Library services
for disabled students
Library services for disabled students
We are committed to ensuring our library services are accessible for all our users.
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Register with the Wellbeing team
We advise that all users with disabilities register with our Disability & Mental Health team.
The Disability & Mental Health Team can provide disabled students with an Individual Support Plan, which may give you access to reasonable adjustments and resources from the Library.
Accessibility
- Each of our sites has stairs and lifts to all floors. There are additional disability lifts in the Paul Hamlyn Library.
- Accessible toilets are available on each floor of the Paul Hamlyn Library.
- Our publications are available in large print upon request.
Assistive technology
We have recently completed a project to update and implement a range of assistive technology on campus.
The assistive technology is specifically aimed at disabled users to improve accessibility.
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What assistive technology is available?
- JAWS - screen-reading software that can read out any text on-screen for visually impaired users.
- MindManager - mind mapping software which can help plan and organise ideas. Mind mapping is a good technique to use to develop and structure assignments. A ‘mind map’ can also be exported to Microsoft Word or PowerPoint.
- ClaroRead – this software can support students with reading and writing. It can read out text and has spell check, dictionary, highlight and scanning features. It is very useful to read back typed work to help with proof reading.
- SuperNova - screen magnification software that magnifiers the screen and retains the clarity even at the highest level of magnification. It can also change the contrast and cursor settings on the screen.
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking – speech recognition software which turns spoken words into text.
- Enlarged screens with ergonomic keyboards and mice.
- Ergonomic chairs and adjustable tables.
- A desktop video magnifier is available on our West London campus for visually impaired users to magnify books.
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Where is assistive technology located in the Library?
- The 1:1 Consultation Booth on the First Floor of the Paul Hamlyn Library is fitted with assistive technology (AT) and may be booked only by students with disabilities. Please contact the library if you wish to book this room.
- Paul Hamlyn Library Study Rooms (PE-02-010 and PE-03-001A) have been fitted with AT for students with disabilities, and can be booked in advance.
- Dedicated AT workstations are also located in the Student Study Space on Floor 2 at Paragon House and on Floor 9 of the Reading Campus.
Borrowing
Users with disabilities may have the right to longer borrowing periods if stated in their ISP.
This will allow our standard loan of one week to be initially borrowed for 10 days. This will be followed by automatic renewals every 7 days provided the loans have not been requested by another borrower. When requested, you will have 10 days to return the loans.
Please always remember to return your books by the due date stated on your receipt to avoid accruing overdue charges.
Alternative formats
Users with disabilities may request essential-reading books in alternative formats. This service is available to students with
- a visual impairment
- specific learning difficulty
- or any other condition that makes accessing printed material difficult.
This should be agreed with your Wellbeing Adviser and will be indicated on your ISP.
Please use the alternative formats form to place a request or contact disability support for more information.
Printing and copying
If you are registered with the Wellbeing team and have printing/copying as a requirement on your ISP we will be able to help you with this.
- You will need to give us 24 hours' notice for this service which operates Monday-Sunday at our Ealing site and Monday-Thursday at our Reading site.
- You can make a maximum of three requests per day for up to 30 pages each.
- Material requested for copying or printing must be academic-related. We can not print or copy any personal items.
To access this service, please email library@uwl.ac.uk
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What books can I request in an alternative format?
You can request an alternative format for any essential reading book on your reading lists and we will normally be able to supply you with an e-copy of the book.
AccessAble
The University of West London is committed to ensuring our buildings and facilities are accessible to all our students, staff, and visitors. We are proudly working in partnership with AccessAble, to promote clear and useful information on what access is like at our sites.
- To find out more and view our Access Guides, please visit the AccessAble website.
Get in touch
In-person: Visit the Help Zone, ground floor at our Ealing & Reading sites. Find out the library opening hours.
Email us: library@uwl.ac.uk
Social media: Twitter
Telephone: Ealing: 020 8231 2405 / Reading: 020 8209 4434 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
Need help? Chat with us.
