Guests with Accessibility Needs
Northwestern University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all events and programs. Accommodations like sign language interpreters and presentation materials in alternate formats are provided upon request. Please contact the Graduation Office at graduation@northwestern.edu or 847-491-3600 by June 1, 2026. Every reasonable effort will be made to implement accommodations in an effective and timely manner.
Mobility Accommodations
Northwestern University does not provide wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other mobility devices for guests during Commencement, convocation ceremonies, or other graduation celebrations. Guests who require mobility assistance are strongly encouraged to bring their own wheelchair or other personal mobility device.
If a guest is unable to bring their own, we recommend arranging for a rental from a local medical equipment provider in the Chicago area well in advance of your arrival. While Northwestern cannot endorse or guarantee any specific vendor, a list of rental companies is available upon request by contacting the Graduation Office.
All tickets are general admission. Staff will be available to help direct guests with accessibility needs to accessible seating areas. Each accessible seating space includes room for one companion. Please note that staff cannot provide physical assistance or push wheelchairs.
On Campus Accessible Seating Information
Welsh-Ryan Arena
- Accessible seating is available on Levels 2 and 3, located behind the glass railings on the west and north sides of the arena. Our staff on site will be happy to direct you to these accessible sections.
- For guests arriving later, or if all other accessible seats are full, additional accessible seating (obstructed visibility) is available on the east side of the building.
- Elevators are available at all corners of the building to access upper levels. The closest elevators to our guest entrance are at the southeast and southwest corners.
- Wheelchairs and scooters are not permitted on the main floor during the ceremonies (except for graduates with accessibility needs) due to space limitations.
Ryan Fieldhouse
- Accessible seating is located on the plastic flooring behind the graduate seating area. This is accessible via the center aisle.
- Guests using wheelchairs or scooters are asked to use the hard flooring paths to enter and exit the field.
- These paths also provide a stable surface for all guests, with an approximate 2” step down from the path to the rows of standard seating. Ramps are included at aisle breaks.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available at all Graduation Weekend venues. However, due to the limited number of designated spaces and locations of guest parking , we strongly encourage guests with accessibility needs to use the Accessible Drop-Off Locations whenever possible. A valid state issued accessibility parking placard is required to park in accessible parking areas, and spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking maps can be found on our transportation page.
On Campus Shuttle Information
Details, including shuttle routes and schedules, will be shared closer to Graduation Weekend 2026. Accessible shuttles will be integrated into our on campus shuttle route.
Hearing Accommodations
Captions
Each of our venues has screens on site with open captioning for ceremonies in English. For those wishing to use closed captions or seeking another language, real-time captions will be available on any web-connected device for guests who need hearing assistance. Closed captioning languages include English, Spanish, and Mandarin, and can be selected on the livestream page prior to the start of the ceremony. Please note that the livestream includes a delay of approximately one minute.
Sound Enhancement
For guests who require amplified audio, the ceremony will be livestreamed with video, audio, and captions. Guests may use headphones with their mobile device to adjust the volume to their preferred level. Please note that the livestream includes a delay of approximately one minute.
Accommodations at the United Center
Guests needing accessible accommodations, including seating and wheelchair assistance, may ask any United Center staff member on-site for support or visit the United Center’s Guest Relations Booth located at Gates 2 and 6. Please note, accessible seating is available on a first come, first served basis. All United Center staff will be happy to assist you on Commencement day.
Wheelchair users: If you intend to have a wheelchair for the entire ceremony, please bring your own. For a wheelchair escort, please come to Gates 2 or 6 or the accessible parking lot G South and ask a United Center staff member for assistance. Please note, accessible parking in G South is first come, first served and requires a valid placard.
Hearing And Visual Assistance
Assistive listening devices (personal headsets) are available free of charge at the Guest Relations booths (Gates 2 and 6). Also, for guests who need hearing assistance, real-time captions-only (without video or audio) of the ceremony will be available on any device. Captioned languages include English, Spanish, and Mandarin, and can be selected from the Commencement page after streaming begins. Headphones can be plugged into a mobile device so that guests needing this accommodation can amplify the sound to their desired level. Please note that the livestream will be delayed by approximately one minute.
Elevators
Elevators are located next to Gates 3 and 7 for you and a companion.
Restrooms
Every restroom is wheelchair accessible. A companion restroom is located in First Aid on the 100 level across from section 115/116 and on the 300 level in the standing room area of section 303/304. Please ask the nearest team member for access to companion restrooms.
First Aid
Fully-equipped first aid stations staffed with registered nurses are located on the 100 and 300 level concourses, across from sections 115/116 and 327/328. Please ask the nearest the team member should you require assistance.
Sensory Space
United Center is proudly certified as a sensory inclusive venue in Chicago. United Center staff has been trained by medical professionals on recognizing guests with sensory needs and how to properly handle a sensory overload situation. United Center now offers a therapeutic space with a variety of equipment that provides a calming, peaceful environment for guests with sensory needs. Guests needing a quiet space can visit the Guest Relations Booth at Gate 2 to request access to the room. The new Sensory Room is located at Gate 2 1/2.
Additionally, the arena has sensory bags available for guests to check out at Guest Relations Booths located inside Gates 2 and 6 on the 100 level, Section 221 and Section 325. Sensory bags include noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads.
Nursing Room
United Center offers a private, comfortable space for nursing mothers attending events. Mothers interested in using the Nursing Room, located near Section 112/113 (Gate 7), can visit Guest Relations Booth at Gate 6 to request access to the room. The door to the Nursing Room is secured with a keypad and will lock automatically to ensure the privacy of our guests. For any questions or concerns, please contact guestrelations@unitedcenter.com.
Questions
For more information on the United Center’s accessibility accommodations, please visit the United Center’s Accessibility Page.