Disability Handbook For Students
With Disabilities, Dyslexia And Other Support Needs

Welcome to student life at Lancaster University. We realise that those of you who are new to the University may have mixed feelings, both excitement and apprehension, at this important stage in your life. We are here to help so do come and see us if you need assistance.

Debbie Hill

Disabilities Adviser
Student Wellbeing Services
Ext. 92725
Email: disability@lancaster.ac.uk


Tel : 01524 592111
Fax: 01524 594868

Induction sessions will take place in the Chaplaincy Centre on Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th October 2011 and will provide an opportunity to meet with staff involved in supporting students with disabilities. There is also an opportunity to meet some continuing students who will be happy to answer any questions you didn't want to ask us!

Disabilities support is located on the ground floor of University House, in Alexandra Square.

Lancaster University is well known for its inclusive culture encouraging students to take part in all aspects of the University's academic, cultural and social life.

Many of you will already have had contact with the Disabilities Service during the admissions process.

Our role is to co-ordinate the support you need to enable you to concentrate on your studies. We are the first point of contact for all students with disabilities, Dyslexia and other support needs.

You will already have noticed that studying - and day-to-day life - at university is a much more independent process than at school or college. The onus is very much on you to be pro-active in seeking the support you need. It is your responsibility to make us aware if you are having difficulties or if your circumstances have changed, so that we can assist you to access any additional support you may need.
 

The University welcomes applications from students with disabilities and seeks to increase substantially their representation within the student body. Decisions on admission will be made primarily on academic grounds.

A copy of Lancaster University's full Disability Policy is available on line at www.lancs.ac.uk/sbs/disabilities/disabilitypolicy.htm

Full information on Lancaster’s approach to disability equality and the activities we are planning check out www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/equalopp/dis-eq.htm

To enable your academic departments and tutors to support you, the Disabilities Service will prepare a document outlining your learning support needs to send to each of your departments. You will have the opportunity to approve or amend this before it is sent. If we already know your Major department we will send a copy to them first. Please let the Disabilities Service know the remainder of your Part I course choices, as soon as you have decided upon them, to ensure the relevant departments receive the information in good time. We need to know if you change departments at any time so that we can ensure the information reaches the right person. We won't know if you don't tell us. We suggest that you keep a copy of the document with you to show to tutors in private discussions if appropriate. We will also provide you with a sheet to copy and attach to your essays, if you wish, to alert your tutors to your support needs.

If you are a continuing student, please also inform the Disabilities Service of your Part II departments and make sure you let your Part II departments have a copy of your learning support needs document when you register. We will send it to them for you if you wish, if you let us know.

You will need to confirm adapted examination arrangements with us early in the academic year - watch out for our newsletter reminding you of deadlines.

Any information you provide may be used by members of the University to support your needs. In line with the University's Data Protection Policy, this information is provided on a 'need to know basis'. If you have any concerns about this please do come and talk it through with Debbie Hill in the Disabilities Service.

If you wish us to discuss your needs with a third party outside of the University, for instance, a close relative or carer, please confirm in writing (or by email) that you wish us to do that.
 

Disabilities Service staff will make arrangements for adapted examinations. This might include the provision of examination papers in large print or Braille, arranging for you to use a computer/ word processor to write your examination answers, or additional time.

All adapted examination arrangements are made on the basis of formal evidence.

We begin making examination arrangements shortly after Christmas. Adapted examinations may take some time to arrange. If you are likely to need adapted examination arrangements in the summer, it is essential that you come and discuss this with us as early as possible in the Lent term.

Some modular courses have more frequent examinations. If you are registered for such a course, and require adapted arrangements, please alert us to this. The deadline for requesting adapted examinations in the Summer term is the last day of the Lent term, unless there are very exceptional reasons for the delay in making the request. This is because it takes some time to seek the appropriate approvals and put the arrangements in place.

Please Note: If you have a specific learning difficulty or dyslexia and wish to request adapted examination arrangements, then you will need to have this recommended by an educational psychologist in an assessment that has been conducted after age 16, and usually within the last two years. If you need an update the Disabilities Services can arrange this for you. You may be eligible for some assistance from the Access to Learning fund for help with the cost of this.

