Disability Access Guide
The College and University are committed to providing appropriate support for students with disabilities. The College works closely with the University’s Disability Resource Centre to ensure that students have what they need to take full advantage of their time at university.
Location, Services and Transport
A two minute walk to the city centre. 5–10 minutes to University Library, 10–15 minutes to Sidgwick Site, and 15 minutes to Downing Site and New Museums Site.
Traffic
Located in quiet road off Trinity Street. Beware the two blind corners and fast bicycles. Walking on pavements is difficult, as they are generally uneven, with few dropped kerbs and lots of parked bicycles.
Services and shops
City centre.
Parking
Parking on Central Site is extremely difficult, especially due to bollard restrictions in town centre. Parking is available at the Wychfield Site, off Storey’s Way. Several disabled bays on King’s Parade.
Other transport options
Bus station a ten minute walk and railway station a thirty minute walk or short taxi ride away.
General Information
370 undergraduates and 230 postgraduates. For men and women. Small, friendly College, located on a quiet street near city centre. Good access generally, and lots of support for students with disabilities. Disability issues are discussed by tutors at regular meetings.
Smoking
Smoking is banned from all College private and public rooms. For those who wish to smoke, designated areas are provided at each residential site.
Emergency procedures
Advise Porters’ Lodge if you will need help evacuating in an emergency. The College does have evacuation chairs.
Accommodation and Catering
Wheelchair-accessible rooms
One room on Central Site is available for a wheelchair user, with an adapted bathroom close by. There are seven wheelchair-accessible rooms with ensuite facilities on the Wychfield Site.
Other rooms
Rooms in the new Wychfield accommodation block are all ensuite, and some are ground floor. No ensuite rooms on Central Site. Students with specific needs may apply for special consideration in the room ballot.
Live-in assistants and assistance dogs
Two rooms are available at Wychfield with adjoining accommodation suitable for an assistant. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Early induction and vacation stays
Early induction and staying over vacation are both possible.
Catering arrangements
Cafeteria on Central Site serves three meals a day, as well as regular formal halls. Kitchen facilities on Central Site are small and not suitable for full self-catering. The Wychfield block has larger, shared kitchens which can be adapted for wheelchair and other impaired users.
Special diets
Special diets accommodated where possible.
Physical Access
College grounds in general
Level access to main entrance, with bell at gate. Level throughout. Front court has fairly even slabbed paving, and cobbles can be avoided. Surfaces further inside are concrete, paved or shallow gravel.
College buildings in general
Almost all public areas accessible to wheelchair users. Wychfield Site is located outside of the City centre, near Fitzwilliam College.
Coffee Shop/Bar
Basement, accessible via stairlift. Fairly small, but with movable chairs and stools.
Cafeteria
Level access. Smooth and spacious, with one-way system. Opposite hall entrance. Card system for payment.
Chapel
The smallest chapel in Oxbridge. Level access, and fixed pew seating. Cosy, but room for a wheelchair.
College offices
Tutorial office on ground floor, with level access and meeting room. Tutors and other staff can arrange to meet you there if access to their rooms is a problem.
Common rooms
JCR/TV room next to bar. Basement, accessible via stairlift. MCR on ground level.
Computer facilities
Computer room is upstairs in library, the only part not accessible by lift. All individual rooms networked. Wireless internet in all public areas.
Dining Hall
Level access, directly opposite Cafeteria. Spacious inside, with tables and chairs. Step up to high table, which has alternative level access from rear door via the Fellows’ areas.
Fellows’ areas
Level access to SCR and Fellows’ dining hall. Ramp down to Master’s Lodge.
Gardens
Small gardens on site. Gravel paths and level lawn. Two benches overlooking river.
Laundry
Ground level and accessible.
Library
Level access through heavy door. Three floors, with a lift between all floors. Entry by proximity card system. Spacious inside. Fairly large toilet at ground level.
Porters’ lodge and post room
Spacious and fully accessible.
Sport facilities
Wychfield block has fully accessible sports facilities, including squash courts, tennis courts, basketball, and cricket pitch. The gym is upstairs and inaccessible.
Toilets
Disabled toilets located on ground floor of staircase close to porters’ lodge.
Other
- Music and seminar rooms are accessible via large lift.
- Graham Storey room, for meetings and informal occasions, ground floor and accessible.
- Teaching rooms are located throughout the Central Site, several at ground floor level or accessible by lift.
Visual Impairments
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs welcome.
Computer facilities
Special software can be acquired, and the College has several computers which can be loaned to students.
Large print, Braille and audio
Large print letters and information on request.
Library and magnification equipment
No special facilities for text enlargement. Lighting in library is good, with individual lights at each desk.
Signs and wayfinding
Signs are clear. The site is small, and wayfinding is not a problem.
Other
- Lights around college grounds turn on automatically at dusk.
- Public areas generally well lit, though Latham Lawn area has fairly dim lighting at night.
Hearing Impairments
Induction loops
Induction loop installed in porters’ lodge. Loops can be acquired if needed.
Alarms
Visual or sensory alarms could be acquired if needed.
Other
- Little traffic noise, as the college is off the main street. Generally quiet around college.
- Quiet time over exam period.
Specific Learning Difficulties and Mental Health Issues
- Senior Tutor takes special responsibility for all students with SpLDs, or other conditions such as Asperger’s Syndrome, and makes appropriate arrangements in conjunction with the Disability Resource Centre.
- Students requiring special exam arrangements are advised to contact the Tutorial Registrar for advice.
- College Mental Health Team includes a mental health practitioner and a counsellor/mindfulness practitioner.
Contact
If you have any questions relating to access or other special considerations, contact the College’s Disability Liaison Officer, Rosie Ince, ri246@trinhall.cam.ac.uk or 01223 332564.
