Disability Resource Centre (DRC)

Department of Plant Sciences

Contact Details

Address

Downing Site,
Downing Street,
Cambridge CB2 3EA

Tel.

01223 333 900

Fax

01223 333 953

Email

reception@plantsci.cam.ac.uk

Web

www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk

Access Issues

Contact

Mrs Catherine Butler

Tel.

01223 333 909

Fax

01223 333 953

Email

cek31@cam.ac.uk

Location, Services and Transport

Downing Site. See separate entry for Downing Site.

General Information

Most teaching and research takes place in the main building. Security system throughout. Mostly this is proximity card, with some keypads, and some buttons to exit through doors.

Smoking

No smoking anywhere in the building.

Medical facilities

First aiders in the building.

Emergency procedures

Evacuation chairs fitted, and all first aiders and the Disability Liaison Officer are trained in their use.

Physical Access

Entrances

Main entrance ramped, with handrails. Bell for assistance at door. Swipecard access to back entrances, all with three or four steps.

Number of floors

Four floors in total, including basement.

Lifts and stairs

Lift to all floors except mezzanine. Note: lift is smaller than standard.

Lecture theatres

Large lecture theatre has ramped access from main foyer. Tiered bench seating, with room for one wheelchair. No handrails on steps. Small theatre has a few steps up or down from either entrance, but is level inside.

Seminar/teaching rooms

Teaching laboratory on second floor, with level access from lift. Most other laboratories accessible.

Library

Ramped access from foyer. Rather small and cramped inside, with high shelves. Our Librarian usually works mornings except for Wednesday. If help is required at other times she can be found in Genetics library, ask at Reception.

Computer facilities

Computers in library, for use by part 2 students only. Accessible, but rather cramped.

Toilets

Disabled toilet on ground floor.

Common rooms

Tea room on first floor, with level access from lift. Spacious inside, with moveable furniture.

Visual Impairments

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs welcome.

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

Photocopier available.

Signs and wayfinding

Little signposting, but the Department is not complicated.

Other

• Good lighting generally around the Department.

Hearing Impairments

Induction loops

No induction loops currently.

Other

• Large lecture theatre is large and echoey, with hard wood surfaces. Small lecture theatre is carpeted and quiet.

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.