The Disabilities Service can put you in touch with agencies which can provide people to help with a variety of tasks. This could include helping you from one lecture to another, helping with note-taking or reading, etc. The cost of this can usually be covered by Student Finance England. (See DSA, insert Link)

If you feel that you may need this type of support, please contact the Disabilities Service. If you feel you need some more substantial assistance, such as personal care support, we can help you advertise for your own assistants.

In addition to staff in your academic departments and in the Disabilities Service, study support is available from the Student Learning Development Centre situated on C Floor in Furness College.

The Student Learning Development Centre (SLDC) aims to help students become effective and independent learners.

The Centre offers:

• Opportunities for students with particular needs - perhaps through dyslexia or physical disability – to develop new study strategies while at university.
• Individual appointments for students who feel they need help with specific study issues.
• Group and individual tutorials for students whose first language is not English – to support the development of oral and written communication.
• Dyslexia drop-in – 2 half hour sessions on Fridays in term time (1.00 pm – 1.30 pm and 1.30pm – 2.00 pm) for students with immediate enquiries about aspects of study.
• Study advice plus useful information and links via the SLDC’s website www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/celt/sldc
• Contact: ext. 92391 or E-mail: learningdevelopment@lancaster.ac.uk

Lancaster University hosts an Assessment Centre for disabled students - this is nothing to do with assessment of academic performance. The purpose of this type of assessment is instead to identify study aids and strategies required to provide equal access to the curriculum and to identify any additional disability related costs that may be incurred. Usually, this type of assessment is carried out to secure funding from the Disabled Students’ Allowances (See the section on the Disabled Students’ Allowances for further information.) but may also be provided to students funded by other agencies.

If you wish to be assessed you should first of all contact your Local Education Authority (LEA) or funder for confirmation that they will cover the cost of the assessment. If you have applied for DSA and the LEA has made an award in principle then this should be straightforward. As part of the DSA application process you will need to provide the LEA or funder with up-to-date evidence of your disability so that they can assess your eligibility for DSA.

Once you receive written approval, you can contact the Assessment Centre to make an appointment. Telephone 01524 592753 (internal 92753) or Email: assessmentcentre@lancaster.ac.uk.

Staff in the Assessment Centre or the Disabilities Services will be happy to answer any questions you might have about the process.

The University has a number of purpose built study-bedrooms.

If you require adapted accommodation we will probably already have been in contact with you. However, if you find you have difficulties with your accommodation, please do contact staff in the Disabilities Service to discuss how we may be able to help. If you require accessible accommodation or need to live on campus for medical reasons, then you may be able to stay on the site for the duration of your course. The allocation of rooms for the following academic year takes place in early spring, so you must let us know in January if you will need on-campus accommodation for the following year. Please discuss this with your College Residence Officer and the Disabilities Service early in January. Watch out for posters in the College alerting you to important deadlines.

It is often possible to make minor adaptations to accommodation in order to make it easier for you to live more independently. If you have a concern about an adaptation, please bring it to the attention of the Disabilities Service.

More information about accommodation and the college system is available from the Colleges and in the Students' Union Handbook.

Many students seek off campus accommodation after their first year. Registration for this takes place in February through the Off-Campus Accommodation Office, through a scheme administered by the Students Union.

Other useful accommodation advice is available from staff in the Students' Union Advice Centre, who will be able to provide information about rooms and houses available for rent in the local area.

If appropriate, Staff in the Safety Office will work with you to develop a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan.

They will contact you shortly after arrival to make an appointment to do this. If you wish, you can get in touch as soon as you arrive to arrange this. Contact us in the Disabilities Office in the first instance via The Base

If you live away from the campus and your mobility makes use of the bus service difficult, for instance, while on placement, you may be able to claim some help with taxi fares. Please ask the Disabilities Service for advice.

A map indicating accessible routes around campus is available, click here or contact the Base.

AbilityPlus, our regular newsletter, is emailed to all students listed on our database, and provides up to date information on disability issues. Watch out also for Ab-Flash, our short updates.

Whatever your concern, problem or query, please come and ask - we are always happy to help. Most of the time we are happy to see you if you just drop in with quick queries. However, if you need more time for discussion, please make an appointment with Debbie Hill, Disabilities Adviser, University House, via The Base

Usually you will be eligible for Disabled Students Allowances (DSA) if you are an undergraduate or postgraduate, part-time or full-time student with disabilities, who is eligible for tuition fee support from: Student Finance England/Wales/N.Ireland/SAAS. Postgraduate students funded by research councils or receiving a bursary from the General Social Care Council may also be eligible. DSAs are not means tested.

