Disability Resource Centre (DRC)

Peterhouse

Contact Details

Address

Trumpington Street,
Cambridge, CB2 1RD

Tel.

01223 338 200

Fax

01223 766 147

Email

pag39@cam.ac.uk

Web

www.pet.cam.ac.uk

Access Issues

Contact

Mr Richard Grigson, Bursar

Tel.

01223 338 214

Fax

01223 337 578

Email

rsgg2@cam.ac.uk

Location, Services and Transport

A five minute walk to the city centre, Downing Site, and New Museums Site. A 15 minute walk to the Sidgwick Site and University Library, via Silver Street. Close to Old Addenbrooke's Site and the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Traffic

Trumpington Street is busy, with poor pavements, open gutters and drains, few crossing places and many bicycles. The junction with Pembroke Street and Silver Street is dangerous. Little St Mary's Lane provides a quieter access to the College.

Services and shops

City centre. There are a few restaurants, cafes and shops on Trumpington Street.

Parking

Car park over Trumpington Street, opposite porters' lodge and near accessible accommodation. Disabled students could obtain a permit.

Other transport options

Uni 4 bus stop in Trumpington Street.

General Information

284 undergraduates and 130 postgraduates. For men and women. The smallest College, and also the oldest. Almost all buildings are listed, making disabled access rather difficult. A ‘buddy’ system is encouraged, whereby students with access needs have someone on hand to help if necessary.

Smoking

No smoking in any College building, including student rooms.

Medical facilities

Nurse holds a morning surgery Monday to Saturday during full term (tel. 01223 338248). Two large steps up to sick bay.

Emergency procedures

Advise Porters' Lodge if you will need help evacuating in an emergency. No evacuation chairs. Individual plans can be drawn up if necessary. Safety information is given to all visitors.

Accommodation and Catering

Wheelchair-accessible rooms

One set accessible for wheelchair users, with en suite shower room. Adjacent to basic low-level kitchen.

Other rooms

A number of rooms are on ground floor, and others are accessible by lift. Many rooms have washbasins, but there are no rooms with ensuite bathroom.

Live-in assistants and assistance dogs

Live-in assistants would be difficult due to pressure on accommodation, but each case would be considered individually. Assistance dogs could possibly be accommodated, on advance discussion.

Early induction and vacation stays

Early induction possible. Staying over vacation also possible, at usual room rates.

Catering arrangements

Cafeteria serves three meals daily in hall. Epos card or cash payment. There is a catering charge. Self-catering would be difficult.

Special diets

Most special diets can be accommodated with advance notice. Two areas have kosher kitchens. Please speak to the catering manager regarding special diets and allergies.

Physical Access

College grounds in general

Level access to main entrance, over a large, very worn (and listed!) paving slab which may be difficult for wheelchairs. Level access to rear via Little St Mary's Lane. Slabbed paving and cobbles. Most areas accessible, sometimes via roundabout routes.

College buildings in general

Many buildings and staircases have one step up or down, and doors tend to be narrow and rather awkward.

Bar

One step up from old Court, through heavy double doors. Smaller step from side door in nearby passage. Small level bar area, with stools and sofa seating.

Cafeteria

Level access through F staircase entrance. Spacious inside, and staff will help carry trays. Epos or cash payment. Eating area in hall.

Chapel

Several steps, both at entrance and within chapel. Fixed pews, and nearly all seating involves steps up and down. Very narrow spaces. Assistance could be given to wheelchair users, but please arrange in advance.

College offices

Tutorial office down one step, and most other College offices up four steps. Staff will meet elsewhere on arrangement.

Common rooms

JCR upstairs, with no handrails. MCR has level entrance from Old Court.

Computer facilities

Level access to computer room with proximity card. All rooms networked. Wireless internet in library.

Dining hall

Level access through low, narrow doors. Small inside, with narrow fixed benches, mostly raised up a small step. One step up, through low, narrow door, from garden.

Fellows' areas

SCR up one small step from Old Court. Level inside, with moveable furniture. Toilets near SCR are up several stairs.

Gardens

Deer Park and Scholars' garden. Access via Gisborne Court, near the kitchens. Gravel paths and lawns, all level and accessible. Some benches in the centre.

Laundry

Coin-operated laundry near accessible accommodation. Main College laundry in basement, down many stairs, or with ramped access through a side door during office hours on arrangement.

Library

Level access through automatic doors, with proximity card entry and push-button exit. Ground level all accessible, with plenty of workspace. Upper floor has stair and lift access. Staffed office hours, and staff will help as necessary.

Porters' lodge and post room

Level access from main gate. Fairly low, open counter.

Sport facilities

Level access to gym, through two sets of double doors, one of which usually bolted. Sports grounds at Bently Road, shared with Clare College. Pavilion not accessible.

Toilets

Disabled toilets in library and on first floor of F staircase, near the lift.

Other

• Theatre has ramped access and four designated wheelchair spaces. Two disabled bays outside, entered off Little St Mary's Lane.
• Lubbock room, near theatre, has ramped access and moveable furniture.
• Music room can be accessed via the bar, through two sets of doors.
• Upper hall on F staircase has level access from the lift, and a disabled toilet nearby. Most other function rooms are up stairs.
• Two manual wheelchairs are available to borrow, from the sick bay.

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 on request.

Library and magnification equipment

Magnifying glass and photocopier available for text enlargement. Extra lights are available for individual desks.

Signs and wayfinding

Very few signs, except to the theatre. Small, faint map available from Porters. Wayfinding can be difficult for first time visitors.

Other

• Many areas of the College grounds have poor lighting at night. Beware steps that are unmarked and do not have handrails.
• Chapel is extremely dim, due to heavily coloured stained glass windows. Beware the hidden steps and thresholds.
• Dining is by candlelight, and there is little natural or artificial lighting in the hall.

Hearing Impairments

Induction loops

Induction loops in lodge, cafeteria and theatre. Portable loop available in lodge.

Alarms

Visual and sensory fire alarms available.

Other

• Four student rooms have been adapted for hearing impaired students.
• Chapel is small, but rather echoey.
• Bar is small, and when loud music is played it can be very noisy.
• Library is carpeted, softly furnished and quiet.

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.

Planned Access Improvements

Other adaptations can be made as and when necessary, if possible.