Disability Resource Centre (DRC)

Girton College

Contact Details

Address

Huntingdon Road,
Cambridge, CB3 0JG

Tel.

01223 338 999

Fax

01223 338 896

Web

www.girton.cam.ac.uk

Access Issues

Contact

Ms Maureen Hackett, Warden

Tel.

01223 338 891

Fax

01223 311 566

Email

mh208@cam.ac.uk

Location, Services and Transport

Three miles from the city centre, on Huntingdon Road. Near Girton village.

Traffic

Huntingdon Road is very busy, particularly at peak times, as it serves the A14. There is a traffic control crossing point on Huntingdon Road opposite the College. Please note that this is not ideal for wheelchair users. A pedestrian crossing is a few hundred metres from the College near the Girton Road junction with pavements on the College side of the road.

Services and shops

There is a small petrol station/grocery store a short walk away down Huntingdon Road and a small co-op store in Girton Village.

Parking

Plenty of parking on main site, in both the Cloister Courtyard and the Mares Run Car Park. A disabled student could obtain a permit, and a designated disabled bay is due to be marked out, although the position of this can be changed to suit individual requirements.

Other transport options

Frequent buses to and from the city centre and surrounding area, with bus stop for Citi 5, 6, 15 and 15a at Girton Corner. College-booked taxi returns from the city centre on Thursday and Saturday nights between midnight and 00.10.

General Information

580 undergraduates and 200 postgraduates. For men and women. College is based on two sites: the main site near Girton and a separate community in Wolfson Court, close to the City centre and the Centre for Mathematical Sciences. See separate entry for Wolfson Court. Most areas of the College are ground floor and accessible. A manual wheelchair is available to borrow from the Porters' Lodge. Stairclimber also available.

Smoking

There is no smoking in public rooms.

Medical facilities

Two part-time nurses hold a weekday surgery during term (tel. 01223 338937). Sick bay down one step, or contact via the Porters' Lodge. All Porters' are first aiders.

Emergency procedures

Advise Porters' Lodge if you will need help evacuating in an emergency. Evacuation chairs fitted. Speak to head porter regarding an individual evacuation plan.

Accommodation and Catering

Wheelchair-accessible rooms

One flat in Pear Trees is specifically designed for wheelchair users, with adapted bathroom and kitchen, plus an annex for an assistant if needed. Lift access, through automatic doors. Evacuation via an evac-chair.

Other rooms

There are three en-suite rooms in Hospital Wing but only one of these is a ground floor level and the alternative means of escape is down a few steps.

Also on Hospital Wing there are a number of large bed-sitting rooms that are adjacent to a wheelchair accessible toilet and shower room.

There are a further six en-suite rooms on Pear Trees. They are accessible via a lift but evacuation would be via a staircase. However an evac-chair and assistance could be provided. These rooms are not wheelchair accessible.

Five newly en-suited rooms have been created on Tower Wing but these are all at second floor level and only accessible via staircases.

In addition, any of the taps, handles or other fixtures could be changed to suit particular requirements.

Alarms

Two rooms adapted for a hearing impaired student, with vibrating pillows and visual alarms and bells. Others can be adapted as necessary.

Live-in assistants and assistance dogs

Live-in assistant possible, in the Pear Trees flat, but please discuss well in advance. Live-in dogs also possible, with large grounds for exercising, but again please discuss well in advance.

Early induction and vacation stays

Early induction encouraged. Staying over vacations can also be arranged, with prior notice.

Catering arrangements

Cafeteria serves three meals daily during term. Formal Hall once a week. Card system for easy payment. Small kitchens near accommodation so self-catering is an option but a cafeteria charge is included within the residence charge.

Special diets

Most special diets can be catered for, including kosher, with sufficient notice. Information regarding nut allergies is provided. Speak to the catering manager about your individual requirements.

Physical Access

College grounds in general

Ramp to Porters' Lodge, through automatic doors for which a card is available from the Lodge. Most areas level and accessible, with few steps in the grounds. Most areas can be reached under cover of the main building. Some gravel in the grounds.Main rear access to College is via a ramp to an automatic door and an intercom to the Porters' Lodge at the Old Kitchens Conference/Visitor entrance.

