Making Graduation Season Truly Inclusive — One Step at a Time

With graduation season in full swing across UK universities in early summer, venues brim with proud friends and family, dignified ceremonies, and a flurry of movement. But historic lecture theatres, grand old halls, and campus stairs can create real access challenges for students, relatives, or guests with mobility limitations.

That’s where The Stair Climbing Company steps in. Their innovative powered stair climbers deliver safe, dignified access across venues where fixed lifts or ramps are impractical, especially for short‑term events.(The Stair Climbing Company, buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk)

Why Universities Should Consider Powered Stair Climbers This Graduation Season

✔️ Access in Historic or Listed Buildings

Many UK universities host ceremonies in heritage buildings with winding staircases, small landings, or steep steps. Permanent infrastructure like platform lifts can be costly or impossible due to conservation restrictions. Stair climbers such as the Skyline and Skyclimber offer a discreet, temporary solution when disabled access would otherwise be blocked.(The Stair Climbing Company)

✔️ Temporary Hire for Peak Traffic Times

Graduation brings an influx of people over just a few days—making long‑term installation inefficient. The Stair Climbing Company offers event‑hire options, whether for a weekend or multi‑day period. Their team conducts on‑site assessments and provides training, enabling venues to offer access without permanent changes.(The Stair Climbing Company, The Stair Climbing Company)

✔️ Safe Evacuation Planning & Compliance

Health and safety teams must ensure accessibility—not only during ceremonies but also in case of emergencies. Stair climbers form part of evacuation planning tools that comply with PUWER, LOLER and Equality Act 2010 guidelines, especially in buildings lacking lift-based evacuation options.(buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk)

✔️ Comfort & Dignity for Guests

Both Skyline (a tracked wheelchair carrier) and Skyclimber (can be used as a seated chair or carrier) are designed to avoid transfers out of wheelchairs. This means users remain safely seated in their own chair throughout ascent or descent, preserving dignity and convenience.(The Stair Climbing Company)

How It Works: From Booking to Ceremony

1. Initial Contact & Venue Assessment

University events or venue teams begin by reaching out for a complimentary consultation. Stair Climbing Company experts visit the site, measure stairs and landings, and discuss expected footfall, mobility needs, and layout constraints.(The Stair Climbing Company)

2. Demo & Staff Training

They bring either the Skyline or Skyclimber to test on stairs. Venue staff or temporary operators receive certified operator training—often “train the trainer” sessions for longer engagements. Attendees, facilitators, or volunteers learn techniques for safe operation.(images.dlf.org.uk, buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk)

3. Event Delivery & Support

On ceremony days, the stair climber is parked nearby and operated by trained staff to assist guests. The Stair Climbing Company provides ongoing support, including maintenance and emergency backup if required.(images.dlf.org.uk)

4. Post‑Event Follow‑Up

Even after short hire or purchase, they offer aftercare: scheduled service, optional re‑training, and evaluation to continuously improve accessibility rooted in their customer‑centred approach.(The Stair Climbing Company)

Case Studies: Proven Impact in Real Events

While graduation‑specific case studies may not be listed publicly, the Stair Climbing Company has delivered access solutions across comparable high‑profile environments:

• At heritage sites such as Wimpole Estate (National Trust), they enabled access into stair‑bound areas that would otherwise be inaccessible to wheelchair users.(The Stair Climbing Company, YouTube)
• At luxury heritage hotels and listed buildings, such as Claridge’s in London and boutique hotels, the Skyline unit has provided smooth access on steep or historic staircases.(buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk, The Stair Climbing Company)

Universities hosting ceremonies in halls with similar characteristics would see equivalent benefit.

Benefits at a Glance

Tips for Universities Planning to Use Stair Climbers

1. Book Early: Graduation events are often in May–July; arranging assessments and hire well in advance avoids scheduling conflicts.
2. Coordinate With Event Staff: Inform marshals or ushers about the service and how to guide guests.
3. Communicate Access Options: Highlight in pre‑event info that accessible transport is available via stair climber so guests know what to expect.
4. Allocate a Quiet Space for Use: Locate near staircases but out of ceremonial flow to minimise disruption.
5. Plan for Peak Use Windows: Track which ceremony times may need multiple rapid trips (e.g. family groups); staff accordingly.

Why Choose The Stair Climbing Company for Graduation

• UK-exclusive reseller of KSP Italia stair climbers, trusted across sectors and known for reliability and innovative design.(images.dlf.org.uk, The Stair Climbing Company)
• Tailored service from small‑scale to large events, with flexible hire, lease or purchase options.(The Stair Climbing Company)
• Strong reputation and support — recent testimonials highlight exceptional responsiveness and empathy in urgent access needs.(Trustpilot, buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk)

Final Thought

Graduation should be a celebration for everyone. By partnering with The Stair Climbing Company, universities can ensure individuals with mobility impairments can participate fully, confidently, and safely—even in venues where permanent infrastructure falls short. Powered stair climbers offer a dignified, flexible, and cost-effective way to break down barriers—one step at a time.

Interested in learning more about specific models like Skyline or Skyclimber? I’d be happy to walk through technical capabilities or arrange links to client testimonials or case videos.