Access Guide
Getting To and Around Christ's College
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Arriving By Car or Bike
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- Christ's College is situated in Cambridge city centre. The vehicle entrance to the campus is located in Hobson Street. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
- Christ's College has limited on-site car parking. The main parking area is located off Hobson Street. There is also a car park off Hobson Street at the rear of the Chapel. There is an additional car park off King Street, under New Court. There are no Blue Badge parking bays in any of these car parks.
Students are generally not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements. - Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes. At Christ's College there are cycle stands available near the Master's Lodge gate.
- For more information on getting to Christ's College please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
- There is a bus stop on Hobson Street opposite the Hobson Street pedestrian gate.
The bus services that stop in Regent Street include; 1 citi, 2 citi, 3 citi, 5 citi, 6 citi, 8 citi, 8H Histon Road Shuttle and Park & Ride Madingley Road.
These bus services give direct links to; Arbury, Chesterton, Oakington, Fen Ditton, Cottenham, Bar Hill, Orchard Park, Swavesey and Madingley Road Park & Ride
The bus station in Drummer Street is approximately 175 metres away from Christ's College. - Cambridge City Centre Bus Station AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.
- For more information on planning a bus journey in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Cambridge.
- Cambridge Station is approximately 1.7 kilometres away from Christ's College. The station has direct links to London Kings Cross, London Liverpool Street, Cambridge North, Kings Lynn, Stansted Airport, Brighton, Ipswich and Norwich. The rail companies that operate out of this station are; Cross Country, Great Northern, Thameslink and Greater Anglia.
- For more information on Cambridge Station please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on planning a train journey to Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
- Cambridge Station AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.
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Accessing the College Site
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- The main pedestrian entrance to the College site is via The Great Gate located in St Andrew's Street (Photographs 1 and 2). Access is via a single pedestrian gate. The gate is permanently held open from 07:00 - 00:00 daily and has an opening width of 100cm.
- Key card holders can also access the site via the Hobson Street Gate, which is a pedestrian entrance situated on Hobson Street, next to the vehicular entrance to the Hobson Street Car Park (Photograph 3) The gate opens automatically away from you and is activated by using the card reader (height 132cm) or by using the intercom (height 128cm). The gate has an opening width of 98cm.
Pedestrians can also enter via the Master's Lodge gate on Hobson Street, next to the vehicular entrance to the Chapel Car Park (Photograph 4). The gate opens automatically away from you and is activated by using the card reader (height 108cm). The gate width is 98cm. There is a similar gate in the Chapel Car Park giving access to the same area. - Key card holders can also access the site via a pedestrian gate in King Street (Photographs 5 and 6). There are 2 gates at this entrance. The first gate is double with one gate locked and opens away from you automatically. At times the gate may be permanently held open. The height of the card reader is 152cm and the opening width of the gateway is 99cm. The second gate opens away from you (push), is single, and may be difficult for some people to open. The height of the card reader is 118cm and the opening width of the gateway is 94cm.
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Getting Around the College Site
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- If you have accessed the College site by vehicle and parked in the Hobson Street car park there is open step-free access to the network of paths around external areas of the Christ's College site (Photographs 7-10). The site is mostly level with wide paths (150cm+) but path surfaces do vary. The paths that run around the Fellows' Gardens have a gravel surface that may not be suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments (Photographs 11 and 12). Other areas have surfaced paths of flagstone paving. The flagstones are uneven in some areas (Photograph 13). There are some stepped areas within Third Court (Photograph 14), which can be overcome by using the level path along the front of the Blyth Building.
- There is stepped access to the Third Court Garden (Photograph 15) and the Darwin Garden (Photograph 16). The steps do not have handrails. Both gardens have a gravel surface that may not be suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, benches are also available in these gardens (Photograph 17). There are external steps onto the terraced areas of the Yusuf Hamied Centre which have handrails covering the majority of the steps on both sides (Photograph 18). The external parts of the site are otherwise step-free except for access into buildings. There is ramp to give access to the Yusuf Hamied Centre (Photograph 19).
