Disability Access Guide
Lesley Lambert: Head of Tutorial Office
01223 333247
The College recognises that individuals have different and varied needs both in terms of mobility and in social and dietary requirements. These needs are sometimes in conflict with our buildings, some of which were built over 600 years ago. The College provides full access to a number of study bedrooms equipped for use by disabled people. Most of our meeting rooms have induction loops and we have adapted gyp rooms to meet special physical or dietary needs. The College would always liaise closely with the Disability Resource Centre to ensure that we are able to meet the individual needs of students with special requirements.
Location, Services and Transport
Old Court is on a quiet street a two minute walk from the city centre. Memorial Court is over Queen's Road adjacent to the University Library, and a ten minute walk from the Downing Site, New Museums Site and Sidgwick Site. The Colony on Chesterton Road is a ten-minute walk from Memorial Court.
Traffic
Queen's Road, between Old Court and Memorial Court, is always busy with traffic and is dangerous, but has two pedestrian crossings. Old Court is on a quiet cul-de-sac off Trinity Lane. The Colony is on Chesterton Road which is another busy road.
Services and shops
City centre.
Parking
Parking is available in Memorial Court or the Colony by arrangement only.
Other transport options
Uni 4 bus stop on Grange Road. Electric wheelchairs and buggies are permitted within the College.
General Information
Around 500 undergraduates and 300 graduates. The College is on three sites: Old Court (old buildings), Memorial Court (post 1930s and modernised) and the Colony (various styles). The Old Court buildings are some of the oldest in Cambridge and are Grade I Listed. Unfortunately this means that access for members with physical disabilities is sometimes difficult. Ramps and lifts are in place where it has been possible for them to be incorporated.
The College is keen to accommodate students and help overcome any difficulties whenever possible.
Smoking
No smoking policy.
Health & Welfare
Clare College has a College Nurse as well as Student Welfare Officers and Peer2Peer assistance.
The University requires all students to be registered with a Cambridge General Practitioner, the College Nurse is able to help with this.
Emergency procedures
The portering service is available 24/7, and the porters are all trained first aiders and fire wardens. A porter would help with evacuation in an emergency.
Accommodation and Catering
Wheelchair-accessible rooms
Four adapted rooms in Memorial Court, and two adapted rooms at the Colony.
Other rooms
Lots of ground floor and ensuite rooms in Memorial Court. Accommodation on the Old Court site would be difficult for a student with physical disabilities.
Live-in assistants and assistance dogs
Please discuss well in advance.
Early induction and vacation stays
Early induction encouraged, free of charge. Staying over vacations usually possible, at usual room rates.
Catering arrangements
Students are encouraged to eat in hall or buttery as part of the student experience. There are small kitchens on each staircase, but these are not suitable for full self-catering. The College take steps to ensure that all food is labeled for allergens.
Special diets
Special diets accommodated for formal dinners. No special arrangements are made for ordinary cafeteria meals, although there is a wide choice of vegetarian options. Permission can be sought on medical grounds for small fridges for individual use.
Physical Access
College grounds in general
Old Court has level access to front and back. Side entrance is narrow and is mostly for kitchen supplies. Slabbed paving and some cobbles. Memorial Court has sloped access via car park. Paved and gravel paths.
College buildings in general
Access to buildings in Old Court is difficult. Most rooms have several steps up, and there are few handrails. Where possible ramps have been incorporated into staircases. There is a large lift for JCR/cafeteria/bar/hall. Portable ramps are available.
Bar
In basement below hall, accessed via large cafeteria lift and then a ramp.
Cafeteria
In basement below hall, via lift. Smooth and spacious, with moveable furniture. Disabled toilet next to lift.
Chapel
Two steps up from Old Court. Wheelchair lift from side entrance. Double doors, one usually locked. Three further steps up into main chapel. Fixed pews.
College offices
Tutorial and Bursary offices up ramp from Old Court and round corner. Most other offices have steps up or down. Arrangements can be made to meet in more accessible rooms.
Common rooms
Main JCR in Old Court basement, under chapel. Accessed by lift. Hepple Room (quiet room), also in Old Court, short metal ramp.
Computer facilities
Fully accessible ground floor IT room in Lerner Court. Two computer stations in Hepple Room, Old Court accessible via ramp. All rooms networked.
Dining hall
Six steps up from Old Court, with handrails. Lift from cafeteria. Access problems to this lift are being addressed. Level and spacious inside. Fixed long tables with moveable chairs.
Fellows' areas
SCR up flight of stairs, no access. Fellows' table in hall raised one step.
Gardens
Located at back of Old Court. Ramped bridge over river. Uneven steps down from bridge, but level access from back entrance. Mostly level, with gravel paths and lawn. Some benches.
Laundry
Fully accessible laundry facilities are available in Lerner Court and at the Colony via a ramp.
Library
In Memorial Court. Up six steps. Wheelchair lift to ground floor. First floor (Philosophy, Theology, Economics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology & International Studies, English, Languages, Classics, Geography, History) up flight of stairs, with no easy access, but the catalogue is online and staff are happy to fetch material.
Porters' lodge
Old Court Lodge up one small step, through heavy door. Memorial Court & Colony Lodges via ramps.
Sport facilities
Sports fields on Bentley Road, off Trumpington Road. Parking available.
Toilets
One disabled toilet in buttery, near lift.
Other
Music recital room on first floor of library, with no easy access. Individual music practice rooms under library, with level access.
Visual Impairments
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs welcome, but discuss in advance.
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 on request.
Library and magnification equipment
Librarian always willing to research new developments.
Signs and wayfinding
Generally good signage. Small site, so wayfinding is not too hard.
Other
Lighting in chapel, hall and cafeteria fairly bright. Automatic light in lift, and touch-readable buttons. Steps generally unmarked — take particular care to avoid tripping on unmarked steps in bar.
Hearing Impairments
Induction loops
Induction loops fitted in some student rooms, porters' lodges, library and main conference rooms.
Alarms
Visual and sensory alarms, and vibrating pillows, available.
Other
Hepple Room in Old Court is designated quiet social area. Flashing phones available on request.
Specific Learning Difficulties and Mental Health Issues
Arrangements for students with Specific Learning Difficulties are on an individual basis, in conjunction with the Disability Resource Centre. Discuss your need in advance with admissions staff or your tutor.
Visits always welcome — please phone the tutorial office on 01223 333246 to arrange a visit.