The DSAs are to help pay for extra costs which you may incur on your course because of a disability. DSAs are available to full-time and part-time students with disabilities although part-time students must be studying at least 50% of a full-time course.

You can only claim for costs related to your disability if they are directly connected with your studies. There are four components of the DSAs.

General Allowance: up to £1,724 for full-time and £1,293 for part-time study per year.

for major items of equipment - up to a maximum of £5,161 spread over the whole duration of the course.

for help with full-time study-related personal support; up to a maximum of £20,520 and for part-time study up to a maximum of £15,390 depending on the intensity of the course.

assistance may also be available with extra travel costs incurred because of a disability, but not general everyday travel costs.

Disabled Student Allowance: up to a maximum of £10,260 spread over the duration of the course.

It is likely that you will be asked to follow some or all of the steps set out below:

First check with Student Finance England/Local Education Department or funder whether you will be eligible for Disabled Students Allowances and what procedures you should follow to make a claim and to pay for equipment or helpers. You should be able to complete the application on line, or download an application form. Part time students and Postgraduate students should use the DSA application form provided at the Direct Gov website:

(www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/HigherEducation/DG_10034900).

If you need a first diagnostic assessment for dyslexia, it will cost about £380 plus VAT, and it will be your responsibility to cover the cost of this. If you are in financial difficulties, you can apply for help with this expense from the University’s Access to Learning Fund (ALF) once you are registered as a student. The LEA or other funder will usually cover the cost of a subsequent assessment for study aids and strategies. The Disabilities Service will be happy to help you with this process.

If the funder agrees you are eligible, they will refer you to an Assessment Centre (www.lancs.ac.uk/disabilities/assessmentcentre.htm) or other professional service for a Study Aids and Strategies Assessment (SAAS).

Once your SAAS is completed, it will be sent to you to approve before sending it to the funder. Once the funder has approved the assessment report, they will write to you to explain what to do next.

If you have not heard from your funder after a few weeks, contact them to find out what is happening.

Experience shows us that support arrangements almost always work best when planned well in advance.

Some students are able to use support workers funded through their local education authority to support their needs arising from a disability. There are several ways of organising this.

Some students prefer to have their assistants or the agency involved invoice their LEA/Student Finance England direct.

Some prefer to pay their assistants themselves and claim the cost back from their funder..

Whichever method you choose, it is important that you keep track of the hours of support you receive. If you use more, and therefore spend more than your funder has approved, you will be responsible for covering the additional cost. You should always keep a copy of any timesheets so that you can produce them for your funder if they require it. If you need some help with this, please let us know.

We are always happy to help and advise with any of the stages listed above. There may be times when it's quicker or easier for us to contact your funder on your behalf.

Please remember, though, that the process of obtaining assessments, Disabled Students' Allowances and equipment is a slow one, especially in the period between August and December when staff in Education Departments, Universities and equipment suppliers are very hard pressed. It may take several months between your initial application and the arrival of equipment. We'd advise two things: firstly, be patient - staff are nearly always doing their best in difficult circumstances. Secondly, make sure you are clear about what stage your application has reached and take an active part in following up any unexpected delays. If you are waiting for some equipment, let us know as we might be able to loan you some equipment temporarily. This would not affect the outcome of your application for your own equipment.

Please make appointments by ringing Debbie Hill in Disabilities Service, Student Wellbeing Services via The Base

All Library staff are happy to help you use our facilities. In addition, Fiona Rhodes is the Senior Assistant (User Support) with special responsibility for providing one-to-one help and training within the library for students with disabilities and dyslexia. She can provide a personal tour of the Library, potential problems can be assessed and the most appropriate solutions devised for each student.

She is in Room A43 (ext. 92519) email f.rhodes@lancaster.ac.uk.

Examples of ways in which Library staff can help:

The Library building is located in Alexandra Square. There is a ramp at the entrance and push-button access to the entrance and exit. There are three lifts inside and the lift near the Enquiry Desk serves all floors. Each floor of the building is divided into colour zones. Toilets are available on all floors and facilities suitable for wheelchair users are located in the A floor yellow zone and B floor red zone. Service points are fitted with induction loops.

