Disability Access Information
- Access Guide to College
- Access Guide to Wolfson Court
Girton College
Contact Details
- Address
- Huntingdon Road,
Cambridge, CB3 0JG - Tel.
- 01223 338 999
- Fax
- 01223 338 896
- Web
- www.girton.cam.ac.uk
Access Issues
- Contact
- Ms Maureen Hackett, Warden
- Tel.
- 01223 338 891
- Fax
- 01223 311 566
- mh208@cam.ac.uk
Location, Services and Transport
Three miles from the city centre, on Huntingdon Road. Near Girton village.
Traffic
Huntingdon Road is very busy, particularly at peak times, as it serves the A14. There is a traffic control crossing point on Huntingdon Road opposite the College. Please note that this is not ideal for wheelchair users. A pedestrian crossing is a few hundred metres from the College near the Girton Road junction with pavements on the College side of the road.
Services and shops
There is a small petrol station/grocery store a short walk away down Huntingdon Road and a small co-op store in Girton Village.
Parking
Plenty of parking on main site, in both the Cloister Courtyard and the Mares Run Car Park. A disabled student could obtain a permit, and a designated disabled bay is due to be marked out, although the position of this can be changed to suit individual requirements.
Other transport options
Frequent buses to and from the city centre and surrounding area, with bus stop for Citi 5, 6, 15 and 15a at Girton Corner. College-booked taxi returns from the city centre on Thursday and Saturday nights between midnight and 00.10.
General Information
580 undergraduates and 200 postgraduates. For men and women. College is based on two sites: the main site near Girton and a separate community in Wolfson Court, close to the City centre and the Centre for Mathematical Sciences. See separate entry for Wolfson Court. Most areas of the College are ground floor and accessible. A manual wheelchair is available to borrow from the Porters' Lodge. Stairclimber also available.
Smoking
There is no smoking in public rooms.
Medical facilities
Two part-time nurses hold a weekday surgery during term (tel. 01223 338937). Sick bay down one step, or contact via the Porters' Lodge. All Porters' are first aiders.
Emergency procedures
Advise Porters' Lodge if you will need help evacuating in an emergency. Evacuation chairs fitted. Speak to head porter regarding an individual evacuation plan.
Accommodation and Catering
Wheelchair-accessible rooms
One flat in Pear Trees is specifically designed for wheelchair users, with adapted bathroom and kitchen, plus an annex for an assistant if needed. Lift access, through automatic doors. Evacuation via an evac-chair.
Other rooms
There are three en-suite rooms in Hospital Wing but only one of these is a ground floor level and the alternative means of escape is down a few steps.
Also on Hospital Wing there are a number of large bed-sitting rooms that are adjacent to a wheelchair accessible toilet and shower room.
There are a further six en-suite rooms on Pear Trees. They are accessible via a lift but evacuation would be via a staircase. However an evac-chair and assistance could be provided. These rooms are not wheelchair accessible.
Five newly en-suited rooms have been created on Tower Wing but these are all at second floor level and only accessible via staircases.
In addition, any of the taps, handles or other fixtures could be changed to suit particular requirements.
Alarms
Two rooms adapted for a hearing impaired student, with vibrating pillows and visual alarms and bells. Others can be adapted as necessary.
Live-in assistants and assistance dogs
Live-in assistant possible, in the Pear Trees flat, but please discuss well in advance. Live-in dogs also possible, with large grounds for exercising, but again please discuss well in advance.
Early induction and vacation stays
Early induction encouraged. Staying over vacations can also be arranged, with prior notice.
Catering arrangements
Cafeteria serves three meals daily during term. Formal Hall once a week. Card system for easy payment. Small kitchens near accommodation so self-catering is an option but a cafeteria charge is included within the residence charge.
Special diets
Most special diets can be catered for, including kosher, with sufficient notice. Information regarding nut allergies is provided. Speak to the catering manager about your individual requirements.
Physical Access
College grounds in general
Ramp to Porters' Lodge, through automatic doors for which a card is available from the Lodge. Most areas level and accessible, with few steps in the grounds. Most areas can be reached under cover of the main building. Some gravel in the grounds.Main rear access to College is via a ramp to an automatic door and an intercom to the Porters' Lodge at the Old Kitchens Conference/Visitor entrance.
College buildings in general
Most commonly used areas are ground floor and accessible. There are some heavy doors. Corridors are mostly smooth and wide. Stairs generally have continuous handrails, although some are rather winding and difficult.
Bar
Bar in basement, down steep flight of steps with handrail. No other access. Sloping floor, high bar counter, and low tables and stools. Small bar at ground level outside Old Kitchens with low counter and moveable chairs, open according to demand.
Cafeteria
Ground level access. Very large, smooth and spacious inside. All accessible. Hall next door.However some assistance may be required for wheelchair users.
Chapel
Level access, moveable pews and plenty of space for wheelchairs.
College offices
Most offices, including the tutorial office and bursary, are on the first floor with only stair access. Staff will meet elsewhere by arrangement.
