Disability Support

Is there easy access to the Britannia Mill Library?

The Library is on the second floor of the Britannia Mill building. It can be accessed using the central stairway or by one of the two accessible lifts (no key required).

Are there any accessible toilet facilities?

There is an accessible toilet located outside the Library entrance opposite the lifts.

What computers are available?

There are computers, printers and scanners available.

All student computers have Windows 10 installed which has inbuilt assistive features

All computers have Apps Anywhere with the following programs:-

• TextHelp Read & Write software - reads aloud pages of text (web pages, word documents, PDF files). Useful for people who find it difficult to read large quantities of text online, The 'Speak as I Type' function is useful as a proof-reading tool when typing in Word.
• MindGenius - mind-mapping software that helps you capture, visualise and manage your ideas and information. It's useful for organising your ideas, planning, essay preparation and revising. It suits learners with a visual learning style.  
• Inspiration - mind-mapping software that suits learners with a visual learning style.

All student computers come with QuickScan which can be used to assess learning styles. Student Wellbeing Service (SWS) may refer students to complete a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) assessment using this software. Further advice is available from the SWS.

We have 2 height adjustable workstations. One in the red zone and one in the green zone. 

What assistive accessories are available to use in the Library?

• A desktop video magnifier to allow reading of printed materials on a screen in an enlarged format
• Ergonomic chairs which provide extra support and flexibility
• Height adjustable desks

The following equipment is available on request:-

• Coloured reading sheets (A4)
• Reading rulers
• Magnifying sheets

What photocopying facilities are there?

There are multifunctional devices (MFDs) providing photocopying and scanning facilities. Materials can be enlarged or copied onto coloured paper - please ask a member of staff if you need help with this.

What facilities are there for users with hearing aids?

An induction hearing loop is available at our library counter for users with a hearing aid

Is there easy access to the Devonshire Library at the Buxton Campus?

The Devonshire Library is on the ground floor of the Dome. It has easy, level access throughout.

View Devonshire library (Buxton) access guide

Are there any accessible toilets?

Accessible toilets are nearby in the Dome.

What computers and assistive software are available?

There are computers, printers and scanners available. 

All computers have Windows 10 installed which has inbuilt assistive features.

All computers have Apps Anywhere with the following programs:-

• TextHelp Read & Write software - reads aloud pages of text (web pages, word documents, PDF files). Useful for people who find it difficult to read large quantities of text online, The 'Speak as I Type' function is useful as a proof-reading tool when typing in Word.
• MindGenius - mind-mapping software that helps you capture, visualise and manage your ideas and information. It's useful for organising your ideas, planning, essay preparation and revising. It suits learners with a visual learning style.  
• Inspiration - mind-mapping software to suit learners with a visual learning style.

All student computers come with QuickScan which can be used to assess learning styles. Student Wellbeing Service (SWS) may refer students to complete a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) assessment using this software. Further advice is available from SWS.

There is a height adjustable workstation in the main library.

What assistive accessories can I use in the Library?

• A Text Viewer to allow reading of printed materials on a screen in an enlarged format
• Ergonomic chairs which provide extra support and flexibility.

The following equipment is available on request:-

• Document holders
• Footrests
• Keyboard and mouse wrist rests
• Coloured reading sheets and reading rulers
• Magnifying sheets

What assistive equipment can I borrow?

The following equipment is available for loan by students with Support Plans.  You will need a form completed by a disability advisor from the Student Wellbeing Service if you are an HE Degree student, or by the Learner Journey Team if you are an FE college student.

Equipment includes:-

• Laptops (with MindGenius and TextHelp software installed).  
• Digital Voice Recorders, Dictaphones and a Minidisc recorder.
• Electronic dictionaries.
• Digital Camera.  

What photocopying facilities are there?

There are multifunctional devices (MFDs) providing photocopying and scanning facilities.  Materials can be enlarged or copied onto coloured paper - please ask a member of staff if you need help with this.

What facilities are there for users with hearing aids?

There is an Induction Loop on the Devonshire Library Front Desk for users with a hearing aid. This is portable and can be moved to any of our Library Help Desks on request.

In addition there is an infrared  induction loop available for loan.

Is there easy access to the Library?

The Kedleston Road Library is entered via the Atrium.  There is a lift for wheelchair access to all floors. The lift is at the front of the library.

View Kedleston Road library access guide

Are there any accessible toilets available?

There are accessible toilets on the lower ground floor, the upper ground floor and on the first floor.

What computers and software are available in the Kedleston Road Library?

There are computers, printers and scanners on all floors. 

All student computers have Windows 10 installed which has inbuilt assistive features.