If the fire bell sounds, leave immediately by the nearest signposted emergency exit. Do not use the lifts. People who are dependent on the use of a lift should proceed to the nearest staircase when the alarm sounds and wait on the landing until security arrive. Fire alarm pagers for deaf and hard of hearing users are available from the reception desk.

Located in the Equipment Rooms, A Floor, yellow zone. Keys to the Equipment Rooms can be borrowed from the Enquiry Desk on production of your library card. The rooms can be booked in advance at the Enquiry Desk for a maximum of a two-hour session at any one time

Equipment room 1 has a Tieman Colour Reader that enlarges text and other images and displays them on a TV screen. The size of the image and the colours of text and background can be varied by each user.

The Kurzweil Personal Reader scans text then speaks it out. The reading speed can be varied from 120 to 350 words per minute and a choice of 9 voices is available. The machine can store up to 40 pages of text in its memory and move throughout the memorised text. Braille and taped instructions are available.
Equipment Room 2 contains a PC, scanner and screen reading software JAWS 8.0

Located near the lift on ‘B’ floor purple zone there is a height adjustable table. If you need assistance to alter the height please ask at the Enquiry Desk

Other accessories can be borrowed for use in the Library from the Enquiry Desk on production of a library card. These include

• Book rest
• Magnification sheet for enlarging printed material
• Coloured overlays
• Task lighting
• Anti-glare screen
• Gel wrist-rest

The Library's catalogue http://cat.lib.lancs.ac.uk Library catalogue - http://cat.lib.lancs.ac.uk gives details of all items in the collections with information about their location within the building and availability. The catalogue is available on all floors of the Library. One of the catalogue PC’s near the entrance to the Library is positioned on a height adjustable table.

The online catalogue can also be reached from the Library homepage http://libweb.lancs.ac.uk Library webpages - http://libweb.lancs.ac.uk. The homepage also gives access to a range of information about the Library, including guides to specific Library services, online and full text resources. The Library web site has been designed so that you should be able to adjust font size or colour to suit your needs.

The catalogue can also be accessed from any PC with an Internet browser.

The Library has self-service photocopiers on all floors. All of the photocopiers will enlarge and reduce. Photocopies are made by card, obtainable from card dispensers on A floor and B floor. Machines which enable you to add more credit to your photocopy card are available on A floor (in the photocopier room and the Short Loan Collection), and on B floor.

If you require a receipt for your photocopying please go to the Enquiry Desk before you add credit to your card.

If you would like assistance in making copies or copies made on coloured paper please contact Fiona.
 

During term-time, library notices will normally be sent by email to your Lancaster University email address. If this method is not appropriate, please contact the Senior Assistant (User Services) Fiona Rhodes.

The Library's team of Subject Librarians can provide specialised help in your subject area. The following members of staff may also be able to offer additional assistance.

Fiona Rhodes ext. 92519 direct line 01524 592519
e-mail: f.rhodes@lancaster.ac.uk

David Summers ext 92534 direct line 01524 592534
e-mail: d.summers@lancaster.ac.uk

Lynne Pickles ext 92518 direct line 01524 592518
e-mail: l.pickles@lancaster.ac.uk

Messages can be left on answer phones.
Further information about Library services and collections is available in a series of printed Library Guides available from the display stand on A floor and on the Library homepage http://libweb.lancs.ac.uk.

If you would like more information about anything mentioned in this guide or if you would prefer an alternative format please contact Fiona Rhodes.

The role of the Students' Union (LUSU) is to represent the interests and welfare of all students at the University, and to work with the University or any other institution on their behalf. The main LUSU building is located in Edward Roberts Court (underneath Spar) and is fully accessible.

LUSU is run by a team of six sabbatical officers, numerous non-sabbatical student officers and a team of professional permanent staff. The six sabbatical officers are students either taking a year out from their course to work full-time for LUSU, or spending a year at the end of their course doing this job. The sabbatical officers include the Education and Welfare Officer and the Women’s Officer, both of which offer students support and representation relating to education, welfare and equal opportunities issues. There are also non-sabbatical officers including the Disabilities Officer, whose remit specifically covers the social and welfare interests of students with disabilities.