Common rooms
JCR at ground level and spacious. Sofa seating, but other chairs could be moved in if needed. Disabled toilet outside.
Computer facilities
Computer rooms on first and second floors, with only stair access. All rooms are networked, and there are 16 accessible computers in the library.
Dining hall
Level access from cafeteria, through wide door. Large, smooth and spacious, with moveable furniture. One step to high table.
Fellows' areas
Fellows' dining room and drawing room level and accessible, with moveable furniture. Disabled toilet outside. SCR also level and accessible, with moveable furniture.
Gardens
Gardens mostly level and accessible. Some gravel paths and some paving, but no longer any unavoidable cobbles. Some benches.
Laundry
Laundry at ground level and accessible.
Library
Ground level access with doorbell for assistance. Flooring a mixture of wooden and carpeted. Spacious, with plenty of workspace. Staffed whenever open. The librarian has attended training sessions at the Disability Resource Centre, and all staff will help as necessary. Disabled toilet within library. Books split between ground floor and first floor, with a fetching service provided if needed. Catalogue accessible remotely from the library's web page. Renewals possible by email, phone or fax.
Porters' Lodge and post room
Ramp with handrail to Porters' Lodge, through two heavy doors which are held open. Intercom for assistance. Post room next to Porters' Lodge, level and accessible.
Sport facilities
Gym has one step down. Small swimming pool, up three large steps, with no lifeguard. Tennis courts and sports fields all on site.
Toilets
Six disabled toilets around College, including near Porters' Lodge, Fellows' areas, JCR, and in and near library.
Other
- Old Hall meeting room at ground level, spacious, with moveable furniture.
- Reception room meeting room at ground level, with a large table and moveable chairs.
- Stanley Library meeting room at ground level, spacious, with moveable furniture.
- Emily Davies meeting room on first floor, with only stair access.
- People's Portraits exhibition based around three floors of stairs — a stairclimber has recently been purchased to allow access to all portraits.
Visual Impairments
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs welcome.
Computer facilities
Special hardware or software for visually impaired users could be acquired if necessary.
Large print, Braille and audio
Large print letters and information, and on coloured paper, on request. Touch readable and Braille buttons at intercoms.
Library and magnification equipment
Good lighting and large windows. Extra lights on desks. Photocopier available for text enlargement. Magnifying glass available, and other equipment can be acquired. The librarian has attended training sessions at the Disability Resource Centre, and all staff will help as necessary.
Signs and wayfinding
Good, clear colour map of the College at the Porters' Lodge and round College. Clear green on white directional signs around the building. The site is fairly large.
Other
- Lighting in most main areas has been improved, and steps and stairs have mostly been marked.
- Stairs generally have continuous handrails.
- Bar is in basement, with red walls and little natural light.
Hearing Impairments
Induction loops
Induction loops in Old Hall, Stanley Library, Old Kitchens, Reception room and chapel. Portable loop available, but arrange in advance.
Alarms
Two rooms adapted for a hearing impaired student, with vibrating pillows and visual alarms and bells. Others can be adapted as necessary.
Other
- Library is generally softly furnished and quiet.
- There is little traffic noise as the site is set back from the main road.
- The security system uses flashing lights as well as sound alarm.
Specific Learning Difficulties and Mental Health Issues
- Extra tuition can be arranged for students with Specific Learning Difficulties, and financial support can be given for assessments and equipment.
- Special arrangements, for example borrowing arrangements with the library, can be made on a case by case basis in liaison with the student's tutor.
- All arrangements are on an individual basis, in conjunction with the Disability Resource Centre. Discuss your needs with your tutor.
Planned Access Improvements
- Ongoing access improvements, as finances allow.
- If you have any needs or suggestions, please discuss them well in advance.
Wolfson Court
Contact Details
- Address
- Clarkson Road, Cambridge, CB3 0EH
- Tel.
- 01223 338 892
- Fax
- 01223 311 566
- warden@girton.cam.ac.uk
- Web
- www.girton.cam.ac.uk
Access Issues
- Contact
- Ms Maureen Hackett, Warden
- Tel.
- 01223 338 891
- Fax
- 01223 311 566
- mh208@cam.ac.uk
Location, Services and Transport
A ten minute walk to the city centre. Ten minutes to the Sidgwick Site and University Library along Grange Road. 20 minutes to Downing Site and New Museums Site. Very close to the Centre for Mathematical Sciences and Isaac Newton Institute.
Traffic
Clarkson Road is a fairly quiet residential street. Speed restrictions are in place along Grange Road. Pavements outside are rather uneven, with few dropped kerbs.
Services and shops
City centre. The cafeteria in the Centre for Mathematical Sciences is open during the day.
Parking
Car park on site, with clearly marked disabled bay next to the ramped entrance. Swipe card at barrier, but an intercom could be installed if needed. Disabled students can obtain a permit.
Other transport options
Uni 4 bus stops on Grange road. Other bus stops on Madingley Road.
General Information
Accommodates mostly second year undergraduates and postgraduates from Girton College. Five Fellows are resident. See also main entry for Girton College. Access is generally very good as main areas are all at ground level. Proximity card security system in some areas.