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Additional College Site Information
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- Many of the buildings at Christ's College have stepped access into and around them (Photographs 20-21). Due to the age of the buildings the staircases do vary in materials and layout. The height and depths of steps are not uniform and neither is lighting, handrail provision/type or step markings. Due to the age of the buildings adaptations to provide lifts and ramps have not been possible, however, there are portable ramps for access into some of these buildings giving access to the ground floor. Please see our Detailed Access Guides for further information on access to buildings.
- There is directional signage around the site including maps (Photographs 22 and 23). An escort is available, and a map is also available from the College website or on request from the Porters' Lodge. Accessible toilet facilities are located in the Library Corridor, the Yusuf Hamied Centre, and externally in Second Court.
Useful Information
- To see more information on University of Cambridge Disability Resource Centre please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01223 332301.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on Admissions please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on Health and Wellbeing please click here (opens new tab).
Site/Campus Car Park (King Street Car Park)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located off King Street.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are New Court.
- The car park type is underground.
- The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by permit holders.
- There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
- Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- There is step free access from this car park.
- Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
- There is not a campus map available within the car park.
- Access to this car park is via automatic gates which are operated by key card (height 143cm) or intercom (height 143cm).
The key card reader and intercom cannot be reached from within a vehicle.
There is a slope at the exit from the car park into the college.
Site/Campus Car Park (Chapel Car Park)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located off Hobson Street.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Chapel and First Court.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by permit holders.
- There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
- Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- There is step free access from this car park.
- Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
- There is not a campus map available within the car park.
- Access to this car park is by automatic gates which are operated by key card (height 147cm) or intercom (height 142cm).
Site/Campus Car Park (Hobson Street Car Park)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located off Hobson Street.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Third Court, New Court and Todd Building.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by permit holders.
- There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
- Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- There is step free access from this car park.
- Buildings are clearly signposted from this car park.
- There is a campus map available within the car park.
- Access to this car park is by automatic gates which are activated by key card (height 129cm) or intercom (height 126cm). The key card reader and intercom cannot be reached from within a vehicle.
Getting To (The Library)
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Location
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- The Library is located on the East side of First Court.
- There is a slight ramp on the approach from First Court and also at the entrance to the Library.
- There is wayfinding signage along the route to the Library.
- Christ's College link (new tab) - click here.
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Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
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- Accessible toilet facilities are located in the ground floor corridor of the Library.
- Female standard toilet facilities are located in the ground floor corridor of the Library.
- Male standard toilet facilities are located in the ground floor corridor of the Library.
- Gender neutral toilet facilities are located in the ground floor corridor of the Library.
- Baby changing facilities are located There is a baby change located inside the accessible toilet cubicle on the ground floor.
Approach (Library)
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Approach
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- The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
- The approach surface is uneven in places.
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
- The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 119cm (3ft 11in).
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Comments
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- There is a cobbled section on the approach off of First Court.
- The width of the passageway is 91cm.
Outside Access (Library)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Library, off First Court.
- This entrance gives access to the ground floor corridor.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'LIBRARY'.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 90cm.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 90cm (2ft 11in).
Getting Around (Library)
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Access
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- There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building.
- There is sloped/ramped access to the lift on the ground floor.
- All floors of the building can be accessed via the lift, however, a lift key needs to be issued to access the Mezzanine Floor.
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Circulation
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- There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is stone.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
- There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Audio
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- There is a locker room with a door width of 78cm at the end of the corridor in the library.
There is a prayer room with a door width of 70cm which is accessed via the locker room which contains a sink counter at a height of 97cm.
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- There is a locker room with a door width of 78cm at the end of the corridor in the library.
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Comments
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- There are steps to different levels of the Library, but these can be overcome by the lift.
- Once inside the library, the flooring is carpeted.
- Lights are always switched on, on every floor of the Library. Automatics lights are in the Print Room.
- There are steps to different levels of the Library, but these can be overcome by the lift.
Other Floors (Library First Floor Entrance)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located at the end of the ground floor corridor.
- The stairs are approximately 17m from the Library Entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the first floor.
- Staff can assist with access during office hours.