During recent years LUSU has been very active in campaigning for issues that affect students with disabilities. In the past LUSU have successfully lobbied the local bus company to provide new buses with access for wheelchair users and pushchairs, and worked with the University to ensure that new bus-stops were placed around the perimeter road in order that students could access these new buses. Past campaigns have included pushing for the installation of tactile paving, to improve navigation around campus for blind and partially sighted students, and working to improve and implement the University and LUSU Equal Opportunity Policies. LUSU also completed an SWD report (Summer 2006) which presented a snapshot of provision for students with disabilities both at Lancaster University and at other higher education institutions. The aim of the report was to show how we, at Lancaster, compare and how we can learn from other institutions in order to improve things for students with disabilities (SWD).

All students are encouraged to get involved with the Students’ Union, particularly by running for office on Union Council. In November there will be elections for Council Officers for positions including Disabilities Officer, and in March elections are held for sabbatical officers. Course Representatives are elected at the beginning of the academic year within your academic department.

Each College has a JCR (Junior Common Room) which is run by an elected committee of students from the College. All JCRs, including the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA), have an officer responsible for equal opportunities and education and welfare issues. It’s easy to stand for election, and even easier to vote – all polling stations are fully accessible, and ballot papers are available in large print for partially sighted students upon request.

If you have any questions, problems or ideas then it is easy to contact someone to talk to. The LUSU Disabilities Officer holds a regular office hour and can be contacted on email: lusudisabled@lancaster.ac.uk

The officer also convenes the Students Rights and Welfare Committee and Equality and Inclusion Committee, both of which all disabled students are welcome to attend and which meets regularly in term time. If you have any questions, problems or ideas then it is easy to contact someone to talk to. The LUSU Vice President Equality, Welfare and Diversity holds a regular office hour and can be contacted on email: lusu.ewd@lancaster.ac.uk

The LUSU Advice is staffed by three full-time, professional advisers and is open 9am-5pm all year round. LUSU Advice offers free, independent, confidential advice, advocacy and information to all students, undergraduate and postgraduate, at Lancaster University in a variety of areas including academic, disciplinary, funding, health and welfare, accommodation, employment and money advice. Services available include:

• Money advice and debt counselling
• Information about sources of funding for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
• Support for students accused of academic cheating
• Advocacy at academic appeals and disciplinary hearings
• Support and training for course reps
• The Essay bank – free study tool
• Advice for International students
• Consumer issues
• Complaints
• Campaign information about health issues, safe sex, etc

LUSU Advice can also put you in contact with other student officers including the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Officer, Mature Students’ Officer, International Students’ Officer, Equality Campaigns Officer, welfare Campaigns Officer, Liberation Campaigns Officer and Faculty Reps.

The Job shop advertises part-time and vacation employment opportunities for students. You can register with the Jobshop on line or through the Information desk in LUSU. Once you are registered you will receive notification of appropriate vacancies as soon as they come in, alternatively just pop in and browse the notice boards.

For further information, visit the LUSU website, which includes a wealth of information and advice about all of the above and more… www.lusu.co.uk.

Student Advisors (advice staff)
Tel: 01524 592851/592200/593769
Email: lusuadvice@lancaster.ac.uk

Vice President Equality Welfare and Diversity
Tel: 01524 592197
Email: lusu.ewd@lancaster.ac.uk

Vice President Academic Affairs
Tel: 01524 592202
Email: lusu.academic@lancaster.ac.uk

Student Activities Office
Tel: 01524 594046
Email: m.ennis@lancaster.ac.uk

General Enquiries & Information
9am – 5pm Monday – Friday

Tel: 01524 593765



LUSU Online: www.lusu.co.uk

It is never too early to make contact with the Centre for Employability Enterprise and Careers, which is your link between the University and the outside world of employers.

For many undergraduates - and some postgraduates - making plans about what to do after graduation can be a slow process, requiring careful consideration. Although a little daunting sometimes, it can also be exciting. You may change your mind several times about the options you want to consider and the decisions you make. Whatever your concern, and whatever stage you have reached, the C.E.E.C. is here to provide information and guidance to support you through this process, including the provision of sessions to develop your course-hunting skills and details of disability-friendly organisations and employers.

Careers Workshops run each term on topics such as
CLUELESS? Then start here, improving self confidence,
JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! – where to find the vacancies, application forms – What do Employers want? Applying online, C.V. Writing, Aptitude Testing, Hot tips for cool in interviews, individual interview, Coaching, Certificate for Enterprise and Commercial Awareness, Teacher Training and Postgraduate study.

