Disability Resource Centre (DRC)

Department of Geography

Contact Details

Address

Downing Place,
Cambridge CB2 3EN

Tel.

01223 333 399

Fax

01223 333 392

Email

enquiries@geog.cam.ac.uk

Web

www.geog.cam.ac.uk

Access Issues

Contacts

Mrs Jamie Horsley

Mr Adrian Hayes

Tel.

01223 766 571

Fax

01223 333 392

Email

jlh61@cam.ac.uk

adrian.hayes@geog.cam.ac.uk

Location, Services and Transport

Downing Site. See separate entry for Downing Site.

Parking

Small amount of car parking available, with permits allocated in October each year. Disabled members could obtain a permit.

General Information

Access to the main department building is very difficult, as there are many steps and stairs and no facilities for access. The Sir William Hardy Building nearby, where some teaching takes place, is better. It would currently be difficult to accommodate students or staff with severe disabilities, but each case is decided on an individual basis — please discuss your needs well in advance.

Smoking

No smoking anywhere in the buildings.

Medical facilities

Two first aiders, one in the main building and one in the Sir William Hardy building. Fold-out bed available.

Emergency procedures

Evacuation chairs on the first floor of the Sir William Hardy building.

Physical Access

Entrances

Several steps to both entrances of main building, and further steps and stairs to all areas. Level access to the ground floor of the Sir William Hardy building.

Number of floors

Five floors in main building, including Lower Ground. Three floors in Sir William Hardy building.

Lifts and stairs

Only stair access to all areas of main building. Most stairs have continuous handrails. New lift in Sir William Hardy building, giving access to all floors except attic.

Lecture theatres

Large lecture theatre in basement, accessed by stairs. Hard, tiered, fixed bench seating. Small lecture theatre on ground floor, but again accessed by steps. Level inside, with moveable furniture.

Seminar/teaching rooms

Seminar rooms and labs in main building accessed only by stairs. Some teaching rooms and labs in Sir William Hardy building, accessed by lift and ramps.

Library

Second floor of main building, with only stair access. High counter and shelves, but plenty of workspace. Map Library on ground floor of Sir William Hardy building, but arrange in advance.

Computer facilities

Large computer room on top floor of main building, accessed only by many stairs. Some mapping software in Sir William Hardy building, with ramped access.

Toilets

Disabled toilet on ground floor of Sir William Hardy building, otherwise no disabled toilets in the department. Other toilets are in basement and on top floor of main building, and are rather awkward.

Common rooms

Common room with small kitchen for graduates and staff on second floor of main building. Low tables and chairs, without armrests.

Other

• Field trips often undertaken in hired coaches with driver. Risk assessments are completed for each trip.

Visual Impairments

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs welcome.

Computer facilities

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

Large print, Braille and audio

Large print information on prior request.

Library and magnification equipment

Rather dim lighting in library, and no extra lights on desks. Signs and markings are small and hard to read. Photocopier available for text enlargement.

Signs and wayfinding

Departmental maps are sited at each entrance but are missed by most. Very little signage around the Department.

Hearing Impairments

Induction loops

No induction loops in lecture theatres. No PA system.

Other

• Several Deaf and hearing impaired students have studied at the Department.

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

There are planned improvements to improve access to the lower ground and ground floor of the main building. This will hopefully happen by summer 2008, dependent upon funding.