All student computers have Apps Anywhere with the following programs

• TextHelp Read & Write software - reads aloud pages of text (web pages, word documents, PDF files). Useful for people who find it difficult to read large quantities of text online, The 'Speak as I Type' function is useful as a proof-reading tool when typing in Word.
• MindGenius - mind-mapping software that helps you capture, visualise and manage your ideas and information. It's useful for organising your ideas, planning, essay preparation and revising. It suits learners with a visual learning style.  
• Inspiration - a mind-mapping tool that suits learners with a visual learning style

All student computers come with QuickScan which can be used to assess learning styles. Student Wellbeing Service (SWS) may refer students to complete a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) assessment using this software. Further advice is availabel from SWS.

There is a height adjustable workstation.

There is also a dedicated study room (Study Room A) with assistive equipment including:

• 2 height adjustable workstations
• A large screen monitor attached to a PC
• A large LCD screen on the wall
• A ScannaR which can scan text and read it back
• 2 ergonomic chairs which provide extra support and flexibility

What assistive accessories are available to use in the Library?

• A desktop video magnifier to allow reading of printed materials on a screen in an enlarged format
• Ergonomic chairs which provide extra support and flexibility
• Height adjustable desks

The following equipment is available on request:-

• Coloured reading sheets (A4)
• Reading rulers
• Magnifying sheets

What photocopying facilities are there?

There are MultiFunctional Devices (MFDs) providing photocopying and scanning facilities on each floor. Materials can be enlarged or copied onto coloured paper - please ask a member of staff if you need help with this. 

Is there easy access to the Library?

The Library in Leek HUB is located on the ground floor of the Tovell Building which has easy level access throughout.

Are there any accessible toilet facilities?

There are accessible toilets nearby.

What computers and assistive software are available?

All computers have Windows 10 installed which has inbuilt assistive features.

All computers have Apps Anywhere with the following programs:-

• TextHelp Read & Write software - reads aloud pages of text (web pages, word documents, PDF files). Useful for people who find it difficult to read large quantities of text online, The 'Speak as I Type' function is useful as a proof-reading tool when typing in Word.
• MindGenius - mind-mapping software that helps you capture, visualise and manage your ideas and information. It's useful for organising your ideas, planning, essay preparation and revising. It suits learners with a visual learning style.  
• Inspiration - mind-mapping software to suit learners with a visual learning style.

All student computers come with QuickScan which can be used to assess learning styles. Student Wellbeing Service (SWS) may refer students to complete a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) assessment using this software. Further advice is available from SWS.

What assistive accessories can I borrow to use in the Library?

• Coloured overlays
• Magnifying sheets

What assistive equipment can I borrow?

• Dictaphones
• Cameras

What photocopying facilities are there?

There are Multifunctional Devices (MFDs) providing photocopying and scanning facilities. Materials can be enlarged or copied onto coloured paper - please ask a member of staff if you need help with this.

What facilities are there for users with hearing aids?

A portable hearing loop is available.

Is there easy access to the Library?

The Resource Centre in St Helena is on the 1st floor which is accessible via the lift from Reception.

Are there any accessible toilet facilities?

There are accessible toilets in Reception and on each floor

What computers and assistive software are available?

The computers which are located in Reception have the following:

All student computers have Windows 10 installed which has inbuilt assistive features.

All computers have Apps Anywhere with the following programs:-

• TextHelp Read & Write software - reads aloud pages of text (web pages, word documents, PDF files). Useful for people who find it difficult to read large quantities of text online, The 'Speak as I Type' function is useful as a proof-reading tool when typing in Word.
• MindGenius - mind-mapping software that helps you capture, visualise and manage your ideas and information. It's useful for organising your ideas, planning, essay preparation and revising. It suits learners with a visual learning style.  
• Inspiration - mind-mapping software to suit learners with a visual learning style.

All student computers come with QuickScan which can be used to assess learning styles. Student Wellbeing Service (SWS) may refer students to complete a Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) assessment using this software. Further advice is available from SWS.

Also available on specified computers:-

• Jaws - screen reading software
• Zoomtext - magnifier / reader

Please ask a member of staff if you want advice about these.

What assistive accessories can I borrow to use in the Library?

• Coloured overlay sheets
• Footrest
• Magnifying sheets

What assistive equipment can I borrow?

• Voice recorder
• Laptop (with MindGenius and TextHelp software installed) for loan by students with support plans. You will need a form signed by an advisor from the Student Wellbeing Service.

What photocopying facilities are there?

There are Multifunctional Devices (MFDs) providing photocopying and scanning facilities. Materials can be enlarged or copied onto coloured paper. Please ask a member of staff if you need help with this.

What facilities are there for users with hearing aids?

Hearing loops are fitted in all classrooms.