In addition to the main programme about job seeking strategies, making applications and where to find information, these workshops provide valuable information about issues concerning students with disabilities, e.g. disclosing a disability to an employer. .

The Information Resource in the C.E.E.C. provides a wealth of detail about

Computer-assisted guidance, to help you match your skills and interests with suitable career areas also available.

Equal Opportunities Notice board - all the latest specialist information.

Specialist information files relating to organisations supporting disabled graduates into work, latest job vacancies and, how to make applications.

You can find up-to-the-minute information at http://careers.lancs.ac.uk

Centre for Employability Enterprise and Careers,
Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW
Tel: 01524 592480 (external), ext. 92480 (internal)

Alan Sloan, Disability Employment Adviser,
Job Centre, Church Street, Lancaster LA1 1JW.
Tel: 01524 302186
Web: www.jobcentreonline.com/JCOLFront/Home.aspx

SKILL (National Bureau for Students with Disabilities) Chapter House, 18-20 Crucifix Lane, London SE1 3JW
Tel/Minicom: 0207 450 0620. Web: www.skill.org.uk

Association of Disabled Professionals,
(offers advice, support, resources and general information for disabled professionals, entrepreneurs, students and the self employed) BCM ADP., London WC1N 3XX. Tel/Fax: 01204 431 638.
Email: adp.admin@ntlworld.com Web: www.adp.org.uk

Diversity Works
6-8 Market Road, Islington, London N7 9PW
Tel: 0207 619 7725
Minicom: 020 7619 7187
Email: fast-track@scope.org.uk

Scope
(the disability organisation whose focus is people with cerebral palsy, and aim is that disabled people achieve equality) 6 Market Road, London N7 9PW
Tel: 0808 800 3333
Email: cphelpline@scope.org.uk Web: www.scope.org.uk

Please note that the C.E.E.C. carries more information about these organisations as well as others not mentioned here.

The University Counselling Service is staffed by a highly experienced team of counsellors, who are professionally trained to respond to the broad spectrum of student needs. Areas of concern might include problems of a personal, social, emotional or educational nature.

Often a single session with a counsellor may be enough to sort things out, but if someone is experiencing more serious difficulties, contact with a counsellor can be maintained for longer periods of time.

Whatever is discussed in the Counselling Service is CONFIDENTIAL and will not be disclosed to anyone OUTSIDE THE Service without your permission except in extremely rare circumstances where there appears to be a very serious risk to your own or others’ safety. Even then, we would do our utmost to discuss this with you first and, if at all possible, deal with the issue without breaking confidentiality. This is in keeping with the Ethical Framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Appointments with a counsellor can be made by calling at "The Base" on the ground floor of University House or by phoning extension 92690 (external direct line 01524-592690) during office hours. An answer phone operates at other times. For further information, visit the Counselling Service website: www.lancs.ac.uk/sbs/counselling

The Counselling Service has a room available which is wheelchair accessible for people with mobility difficulties.

All students of the University are required to register with a local general medical practice. There is a GP Practice (Tel: 01524 387780 or ext: 94130), Pharmacy (ext. 59498) and a Private Dental practice (ext. 94595) on Campus.

If you require repeat prescriptions from the doctor you can call the Health Centre and ask them to organise it, although you must have registered with the Bailrigg Health practice first. Please let the receptionist know if you have problems collecting prescriptions.

Reception (01524 594000)

The Centre for Sport is accessible from the south walkway (which is called the spine) to the east of the centre and has disabled parking facilities available at the front of the facility. Table tennis and spectator areas are available on the first floor with access via a lift situated close to the main sports hall. The centre has adapted toilet facilities, changing/shower facilities and the swimming pool has a hoist to lift swimmers into and out of the water. The Centre offers discounted rates for both wet and dry activities. Staffs are keen to help in whatever way that they can, so please ask if you need some assistance. Sports Centre webpage www.lancs.ac.uk/lancuni/sports.htm.

Access to parking is regulated to ensure that those students who do need a car on campus are able to find a parking space. If you have a mobility difficulty, please contact "The Base" in University House on 01524 592525 to apply for a car-parking permit. You will need to provide some evidence to support this request.

There are accessible toilets in most buildings. Please let the college know at once if you discover a fault with the facilities. This will speed up repair.

