Disability Resource Centre (DRC)

Department of Engineering

Contact Details

Address

Trumpington Street,
Cambridge CB2 1PZ

Tel.

01223 332 600

Fax

01223 332 662

Web

www.eng.cam.ac.uk

Access Issues

Contact

Mr Ian Slack

Tel.

01223 332 740

Email

is307@cam.ac.uk

Location, Services and Transport

Corner of Trumpington Street and Fen Causeway. A five minute walk to the city centre via Trumpington Street, or to Old Press Site/Silver Street via footpath along river.

Traffic

Both Trumpington Street and Fen Causeway are busy with traffic, and there is a dangerous mini-roundabout at the junction. Zebra crossing on Fen Causeway and traffic island on Trumpington Street.

Services and shops

City centre. There are some shops, cafes and restaurants on Trumpington Street and Lensfield Road.

Parking

Large car park. Call in advance to arrange a disabled bay near the main entrance. Disabled members can obtain a regular parking permit.

Other transport options

Uni 4 bus stop on Trumpington Street. 18 and 18a bus stop on Fen Causeway. Pedestrian footpath along river to back of department.

General Information

All undergraduate teaching takes place on the main site, which consists of the Baker and Inglis buildings and a central Courtyard. Access is generally good. There are also research groups in 12 satellite buildings around Cambridge, some newly built or refurbished and some less accessible. Arrangements can generally be made to accommodate disabilities, so please do discuss any needs in advance.

Smoking

No smoking anywhere on site, including outside the buildings.

Medical facilities

11 first aiders on site and first aiders in all satellite buildings. First aid room on first floor of Baker building and in Mill Lane.

Emergency procedures

Call in advance if you will need help evacuating so that an individual plan can be drawn up. Evacuation chairs, refuges and trained fire wardens all on site.

Physical Access

Entrances

Level access to site from both entrances. Level main entrance in Baker building through automatic door. Reception with low counter and waiting area in foyer. Level access to Inglis building through wide manual door.

Number of floors

Six floors in Baker building, including basement. Two floors in Inglis building plus a mezzanine and loft conversion, and three in the Inglis building extension.

Lifts and stairs

Three lifts in Baker building (two passenger and one goods lift), giving access to all floors except the new top floor. Passenger lift in Inglis building to all floors except the loft conversion. Stairs all have continuous handrails.

Lecture theatres

11 lecture theatres in total. Three are tiered with fixed bench seating, but with level access to front or back, and space for wheelchairs. Others are all level and accessible except lecture room 3. Two have recently been refurbished.

Seminar/teaching rooms

Several meeting rooms and a board room, all accessible, with moveable chairs. Laboratories in both buildings, all accessible by lift except the upper workshop. Standard height benches, but adjustments can be made as required.

Library

First floor of Baker building, with level access from lift through manual double doors. Level and spacious, with plenty of workspace. Staffed office hours.

Computer facilities

Design Project Office in Baker building. Many are at standing height with stool seating, but there are several low level computers with moveable chairs. Special equipment can be acquired for those with RSI, and has been in the past.

Toilets

Disabled toilets in basement of Baker building and in Hopkinson Lab in Inglis building. Large cubicle in Inglis building.

Common rooms

Two common rooms, both accessible and with moveable furniture of varying heights. Kitchen in middle, serving light lunches and snacks, with low see-through food counter.

Other

• Corridors are wide and generally uncluttered. Fire doors are held back with magnetic locks, giving easy independent access around the buildings.
• Ramps down to Courtyard, giving easy passage between Baker and Inglis buildings.

Visual Impairments

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs welcome.

Computer facilities

Currently no special hardware or software for visually impaired users. Some could be acquired if necessary.

Large print, Braille and audio

Large print information on prior request. Print room on site. Touch readable buttons in lift.

Library and magnification equipment

Magnifying glass, extra worklights and photocopiers available in library.

Signs and wayfinding

Large, clear signs both outside and inside. The Department is complicated, so ask for assistance to familiarise yourself with the route. Maps available.

Other

• Very large screens in lecture theatres. Video-conferencing in room 5 on large screen.
• Good lighting in laboratories and most main areas.

Hearing Impairments

Induction loops

Induction loops in lecture theatres 0 and 4. More will be fitted as each lecture room is refurbished.

Other

• Vibrating pager fire alarm available.
• Some traffic noise on site, but library and all lecture theatres are set back from the road.

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

• Glass lift in Courtyard being replaced by modern lift.
• Refurbishments to fourth floor.
• Other adaptations can be made as and when needed.

Other Useful Information

• Security team on patrol until 11.30pm. In the event of a problem after this time, please call Central Security on 31818, who have a radio link to local security personnel.
• Proximity card security card system around site for out of hours access.