Smoking
No smoking in public areas.
Medical facilities
Two College nurses based in main Girton site, called if necessary via porters' lodge.
Emergency procedures
Advise porters' lodge if you will need help evacuating in an emergency. No evacuation chairs needed as there are no lifts. Fire exits all level.
Accommodation and Catering
Wheelchair-accessible rooms
One newly built flat specifically designed for wheelchair users, with adapted bathroom and kitchen. Ground floor, near graduate accommodation.
Other rooms
Six en suite rooms, two of which are at ground level. Access to most ground floor rooms difficult due to narrow corridors.
Live-in assistants and assistance dogs
Live-in assistant possible in accessible flat or adjacent room. Live-in assistance dogs are no problem, but no other pets are allowed.
Early induction and vacation stays
Early induction encouraged. Staying over vacations is also possible.
Catering arrangements
Cafeteria offers three meals daily on weekdays during term, plus lunch on Saturday and lunch and dinner on Sunday. Catering provision out of term varies. Self-catering would be possible.
Special diets
Most special diets can be catered for, including kosher with advance notice. Products containing nuts are marked. Speak to the catering manager/head chef about your needs.
Physical Access
College grounds in general
Side entrance to foyer ramped, with handrail, through wide manual door. Intercom for assistance, and Porters on duty 24 hours. Most areas accessible and under cover.
College buildings in general
Most public areas are on ground floor of main building and accessible. Library separate, but can be reached under cover. There are several heavy fire doors, and some corridors are narrow. All stairs have continuous handrails.
Bar
Level access through wide door. Moveable round tables and chairs. High bar counter. Large disabled toilet adjacent.
Cafeteria
Level, very spacious and all accessible, with fairly low tray rails. Staff will help as necessary. University card payment.
Chapel
No chapel.
College offices
All offices, including tutorial office, warden, and disability liaison officer, are on ground floor and accessible.
Common rooms
MCR at ground level, spacious, and moveable chairs with armrests. 'Airport Lounge' seating area at ground level and open plan, with sofas and low tables.
Computer facilities
Several PCs, one Mac, and power points for laptops above library, accessible only by stairs with handrail. All rooms are networked, and help can be given towards buying a computer if necessary.
Dining hall
Next to cafeteria servery. Divided into two sections. One section has fixed American-diner style tables and seating, with moveable chairs at one end. Other section is more spacious, with standard moveable chairs and tables.
Fellows' areas
No designated common areas for Fellows and no high table.
Gardens
All areas accessible via ramps, and paving is fairly smooth and level. One area due to be relandscaped and raised to improve access.
Laundry
Ground level and accessible. Token operated. Bedders can help if necessary, and a washing machine could possibly be installed in the accessible flat.
Library
Main library on main Girton site. Arrangements can be made for transfer of books if necessary. Wolfson Court houses the Law library and a reading room of reference-only books. Proximity card access through level doors, with plenty of workspace and most shelves accessible round edge of room. Chairs have armrests.
Porters' lodge and post room
Level access from main College, or ramped from outside with intercom for assistance. Pigeonholes at ground level nearby, and an appropriate pigeonhole can be reserved if necessary.
Sport facilities
No gym or sports fields on site — see main entry for Girton College.
Toilets
Large disabled toilet, with baby change, near bar.
Other
- Sheila Gillies meeting room, seminar room and music room all at ground level and accessible, with moveable furniture.
- Privately run nursery on site, with priority places for members of Girton.
Visual Impairments
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs welcome.
Computer facilities
Special hardware or software for visually impaired users could be acquired if necessary.
Large print, Braille and audio
Large print letters and information, and on coloured paper, on request.
Library and magnification equipment
Magnification equipment such as magnifying glasses could be acquired if necessary. Extra lights can be provided. Photocopier available for text enlargement.
Signs and wayfinding
Little directional signposting around the site, but most main rooms have clear white-on-black signs in place. Sign outside main entrance tends to be obscured by foliage in summer months.
Other
- Little overhead lighting in rooms. Lighting is being gradually upgraded, and extra lights can be provided if necessary.
- Lighting around site at night fairly dim.
- Stairs are all marked, and have continuous handrails.
Hearing Impairments
Induction loops
Induction loops in Sheila Gillies Room, seminar room and reading room. Portable loop available from porters' lodge.
Alarms
Several rooms have been adapted for hearing impaired students with visual and sensory alarms. More can be adapted if needed.
Other
- The site is set back from the main Madingley Road and is generally quiet.
- Cafeteria is harshly furnished and can be noisy at busy times.
- Many areas carpeted and quiet, especially library.
Specific Learning Difficulties and Mental Health Issues
- Extra tuition can be arranged for students with Specific Learning Difficulties, and financial support can be given for assessments and equipment.
- All arrangements are on an individual basis, in conjunction with the Disability Resource Centre. Discuss your needs with your tutor.
Planned Access Improvements
- Automatic door openers and intercoms can be installed if needed.
- A flat in the main building could also be converted into a wheelchair-accessible room if needed.