Disability Resource Centre (DRC)

Christ's College

Contact Details

Address

St Andrew's Street,
Cambridge, CB2 3BU

Tel.

01223 334 900

Fax

01223 334 967

Email

st-assistant@christs.cam.ac.uk

URL

www.christs.cam.ac.uk

Access Issues

Contact

Miss Jane Muir, Tutorial Office Manager

Tel.

01223 334 953

Fax

01223 334 967

Email

st-assistant@christs.cam.ac.uk

Location, Services and Transport

City centre. It is a 20 minute walk to the Sidgwick Site and University Library, and a 10 minute walk to the Downing Site and New Museums Site.

Traffic

St Andrew's Street is very busy with taxis, buses and bicycles. Some dropped kerbs, but pavements are uneven.

Services and shops

City centre.

Parking

Car park on site, off Hobson Street, but spaces are extremely limited. Disabled students would only get a permit if absolutely necessary every day. Short term public disabled bays in Lion Yard multi-storey car park or on nearby Hobson Street.

Other transport options

Taxi rank immediately opposite entrance. Bus and coach station is a three minute walk away.

General Information

400 undergraduates and 100 postgraduates. For men and women. Access for students with physical disabilities is rather difficult around College, owing partly to its age and location.

Smoking

No smoking throughout the College.

Medical facilities

Nurse holds a weekday morning surgery during Full Term.

Emergency procedures

Advise Porters' Lodge if you would need help evacuating in an emergency. Otherwise no special procedures or facilities.

Accommodation and Catering

Wheelchair-accessible rooms

Three specifically adapted student rooms.

Other rooms

Few ground floor rooms.

Live-in assistants and assistance dogs

Live-in assistants are not possible. Dogs allowed only by special arrangement.

Early induction and vacation stays

Early induction and staying over vacation possible, if there is need. Discuss with Tutors.

Catering arrangements

Cafeteria is usual eating area, accessible via lift. Hall is used for formal dinners. Student kitchens are small and not suitable for self catering.

Special diets

Special diets accommodated, with notice, for formal dinners but not usual cafeteria meals. Inform catering staff if you have a nut or other allergy.

Physical Access

College grounds in general

Level access to main entrance from St Andrew's Street, and to side entrance from Hobson Street. Paths are mostly slabbed paving, with some cobbles. Generally level. Some steps, but these can usually be avoided.

College buildings in general

Most rooms and accommodation, particularly in older buildings, are up steps or stairs, with no lifts. Some staircases very narrow. Social areas generally accessible, although sometimes difficult. Special arrangements can be made if necessary.

Bar

Level access from First Court. Heavy glass double doors.

Cafeteria

Known as ‘Upper Hall’. Large flight of stairs, with handrail, or lift up from kitchen area.

Chapel

Double doors, and a large step down. Temporary ramp available. Ramp to main part of chapel. Fixed pews, but room for a wheelchair.

College offices

Mostly ground floor offices, with push-button automatic doors.

Common rooms

JCR and TV room in New Court. Ramped access to building. Security keypads. Toilets accessible via lift.

Computer facilities

Computer room up a narrow spiral staircase. All rooms networked.

Dining hall

Level access. Spacious, but mostly bench seating. One step up to High Table.

Fellows' areas

Level access to Fellows' areas from Second Court, with disabled toilet nearby. Fellows' room also level and accessible.

Gardens

Level access from main site. Mostly level, with gravel paths and lawn. Seats and benches.

Laundry

Downstairs, with no disabled access.

Library

Main access is via a very narrow passage and spiral staircase from First Court. Security keypad entrance. Alternative access by lift from ground level. Law Library in First Court, to which other books could also be transferred if necessary.

Porters' Lodge and post room

Level access to Porters' Lodge. Low counter. Mailroom inside Lodge.

Sport facilities

Sports fields about one mile distant from main College site, shared with another college. Accessible.

Toilets

One disabled toilet, near ‘C’ staircase in Second Court.

Other

• New Court theatre has ramped access from New Court, with wide doors and corridors.
• Music practice room accessible via lift in New Court.

Visual Impairments

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs allowed only by special arrangement.

Computer facilities

Special hardware or software for visually impaired users could be acquired if necessary.

Large print, Braille and audio

Large print letters and information on request.

Library and magnification equipment

Special arrangements can be made as needed.

Signs and wayfinding

Map by the Porters' Lodge at entrance to College. Otherwise, rather little signposting. Not a huge site, but rather confusing for first time visitors.

Other

• Steps are almost all unmarked.
• Lighting in cafeteria good, but Formal Hall is intentionally dimly lit in evenings.

Hearing Impairments

Induction loops

Induction loop in New Court Theatre.

Alarms

Sensory alarm available.

Specific Learning Difficulties and Mental Health Issues

Arrangements for students with Specific Learning Difficulties are on an individual basis, in conjunction with the Disability Resource Centre. Discuss your needs with your tutor.

Other Useful Information

Street access to the College by private car is very difficult because of one-way streets and routes that are reserved for buses and taxis. This would make it very difficult to use a car on a regular basis to get to lectures etc. If needed, taxis would be a better alternative.