Blindness and visual impairment
The College has comprehensive way-finding signage, and large print and Braille signage on all lecture theatres, classrooms and offices.
What can the Disability Office do for you?
We can assist with arranging orientation, advise on special equipment or liaise with your tutors to arrange hand-outs in large print. We can also liaise with the RNIB for books in accessible formats. Assistance can also be provided to recruit readers and to arrange large-print papers or readers in examinations.
We can also:
- assist you in applying to Birkbeck, including arranging a pre-application visit
- arrange orientation for guide dog or long cane users
- assist you with enrolment and registration at Birkbeck and with making the most of the induction process
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assist you in applying to Student Finance England for the Disabled Students' Allowance. The Disabled Students' Allowance may pay for:
- personal computers with screen-reading or character-enhancing software with scanners and OCR software so you can study at home
- digital recorders for recording lectures
- CCTV magnification system to allow you to read books at home
- personal readers to assist you with putting books into an accessible format
- allowances for books (including electronic books)
- photocopying, printing and internet costs
- liaise with Disability IT Support to arrange demonstrations of the specialist IT equipment for visually impaired students in IT Services including large monitors, character-enhancing and screen-reading software, reading scanners, etc.
- liaise with the Library Access Service regarding extended loans, obtaining accessible resources (e.g. electronic books and enlarging photocopying facilities)
- advise on the CCTV for visually impaired students in the Library
- provide information, advice and training to your lecturers on supporting visually impaired students
- liaise with lecturers to request copies of overhead projector transparencies (OHPs), Powerpoint presentations and lecture notes, in an accessible format (e.g. electronically or in large print, where possible)
- liaise with tutors to request book lists in advance
- assist in recruiting personal readers
- liaise with the RNIB to secure braille or audiocassette support
- liaise with the Estates Department regarding any access difficulties you may experience (e.g. signage)
- advise you on what special examination arrangements you may need and assist you in arranging these
- aim to involve you and all students and the Students’ Union in the development of policy and support services for students with disabilities.