Student telephone services are operated by an independent provider. You will have received information separately about this, but please contact the Disabilities Service if you're having any problems and we will try to help.

If you find it difficult to reach the pigeonholes or to sort through mail, the porters may keep post in the porters' lodge if you request it.

The campus is generally accessible to wheelchair users. A map showing accessible routes is available. If you have not already received one, please contact the Disabilities Service.

Many accommodation blocks have ground floor access only for wheelchair users, but most other buildings have access at all levels. Key rooms, which have access only by stairs, are the Faraday and Cavendish Colloquium Rooms and the Counselling Service. If you need access to these areas, please contact the Disabilities Service where staff will make alternative arrangements. The University is committed to continuing improvements to access across all parts of the campus. Please let us know if you come across areas of difficulty.

Regular buses, operated by the local bus service, leave from the underpass. Access to the bus stop is via steps, or a longer way around by pavement. There are also pick-up and drop-off points around the perimeter road. Please refer to the timetable for further details www.lancs.ac.uk/users/transport/. Many, but not all, of the buses are accessible.

Lancaster Taxi Association Tel. 32090 (24 hour service) and County Cars Tel. 01524 388499 (needs 48 hrs notice) have a number of wheelchair accessible taxis. Please give directions for the pick up point at a particular college or University House as Taxis will not collect passengers from the underpass.

The Natwest Bank in Alexandra Square has a portable induction loop, automatic opening door and ground level access. Staff are happy to discuss the wide variety of products and services available to students on a face to face basis. Internet and 24 hour phone banking is also available and for further information visit in person, log onto www.natwest.com or call 0845 6012 2288.

Barclays Bank is situated next to Natwest in Alexandra Square. Experienced and friendly staff are always on hand and are happy to help and assist wherever necessary.

The branch has recently been refurbished to make it more accessible. Improvements include a power assisted door and low level till.

The telephone number for the branch is 01524 302290.

Both banks have Service-tills placed at an appropriate height for wheelchair users. There is also a NatWest service-till next to the Sports Centre to the south of the campus. In addition to Nat West and Barclays, there is also a LINK cash point in Alexandra Square.

Staff will help you fill up with petrol, oil and water and check tyre pressures. The staff in the workshop are extremely helpful.

All launderettes on campus are accessible except Grizedale, which has a step at its entrance and top loading machines.

Access to the Great Hall for wheelchair users is either from the main (or side) entrance, or through the side door at the front of the hall, which leads in from about half way down the main corridor in the complex. The Nuffield Theatre has good accommodation near the stage for wheelchair users. There is a chair lift platform for access to Minor Hall and gallery.

These local firms offer a range of services:

BeJay Mobility Services, 95 Euston Road, Morecambe,
Tel: 01524 418145

More Mobility Ltd
361 Lancaster Road, Morecambe
Tel: 0800 0839664

For hearing aid repairs, the main department for appointments is at Ashton Road Clinic, Lancaster. Tel: 01524 583716

The Audiology and Hearing Aid Department, Queen Victoria Hospital, Thornton Road, Morecambe for batteries and repairs is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12.30 – 4.00 pm.

Dukes Theatre Cinema and Bar, Moor Lane, Lancaster.
Tel. 01524 598500.
Text phone No. 01524 380062.
Mobile Text Messaging: 07817 212282
Email: tickets@dukes-lancaster.org
Website: www.dukes-lancaster.org/

All productions and film screenings are accessible. The auditorium has an Induction Loop and a new infra red sound system. There are some signed and audio described performances.

For further information concerning the Dukes please email: marketing@dukes-lancaster.org for details. Approach is via a rough cobbled lane to the side so pre-booking is advised in order that attendants can be of assistance. There is a wheelchair accessible toilet and the Studio Theatre is wheelchair accessible.

Tel Box Office: 01524 64695 10.00 am – 3.00 pm Monday to Saturday
Website: www.lancastergrand.co.uk

If you have any requirements as a result of a disability, please inform the boxs office when booking your seat, and the front of house staff will do their best to accommodate your needs and ensure that your evening at the theatre is both memorable and enjoyable.

The Grand Theatre has long welcomed people with disabilities to its performances, and extensive work has recently been undertaken to improve disabled access to the building. Wheelchair access to the stalls is available via both the Lodge Street exit and the car park exit, where access ramps have now been installed.