- The floors which are accessible by the stairs are all floors.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a second lower handrail.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Ground floor - Lift)
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Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1
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- There is a ramp/slope located leading from ground floor corridor to the lift.
- The ramp/slope is used to access the raised ground floor Library area and lift. The ramp/slope is behind the accessible entrance door, which requires card access – but staff can assist during office hours.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
Lift
- The lift is located off the ground floor corridor. This is behind the accessible entrance door, which requires card access – but staff can assist during office hours.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Library Entrance.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 3, 2, 1, M.
- The weight limit for the lift is 990Ibs.
- There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
- Staff need to be made aware in the first instance if access to the Mezzanine is required, as a key must be issued for this.
Staff may need to show users how the lift operates on the first occasion.
There is a help button in the lift in case of emergency.
There is a pull-across gate for use of this lift. - Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is not a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
- The clear door width is 79cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 93cm x 130cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 3in).
- There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The internal controls for the lift are within 132cm - 142cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing loop system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does not have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
- There are floor plans on each floor of the library.
The door to access the lift opens outwards and is 85cm wide.
When using this lift for the first time, please contact a member of staff by pressing the doorbell on the door leading to the lift.
The height of the doorbell is 120cm.
There is only a 85cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in front of the lift.
Entrance (Library - First Floor)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the first floor, at the top of the stairs.
- This entrance gives access to the first floor - main library.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 141cm (4ft 8in).
- A key card is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the key card reader is 100cm.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 69cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
- There are security barriers at this entrance.
- The minimum width between the security barriers is 102cm.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located just inside the first floor entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the lift.
- Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the reception point.
- There is not a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
- The height of the reception counter is 107cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- There is wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
Library
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Library Circulation
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- There is step-free access, via lift, within the library.
- The type of flooring in the library is carpet.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
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Self Service Machines
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- There is a/are self service book borrow/return machine(s) available.
- The self service book borrow/return machine(s) is/are located to the left as you enter the Library on the first floor.
- The self service machine(s) touchscreen(s) is/are between the heights of 98cm and 116cm.
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Library Services
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- This library is able to provide material in the following formats: Braille, large print, ebook and ejournal.
- There are reading/study desks available.
- The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 73cm in height.
- There are no height adjustable desks available.
- The seats do not have armrests.
- Auxiliary aids are available.
- Auxiliary aids available in this library include: Ergonomic Chairs, Document Holders, Hand Held Magnifiers and Coloured Overlays.
- The Library offers a list of 'Accessibility Aids' available.
The list includes the following:
Coloured overlays, note pads and printing paper.
Adjustable laptop tables, writing slopes, desktop document holders and adjustable tablet stand holders.
Laptop tray lap desk and wrist supports for keyboard and mouse use.
Tracing paper and ergonomic pen / pencil grips.
Book rests and A4 magnifying glasses.
Trolleys to help carry a large number of books. - The library does not have computers with accessible software.
- The University Information Services (UIS) provides a range of services including accessibility software and solutions that may be of help to those with disabilities.
For information please click here . - A member of staff is available to provide assistance Monday to Friday between 9:00 - 17:00.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located to the rear of the library.
- The stairs are approximately 20m from the First Floor Entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
- There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the mezzanine floor and on the first floor.
- The floors which are accessible by the stairs are Ground Floor, 2, 1, M.
- There are 8 steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The depth of the steps is 27cm.
- The steps are not clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Library Corridor - Left Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located in the Library Corridor, off First Court.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the Library Corridor Entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 184cm x 210cm (6ft x 6ft 11in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 126cm (4ft 2in).
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 142cm from the floor.
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The toilet has a backrest.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 112cm (3ft 8in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 86cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 83cm (2ft 9in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- There is a flip down baby change table available.
- The height of the baby change table is 92cm.
Standard Toilet(s) (Library - Ground Floor Corridor)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located off the ground floor corridor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 11m from the Library Entrance.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 79cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Toilet Facilities 2
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- The gender neutral toilet is located off the ground floor corridor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m from the Library Entrance.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are good.