Disability Guide

We aim to make all library resources and services accessible to all Drill Hall Library users.

This page outlines some of the services we offer but if you cannot find the accessibility information you require or have ideas on how we could make the library easier to access, please contact the Drill Hall Library Disability Named Contact (DNC), Ben Watson on 01634 88 3446 or email b.watson@kent.ac.uk

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty you may be entitled to extra support and concessions when using the Drill Hall Library service. Please contact the Disability Officer for your institution to arrange for an assessment if you have not already had one.

People who can help you

Drill Hall Library Disability Named Contact (DNC)

If you require an individual induction to the library or would like any help or advice about how the library service can help you with your studies, please contact Ben Watson on 01634 88 3446 or email b.watson@kent.ac.uk

Disability Officers

For help with study support and advice about financial assistance contact the disability officer for your institution:

If you are a University of Kent student contact:

If you are a University of Greenwich student contact:

If you are a Canterbury Christ Church University student contact:

Academic Support Librarians

Every subject will have a librarian who will be happy to answer subject enquiries. You can find a list of Academic Support Librarians.

Using the library

All library staff will be happy to offer whatever assistance you require when you are in the library. Please ask any member of staff for help.

Access to building and facilities

Physical access to the building is achieved through the automatic doors of the main entrance adjacent to the car park. Comprehensive Drill Hall Library accessibility information is available on the DisabledGo website

Alternative formats

Many Drill Hall Library guides are available in alternative formats. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Assistive Technology

All of the monitors throughout the Drill Hall Library have flat screens to reduce the effects of flickering. There is a mix of 19inch standard monitors and 22inch widescreen monitors. In addition we have two further PCs which have slightly larger 24inch monitors (located in the Green, Yellow and Red zones) which are situated on desks that are height-adjustable. All PCs have the Microsoft Accessibility Wizard available from the Start Menu.

If you would like to reserve a study desk with assistive technology please contact Ben Watson on 01634 88 3446 or email b.watson@kent.ac.uk

Ergonomic and Big Keys keyboards

These are available for loan from the main library issue desk and can be fitted to any computer in the library by request.

Screen Reading Software for Visually Impaired Users

JAWS for Windows is aimed at visually impaired students and will read information directly from the screen via the computer's sound card. A number of packages are supported including Microsoft Office 2007 and Internet Explorer. JAWs for Windows is available on 2 PCs, one is located in the Drill Hall Library training room and the other is located in the Green zone.

Read more about JAWS

Literacy support software

Read&Write GOLD is designed to assist students with dyslexia. It offers speech feedback, spell checking and word prediction support for packages including Microsoft Office 2007, Internet Explorer and PDF documents.

Read more about Read&Write GOLD

Read&Write GOLD is available on all PCs and can be run by selecting Start Menu, Programs, Read&Write 9.

A CCTV machine for enlarging text is available in the Yellow quiet zone (immediately to your right as you enter the building).

Borrowing

Users with disabilities are entitled to extended borrowing of some materials in the Drill Hall Library if the disability support officer for their institution has recommended this.

You can renew loans using your Student ID card, on the Library Catalogue You can also renew books by telephone: 01634 88 3278.

Emergency Evacuation from the Drill Hall Library

If you have mobility, hearing or visual difficulties please report to the Drill Hall Library reception on arrival in order that we can best advise you of the procedures.

Always make sure you are aware of the nearest evacuation route from where you are working.

When the fire alarm sounds magnetic door holders throughout the building release and doors close automatically. If you are working on the mezzanine levels in the library or the teaching rooms to the rear of the library, make your way to the nearest exit or marked Refuge Point and await assistance from a member of staff or the Fire Brigade.

If a member of Library staff has not reassured you that assistance is being sought, use the emergency call point and ask passers by to make sure that library staff are aware of your location. Do not use the lifts.

Floor plan

There are 3 main zones in the library. To the right of the main entrance (as you come in) is the Green Group Study zone. To the left of the main entrance (as you come in) is the Yellow Quiet zone and beyond this, at the far end of the building, is the Red Silent zone.

Hearing induction loops

A portable induction loop is available from the main library desk.

Height-Adjustable desks

Electric and manually height-adjustable computer and study desks are available in all three zones of the Drill Hall Library area and in the training room.

Home Delivery

If your disability means that you are unable to get to the library we may be able to offer home delivery. Contact Ben Watson on 01634 88 3446 or email b.watson@kent.ac.uk to make this arrangement.

Inductions, tours and one-to-one help

Help accessing library resources is always available for groups or individuals. Contact Ben Watson on 01634 88 3446 or email b.watson@kent.ac.uk to discuss your requirements.

Lifts

There are lifts in the library to provide access to the mezzanine study levels and teaching rooms in the Red and Green zones. Please ask for a lift pass at reception when you arrive at the library or speak to Ben Watson who can arrange for a permanent pass for you.

Parking

If you are a blue badge holder contact Ben Watson or your University disability officer to arrange access to the Drill Hall Library car park.

Personal Assistants (PA), support workers and carers

Users with specific requirements may request an additional card to provide access for a named person to borrow library material on their behalf.

Photocopying

Photocopy cards are available from the main library issue desk.

Photocopiers can be used to enlarge text and a range of coloured paper for copying is available. We can also arrange for you to be reimbursed for the cost of photocopies you have made for your studies. Speak to your disability officer for guidance regarding this.

If you require a receipt for photocopying please ask a member of library staff.

Quiet times and silent study areas

The silent study area is located at the far end of the building (to your left as you come in) in the Red zone.

In term time, we are particularly busy between 11:00-1:00 p.m. and are generally quieter in the evenings and at weekends.

Retrieval of Items

Any member of library staff can help with retrieving items from the shelves. You can also request up to 5 items at any one time to be sent to the library site of your choice. This usually takes 48hrs. The items will be held for up to one week for you to collect.

Scanning

All of our scanners are located in the Yellow zone. A height-adjustable desk is available for scanning in this area.

Toilets

Accessible toilets are located in the Yellow zone.

Wireless network

A wireless network is available in the Drill Hall Library which can be accessed from your own laptop. Guidance on how to do this is available from the IT helpdesk or via the wireless documentation page.



Other helpful sources of information

• AbilityNet — A free information service about computers and technology for disabled people.
• British Dyslexia Association — Developing services that meet the needs of dyslexic people.
• Directgov — UK Government web resource providing information on disability related legislation and the rights of disabled people.
• Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) — Information about blindness and visual impairments, designing accessible environments and assistive technologies.
• Royal National Institute of the Deaf (RNID) — Provides hearing impairment related news, information, services and support.
• Skill — A national charity promoting opportunities for young people and adults with any kind of impairment in post-16 education, training and employment.