagement. For inquiries about accessibility, or to request an accommodation for yourself or a guest, please contact the Disabled Students Program & Services (DSPS) office at (714) 564-6295, video phone at (657) 235-2999, or email dsps@sac.edu by May 30th.
Information For Graduates
ADA Drop-Off Location
Graduates experiencing impacted mobility may use the ADA Graduate Drop-Off area and ADA Graduate Entrance along 6th St., just before Coach Dick Hill Way. Drivers may then enter the parking structure off Boyd Way.
Check-In & Lining Up for Processional
Plan to arrive at Santa Ana Stadium between 3:00pm and 3:30pm for graduate check-in. Upon check-in, you will receive your Name Card for the ceremony. This will be used to call your name on stage at the ceremony, so please do not lose it.
After checking in, graduates will wait in the staging area. An ADA waiting area will be available for those benefitting from disability-related supports.
Processional Pathway
The processional route begins at the graduate staging area and travels through a paved, downhill sloped pathway onto the field. Graduates are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes. Shoes with sharp and/or pointy heels will not be permitted.
For those experiencing impacted mobility, please contact DSPS if you have any questions or would like to discuss potential disability-related accommodations for the procession.
Accessible Graduate Seating on the Field
Accessible seating will be available on the field; any graduates experiencing impacts on mobility may have a companion or designated individual accompany them for mobility support. Guest companions must have a commencement ticket to be in attendance.
it is highly recommended to arrive 60 to 90 minutes early on the day of the ceremony to ensure appropriate placement in the processional lineup and on-field seating.
Accessible Restroom for Graduates
An accessible portable restroom for graduates will be located on field-level near the locker rooms.
American Sign Language Interpreting
For graduates utilizing American Sign Language, interpreters will be positioned on the field directly in front of the seating area. Please contact the DSPS Office by email dsps@sac.edu or video phone at (657) 235-2999 to discuss seating and ensuring the interpreter will be visible during the ceremony.
On-Field Protocols
Food and Beverages:
Outside food and drinks (other than bottled water) are prohibited. Exceptions may include items necessary for medical- or disability-related needs.
Service Animals:
Service animals specifically trained to assist a graduate with a disability will be permitted on the field during the ceremony.
*Please contact the DSPS office at (714) 564-6295, video phone at (657) 235-2999, or email dsps@sac.edu to discuss any disability-related considerations related to the items above.*
Presentation of Class (Calling of Names) & Crossing Stage
The Presentation of Class (calling of names) entails the reading of graduate names and processing onto the stage. Students seated on the right (facing the stage) will exit the aisle to the right, and proceed toward the stage. Students on the left (facing the stage) will exit the aisle to the left, and proceed toward the stage.
The stage will be accessed via ramps located on both the right and left sides. Graduates will exit via a ramp down the center of the stage.
Graduate Accommodation Requests
For inquiries about accessibility, or to request an accommodation, please contact the DSPS office at (714) 564-6295, video phone at (657) 235-2999, or email dsps@sac.edu by May 30th.
Information for Guests
Accessible Seating for Guests
Disability/accessible seating is located on the west side of the stadium, in front of the grandstands railing. Accessible seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To accommodate as many guests with disabilities as possible, individuals may have one companion join them in the accessible seating area. Guests (including companions) must have individual commencement tickets to be in attendance.
NOTE: Accessible seating is available only on the west side of the stadium. To locate the accessible seating area, enter through the main entrance and seating will be in the grandstands straight ahead.
Accessible Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are by the grandstands on the west side of the stadium (side of the main entrance).
Personal Mobility Devices
Wheelchairs and other mobility devices/equipment will not be provided by Santa Ana College. Individuals experiencing impacted mobility are encouraged to consider bringing a personal device should one be needed.
Accessibility/Disability Information Booth
On the day of commencement, guests inside the stadium can visit the Accessibility/Disability Information Booth for accommodation information or any accessibility-related questions.
Disability-Related Accommodations
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that allow opportunity for full participation and engagement. For inquiries about accessibility, or to request an accommodation for yourself or a guest, please contact the Disabled Students Program & Services (DSPS) office at (714) 564-6295, video phone at (657) 235-2999, or email DSPS@sac.edu by May 30th.
Will Assisted Listening Devices be provided for the ceremony?
Assisted listening devices will not be provided. To support communication access, ASL interpreting and real-time captioning will be available during the ceremony.
An Autistic person/person with Autism will be attending the commencement ceremony. What recommendations do you have for supporting their experience?
We hope for all guests to enjoy the event comfortably. Given the number of graduates we will be celebrating, we anticipate large crowds and loud noises. We recognize everyone experiences crowds, noises, and environments differently, so here are several ideas that may support guests before and during the commencement ceremony:
Preparation
Browse online pictures or videos of Santa Ana Stadium and Eddie West Field to provide images of the environment and create opportunity to imagine what the experience may be like.
Discuss feelings about going to the stadium and address any questions or concerns someone may share.
Try to limit (or avoid) other large crowds or group events that day.
Seating
Plan this guest's seating between other members of the party so there is familiarity with people sitting next to them.
If available, an end aisle seat may be a strategy since only one person will be sitting immediately next to them on one side
Reducing Over-Stimulation
For anyone sensitive to noise, wearing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones during louder portions of the event may be helpful.
If sensitive to visual stimuli (i.e. people, movement, glare), wearing sunglasses during earlier portions of the event and/or a hat with a large brim may reduce 'field of view'.
If sensitive to scents/smells, a guest may bring a small object (e.g. lotion or small vial of peppermint oil) that can be used to minimize other scents/smells.
Working Through Over-Stimulation
Guests may take brief breaks from the crowd by exiting the grandstand seating area and finding an area that may be more comfortable.
Try listening to calming music through earbuds/headphones.
Switch focus from the environment to something engaging on a phone or tablet.
Try using a quiet fidget device or manipulative.