If you require extra assistance, please inform the box office when booking. Our Front of House staff will be pleased to help.

As part of the recent improvements to the facilities at the theatre, a fully-equipped accessible toilet has now been built in the stalls, adjacent to the disabled access.

A hearing aid loop is installed in the auditorium for our hard-of-hearing patrons. Please set your hearing aid switch to the 'T' setting in order to take advantage of this facility. Please note that the seats in stalls have the best reception if using the Hearing Loop facility.


Nuffield Theatre/Lancaster International Concert Series Great Hall Complex (Lancaster University)
Tel Box Office: 01524 594151 (24 answerphone)
Tel: 07810 082832 (Box Office text)
Webpage www.nuffieldtheatre.com/events/default.asp.
Email: boxoffice@nuffieldtheatre.com

Disabled parking spaces close to complex
Fully accessible auditorium with wheelchair toilet facilities
Patrons who have disabilities and require assistance are entitled to two for one tickets.


Apollo 4, Central Drive, Morecambe.
Tel: 24 four film info: 0871 22 33 462
Tel Box Office 087 22 33 461
Website: www.apollocinemas.co.uk/index.php?sitecode=mai.

Fully accessible. Two wheelchairs spaces at the front of each of our 4 screens. Wheelchair accessible disabled toilet. Subtitle and Audio Narrative available on selected films. Headphones available for selected films, CEA card valid here. Guide dogs welcome. Please check with cinema for full details.


VUE Cinema
Chruch Street, Lancaster LA1 1LP
Tel: 08712 240 240
Email: guestservices@myvue.com
Webpage: www.myvue.co.uk/students/now_booking.asp?SessionID=
060C1EAF744C46B7B6476BFF44E5A240&cn=1&ci=70&ln=1&WT.ac=Student%20Vue%20icon.

6 screens. Performances twice a week. (Sunday and Tuesday CEA card accepted). Fully accessible. Disabled access via ramps and lift. Disabled toilets. Guide dogs welcome. Audio description on selected films. Enquiries ring 01524 848936.

with food (those which are accessible and accept Guide dogs)
area code (01524)

Boot and Shoe Tel: 63011
The Bobbin - Cable Street, Tel: 32606
The Blue Anchor - Market Street Tel: 66898
Bowling Green - Scotforth Road Tel: 32960
Fibber McGees - James Street Tel: 63720
The Friary - St. Leonard's Gate Tel: 383727
Penny Bank - Brock Street Tel: 61102
White Cross - Quarry Road Tel: 384981
WETHERSPOONS    1. Sir Richard Owen – Spring Garden Street Tel: 541500
                                    2. The Green Ayre – North Road Tel: 585240

Check out further public houses at these websites:
www.pubutopia.com/pubs/L/Lancaster/.

Woolworths, Sainsbury's, ASDA and Lancaster Market all have cafes with accessible toilets.

Sugar House (LUSU affiliated) will provide taxis for students travelling from campus. Contact the Students' Union for details.

Further information concerning clubs:

Website: www.lancasterukonline.net/whatson/pubsnclubs.htm.
What’s on in Lancaster: www.virtual-lancaster.net/.

Stone Jetty, Marine Road Central, Morecambe
Wheelchair accessible sea fishing in Morecambe Bay. Permit required for Morecambe. (Permits can be obtained from main Post Offices)

A Natural Health Clinic operates from the Chaplaincy Centre. The Clinic offers: Holistic Massage, Homeopathy, Aromatherapy/Massage, Acupuncture, Reflexology and Alexander Technique and Herbalism. Contact 01524 36709 or 555879.

ONE VOICE (Access Information Participation Consultation)
Trinity Community Centre, Middle Street, Lancaster.
Tel: 01524 34411
Website: www.onevoicedisabilityservices.org/
Email: onevoice@pdsi.org.uk

This is a very helpful local organisation providing all sorts of information, run by people with disabilities. Membership and newsletter (www.onevoicedisabilityservices.org/discuss.htm) are free of charge to those who support its aims. Trinity Community Centre, Middle Street, Lancaster.

LANCASTER DISTRICT ACCESS GROUP Tel: 01524 410571
Monthly Meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month from 12-2pm at the Queen Victoria Centre, Morecambe, to discuss issues related to improving access to all areas of public building in the district. New members welcome.