College buildings in general

Most commonly used areas are ground floor and accessible. There are some heavy doors. Corridors are mostly smooth and wide. Stairs generally have continuous handrails, although some are rather winding and difficult.

Bar

Bar in basement, down steep flight of steps with handrail. No other access. Sloping floor, high bar counter, and low tables and stools. Small bar at ground level outside Old Kitchens with low counter and moveable chairs, open according to demand.

Cafeteria

Ground level access. Very large, smooth and spacious inside. All accessible. Hall next door.However some assistance may be required for wheelchair users.

Chapel

Level access, moveable pews and plenty of space for wheelchairs.

College offices

Most offices, including the tutorial office and bursary, are on the first floor with only stair access. Staff will meet elsewhere by arrangement.

Common rooms

JCR at ground level and spacious. Sofa seating, but other chairs could be moved in if needed. Disabled toilet outside.

Computer facilities

Computer rooms on first and second floors, with only stair access. All rooms are networked, and there are 16 accessible computers in the library.

Dining hall

Level access from cafeteria, through wide door. Large, smooth and spacious, with moveable furniture. One step to high table.

Fellows' areas

Fellows' dining room and drawing room level and accessible, with moveable furniture. Disabled toilet outside. SCR also level and accessible, with moveable furniture.

Gardens

Gardens mostly level and accessible. Some gravel paths and some paving, but no longer any unavoidable cobbles. Some benches.

Laundry

Laundry at ground level and accessible.

Library

Ground level access with doorbell for assistance. Flooring a mixture of wooden and carpeted. Spacious, with plenty of workspace. Staffed whenever open. The librarian has attended training sessions at the Disability Resource Centre, and all staff will help as necessary. Disabled toilet within library. Books split between ground floor and first floor, with a fetching service provided if needed. Catalogue accessible remotely from the library's web page. Renewals possible by email, phone or fax.

Porters' Lodge and post room

Ramp with handrail to Porters' Lodge, through two heavy doors which are held open. Intercom for assistance. Post room next to Porters' Lodge, level and accessible.

Sport facilities

Gym has one step down. Small swimming pool, up three large steps, with no lifeguard. Tennis courts and sports fields all on site.

Toilets

Six disabled toilets around College, including near Porters' Lodge, Fellows' areas, JCR, and in and near library.

Other

• Old Hall meeting room at ground level, spacious, with moveable furniture.
• Reception room meeting room at ground level, with a large table and moveable chairs.
• Stanley Library meeting room at ground level, spacious, with moveable furniture.
• Emily Davies meeting room on first floor, with only stair access.
• People's Portraits exhibition based around three floors of stairs — a stairclimber has recently been purchased to allow access to all portraits.

Visual Impairments

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs welcome.

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, and on coloured paper, on request. Touch readable and Braille buttons at intercoms.

Library and magnification equipment

Good lighting and large windows. Extra lights on desks. Photocopier available for text enlargement. Magnifying glass available, and other equipment can be acquired. The librarian has attended training sessions at the Disability Resource Centre, and all staff will help as necessary.

Signs and wayfinding

Good, clear colour map of the College at the Porters' Lodge and round College. Clear green on white directional signs around the building. The site is fairly large.

Other

• Lighting in most main areas has been improved, and steps and stairs have mostly been marked.
• Stairs generally have continuous handrails.
• Bar is in basement, with red walls and little natural light.

Hearing Impairments

Induction loops

Induction loops in Old Hall, Stanley Library, Old Kitchens, Reception room and chapel. Portable loop available, but arrange in advance.

Alarms

Two rooms adapted for a hearing impaired student, with vibrating pillows and visual alarms and bells. Others can be adapted as necessary.

Other

• Library is generally softly furnished and quiet.
• There is little traffic noise as the site is set back from the main road.
• The security system uses flashing lights as well as sound alarm.

Specific Learning Difficulties and Mental Health Issues

• Extra tuition can be arranged for students with Specific Learning Difficulties, and financial support can be given for assessments and equipment.
• Special arrangements, for example borrowing arrangements with the library, can be made on a case by case basis in liaison with the student's tutor.
• All arrangements are on an individual basis, in conjunction with the Disability Resource Centre. Discuss your needs with your tutor.

Planned Access Improvements

• Ongoing access improvements, as finances allow.
• If you have any needs or suggestions, please discuss them well in advance.