Disability Resource Centre (DRC)

Department of Biochemistry

Contact Details

Address

Tennis Court Road,
Cambridge, CB2 1QW

Tel.

01223 333 600

Fax

01223 766 002

Web

www.bioc.cam.ac.uk

Access Issues

Contact

Mrs Pat Haynes

Tel.

01223 333 616

Fax

01223 766 002

Email

p.a.haynes@bioc.cam.ac.uk

Location, Services and Transport

Downing Site and Tennis Court Road. See separate entry for Downing Site.

General Information

The Department is spread over two buildings - the Hopkins building on the Downing Site and the new Sanger building at 80 Tennis Court Road. It is a five minute walk between the two buildings. Additionally, some staff are located within the Craik Marshall building on the Downing Site and in the Institute of Biotechnology/ CSCR building.

Smoking

No smoking anywhere in the buildings.

Medical facilities

First aiders in both buildings.

Emergency procedures

Evacuation chairs fitted at refuge points. Large, clear fire instructions around buildings. Emergency phones fitted around the buildings which connect directly to Reception.

Physical Access

Entrances

Hopkins building has 9 steps to main entrance, with no handrail. Wheelchair access via platform lift at back entrance, but arrange in advance. Sanger building has ramped main entrance, with handrail.

Number of floors

Four floors in Hopkins building, including basement. Four floors in Sanger building, including basement.

Lifts and stairs

Hopkins building has large lift to all floors, with manual doors. Sanger building has two large modern lifts with access to basement, ground and two upper floors. Craik Marshall has no lift. The shared IOB/CSCR building has a small passenger lift and a larger goods lift which could be used for wheelchair access.

Lecture theatres

Hopkins lecture theatre on ground floor. Moveable seating, with room for a wheelchair. Sanger building has level access from lift, and a wheelchair lift to access lower level and stage if required. Tiered fold-down seating, with room for wheelchairs.

Seminar/teaching rooms

Research Laboratories and Seminar Rooms in both buildings accessible by lift. Classroom Laboratories in the Hopkins building accessible for wheelchair, by side external lift. All Research Laboratories (used by undergraduates for Part II and Part III projects) can be rather cramped because of numbers.

Library

Ground floor of Hopkins building. Level access through heavy double doors. Spacious, with moveable furniture. Staff will help in office hours. Swipecard access out of hours.

Computer facilities

Communal computers in Library, level and accessible. All Research Groups and Admin offices have computer facilities.

Toilets

Disabled toilet in basement of Hopkins building, and on ground and second floors of Sanger building.

Common rooms

Ground floor of Hopkins building. And ground floor of Sanger both spacious, with moveable furniture. Tea, coffee and snacks on sale at coffee, tea and lunch times for Staff, PhD and Part II/III students.

Visual Impairments

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs welcome in public areas, but discuss in advance if you want to take your dog into a laboratory.

Computer facilities

Currently no special hardware or software for visually impaired users.

Large print, Braille and audio

Large print information on prior request.

Library and magnification equipment

Photocopiers available.

Signs and wayfinding

Large, clear signs around both buildings.

Other

• Good lighting in both buildings.
• Stairs are almost all marked, and have contrasting handrails.

Hearing Impairments

Induction loops

Induction loops in lecture theatres of both buildings.

Other

• Vibrating alarm available from reception.

Specific Learning Difficulties and Mental Health Issues

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

Planned Access Improvements

Wheelchair egress from Hopkins building Lecture Theatre fire escape to be installed in 2012.