Harvard Extension School is committed to ensuring an accessible experience for graduates and their guests. The information below will be helpful if you or your guests have any accessibility needs.
Information about ADA Tickets
Morning Exercises
If your guests require ADA tickets for the Morning Exercises, you will need to request that on your MarchingOrder ticket request form. The Program Office will send out emails with more information on when that ticket request form will be available so keep an eye out for any communications about that via email.
Accessible seating tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to accommodate as many family members and friends with disabilities as possible in the reserved seating area, individuals with an accessible seating ticket will be permitted to have one companion accompany them into the accessible seating section. The companion must also have an accessible seating ticket. Harvard will make every effort to accommodate parents and guests without accessible seating tickets on Commencement Day, however accessible seating is limited and advanced planning is strongly encouraged. You will need to pickup the printed tickets prior to the ceremony and give them to your guests. Information on ticket pickup will be sent out closer to the event.
Afternoon Diploma Ceremony
We will have a special ADA section setup for the afternoon ceremony for guests. You will need to notate this on your MarchingOrder ticket registration. Space is limited so it is very important to notate if your guests require special seating due to a disability. The Afternoon Diploma Ceremony will be digital ticketing. Since the digital tickets will not have a special ADA indication, your guests can check in at the Accessibility Table setup if you pre-registered them for our ADA section.
General Information for Guests
The Morning Exercises and the HES Afternoon Diploma ceremony will have American Sign Language Interpreters. Both ceremonies will also be captioned. The morning exercises will be live streamed. All ceremonies will be held outside so please plan accordingly.
Device Rentals
Harvard Extension School is unable to provide wheelchair or mobility device rentals for either ceremony. Family and friends needing such mobility aids are strongly encouraged to reserve necessary equipment well in advance of coming to campus.
Belmont Medical Supply
Website: BelmontMedical.Com
Address: 185 Belmont Street, Belmont, MA 02478
Phone: 617-484-3888
Boston Orthopedic & Respiratory Equipment
Website: BostonOrthoResp.Com
Address: 175 Main Street, Charlestown, MA
Phone: 617-337-5133 or (800) 854-637
Parking & Shuttle Service
Accessible parking will be available on Class Day and Commencement at the Soldiers Field Park Garage on the Harvard Business School Campus, located at 111 Western Avenue in Allston. Please note that all parking is on first-come, first-served basis, and is in satellite parking areas. This parking will be available beginning at 6:30 a.m. ET on Commencement Day.
Guests with further questions on accessibility parking needs or accommodation please send an email to DisabilityResources@Harvard.edu.
Shuttle Service will pick up in the above mentioned parking locations between 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Class Day and Commencement. The routes then travel across campus every 10-15 minutes. The shuttles are accessible to guests using wheelchairs and other mobility devices. You can track shuttle service and get real time information on Shuttle.Harvard.edu. Guests with other shuttle questions can call 617-495-0400.
Accessibility Maps
Morning Ceremony Accessibility Map
Commencement Accessibility Map includes general accessibility information, including the locations of the LED screens with captioning, accessible entry gates, ticketed accessible seating section, accessible toilet rooms, first aid stations, and the University Disability Resources Information table for the Morning Ceremony.
Campus Accessibility Map
To find useful information regarding accessible pathways and building entrances in a variety of areas, please visit the Accessibility Map of Harvard Campus.
Questions? Email Harvard University Disability Services at DisabilityResources@Harvard.edu.
Accessible Lodging
Most Boston-Metro hotels offer accessible lodging. Family and friends needing accessible lodging are strongly encouraged to reserve accessible hotel rooms as far in advance as possible. Please see the Plan Your Visit section on the Harvard University Commencement website for information pertaining to local hotels.
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability that requires an accommodation, please contact Accessibility@Extension.Harvard.edu to discuss your needs and indicate any accessibility requirements on your MarchingOrder request form.
For both ceremonies, graduates will be seated away from guests. If you are in need of a personal aide or sighted guide to sit with you, please note that on your MarchingOrders request form. As always, we remain committed to supporting you. Feel free to contact Accessibility@Extension.Harvard.edu with any questions.
