Disability Resource Centre (DRC)

Language Centre

Address

Old Music School,
Downing Place,
Cambridge CB2 3EL

Tel.

01223 335 058

Fax

01223 335 040

Email

enquiries@langcen.cam.ac.uk

Web

www.langcen.cam.ac.uk

Access Issues

Contact

Michele Wilkinson

Tel.

01223 335 058

Fax

01223 335 040

Email

mw125@cam.ac.uk

Location, Services and Transport

Downing Place, quiet road off Downing Street opposite Downing Site. It is a five minute walk to the city centre. The pavement outside the building is uneven and difficult, with few dropped kerbs and many parked bicycles and cars.

Traffic

Downing Place itself is fairly quiet, but there can be many parked cars due to construction, visits of the National Blood Service, and events nearby. Downing Street is always busy with traffic (in one direction) and bicycles (in both directions).

Services and shops

City centre.

Parking

Parking is extremely difficult, but may be possible on the Downing Site or opposite the Language Centre with advance notice. Otherwise, it is best to park in Lion Yard and walk. With a disabled badge, you can park briefly on the pavement outside to seek advice.

Other transport options

Bus station is three minutes walk away.

General Information

Language teaching and resource centre, open to students and staff of the University. Open 9am-7pm Monday to Thursday and 9am-5pm Fridays during Full term, and 10am-4pm Monday to Friday outside of Full term. The Language Centre is normally open Saturdays 10am-2pm during Easter term. Please check our website for further information.

Smoking

No smoking anywhere in the building.

Medical facilities

First aiders are on the nearby Downing Site.

Emergency procedures

No evacuation chairs or other evacuation facilities.

Physical Access

Entrances

Main entrance has one step up through double doors. Bell for assistance. Level wheel-chair access through side entrance with bell and intercom system.. Low counter at reception.

Number of floors

Two floors in total, including ground floor.

Lifts and stairs

There is no lift to the upper level, but teaching can be accommodated on the ground floor on request. Stairs have a handrail.

Seminar/teaching rooms

Two teaching rooms on ground floor, and two on upper floor. All are level and spacious, with moveable furniture.

Library

John Trim centre on ground floor. Spacious and carpeted, with moveable chairs. Always staffed when open, and staff will help.

Computer facilities

Many computers in John Trim centre on ground floor.

Toilets

Two accessible toilets (one for wheelchair access).

Common rooms

No designated common room.

Other

• Classes can be moved to ground floor rooms if needed — please ask in advance.

Visual Impairments

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs welcome with prior notification.

Computer facilities

Plasma screens in classrooms. Other software and hardware could be acquired if needed. Staff are willing to help with accessing large fonts on the computers in the John Trim centre.

Large print, Braille and audio

Large print information on prior request. Many audio language learning resources available to use and borrow. Arrangements can be made for loaning materials.

Library and magnification equipment

Magnifying sheets available. Good lighting. Photocopier available in reception area for text enlargement.

Signs and wayfinding

Good, clear signposting. Some labels in the John Trim centre are small, but staff are available to help.

Hearing Impairments

Induction loops

Induction loops in all classrooms. Please inform staff in advance if you will use it.

Other

• Videos available for language learning.
• Audio books and resources can be heard through individual headphones in the John Trim Centre.
• Sign language courses available.
• Hearing impaired students have been successful at learning languages here in the past.

Specific Learning Difficulties and Mental Health Issues

• The Disability Liaison Officer can advise on learning strategies for students with dyslexia and dyspraxia. Please discuss your needs.
• Coloured paper available for photocopying.

Planned Access Improvements

• A bell and monitor screen is planned for the disabled entrance to the building.
• An introduction to the Language Centre on tape is planned.