Graduation Events 2024 in Rhode Island - Mobility Rentals and Accessibility 

As the graduation season approaches, excitement fills the air as students prepare to celebrate their academic achievements. Attending these joyous occasions often involves traveling, navigating crowded venues, and ensuring that all family members, including elderly or disabled relatives, are comfortable and can fully participate in the celebrations.

We want to make sure everyone traveling to Rhode Island to celebrate the ceremonies is prepared with the proper information and the right mobility equipment. Don't let visiting friends and family stress about mobility rentals this graduation season!

Below we have compiled a list of all upcoming graduation ceremonies and relevant accessibility information so you don't have to spend time figuring things out. Don't forgot to choose Mobility Equipment Recyclers for your mobiltiy rentals!

Table of Contents

• Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) - May 16, 2024
• Salve Regina University - May 16, 2024
• Bryant University - May 16-28, 2024
• Roger Williams University (RWU) - May 17, 2024
• University of Rhode Island (URI) - May 17-19, 2024
• Providence College - May 19, 2024
• Brown University - May 26, 2024
• Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) - June 1, 2024
• Naval War College (NWC) - June 14, 2024

1. Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) - Accessibility and Accommodations

The CCRI handbook says guests who need accommodations should visit the AMP website for their policy and the accessible seating sections at amicamutualpaviltion.com.

2. Salve Regina - Accessibility and Accommodations

When you arrive for the Commencement ceremony, please follow the signs to the special accommodations entrance.

A dedicated section within the tent will be allocated to accommodate guests with limited mobility. One companion may accompany them in this designated area.

All undergraduate and graduate students should have informed staff if any member of their party requires special accommodation seating or a parking pass for vehicles displaying DMV-issued handicapped license plates or disability placards.

On the day of the ceremony, a disability placard/handicap license plate must be visibly presented alongside the parking pass issued by Salve Regina to gain access to the designated handicap/disability parking area.

Guests requiring special accommodations, along with their escorts, are advised to utilize the designated drop-off area situated at the intersection of Shepard and Ochre Point avenues.

Upon arrival on campus, security personnel will be available to provide guidance.

3. Bryant University - Accessibility and Accommodations

Bryant University will have the following special accommodations available at all commencement ceremonies:

• Assisted Listening Devices
• ASL Interpretation
• Wheelchair accessible seating and restrooms
• Accessible parking

For additional accommodations not listed above, please email dps@bryant.edu. Ask them to include us as a resource for mobility rentals!

4. Roger Williams University (RWU) - Accessibility and Accommodations

Roger Williams University already lists Mobility Equipment Recyclers as a mobility rentals service - which is pretty cool! Below is more pertinent information regarding accessibility accommodations.

Public Safety will allow curbside drop off for those needing special assistance There will be officers directing traffic and helping guide folks to this drop off location.

The drop off point will be located at the circle driveway between the Law School and Performing Arts Center, Lot 10.

Guests will enter the campus through the north Campus entrance. Guests will be dropped off and then the driver will be directed to Lot D.

Every parking lot on campus also has designated accessible parking spaces.

Golf carts will be available to help attendees get around campus. These golf carts will be located at the Handicapped drop off location, the Admissions building, North Campus and various locations throughout the day.

If you require any special assistance email events@rwu.edu.

5. University of Rhode Island (URI) - Accessibility and Accommodations

URI also lists Mobility Equipment Recyclers as a go-to rental service!

The Ryan Center

The Ryan Center feature wheelchair-accessible guest entrances and accessible seating options. Preferred seating for persons with visual and hearing impairments is available upon request.

Additional questions regarding accessibility requests can be directed to the Office of Disability, Access and Inclusion (401.874.2098 or dai@uri.edu) or the Ryan Center (401-874-7267).

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

• American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be available at the ceremony. Reserved seating will be provided for the person requiring the interpreter.
• CART/Captioning will be available through the live stream of all ceremonies.
• Assistive Listening Devices are available at the Accessibility Requests/Disability Services table located at the venue entrance or drop-off location. To ensure that the devices are promptly returned, a major credit card or a driver’s license is required to use the devices.

For those planning to attend a commencement ceremony that are in need of any of the previously mentioned services, please complete the Spring 2024 Commencement Accommodations Request Form.

Drop Off & Parking

Disability accessible parking is located on a first-come, first-served basis in the Ram Parking Lot (Lot 23) for those who have an ADA Parking Pass. Additional ADA parking is also available in Brookside (Lot 22).

For those guests with limited mobility or using scooters or wheelchairs, a disability drop-off is available at the west side of the North Lobby entrance.

URI strongly encourages attendees requiring mobility aids to reserve necessary equipment in advance.

That's us!

6. Providence College - Accessibility and Accommodations

We could not find highly relevant information regarding accessibility and accommodations for those visiting Providence College.

We suggest contacting Providence College to request that they add pertinent information similar to other universities. Don't forget to recommend that Mobility Equipment Recyclers be listed as a mobility rental service!

7. Brown University - Accessibility and Accommodations

Joining URI and RWU, Brown University also lists our company as a recommended provider of mobility rentals!

For the events, guests must reserve a wheelchair or scooter rental in advance. Brown University does not provide wheelchairs.

For accessible van rentals, you can contact Adaptive Mobility Equipment (800-311-2849) or MobilityWorks (877-275-4915) and let them know MER sent you.

Assessible Door-to-Door Service 

All Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) buses are wheelchair-accessible.

Alternatively, the RIPTA RI program is an extension of RIPTA that offers shared door-to-door service. Trips are scheduled by calling 401-461-9760 Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or leaving a voicemail on Sunday. The message should include the day, time and start and end locations (including street name and zip code) of your trip. The start and end locations must be along a RIPTA bus route. 

8. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) - Accessibility and Accommodations

RISD provides some information regarding accessibility for the event location - The Amica Mutual Pavilion.

The Amica Mutual Pavilion is an accessible building with a ramped entrance and specific areas to accommodate people who need accessible seating.

Email or call the following to share your guests’ special seating needs: commencement@risd.edu or 401 454-6379.

Individuals who use wheelchairs may go to sections 101, 106, 110, 120 and 124. RISD does not supply wheelchairs.

An ASL translator will be on stage during Commencement.

For guests with mobility needs, accessible parking spots are available in the Rhode Island Convention Center garage.

The garage’s address is: North Garage Parking Lot 99 West Exchange Street Providence, RI 02903

9. Naval War College (NWC) - Accessibility and Accommodations

We could not find pertinent information regarding accessibility and accommodations on the NWC website. Be sure to contact NWC to request such information and let them know to add us as a helpful resource for mobility rental!