Services for Users with Additional Needs

Entry to the building is usually through a rotating door which requires users entering the building to manually push the doors around. To the right-hand side of the rotating door, there is an automatic swing door that can be opened using your uniCARD providing you are registered with the Enabling Team.

Once inside the building, there are swipe-access barriers to get through to the main Library. There is also a wide lane for users with mobility difficulties, and your uniCARD will activate this gate provided you are registered with the Disability Team.

If you need to use these entrances but don't currently have access, please speak to IT Services.

There are accessible toilets on every floor of the Library, accessed with a RADAR key.

There is a lift providing access to all levels of the Library.

In case of fire, the lift should not be used. If you are in the Library and cannot use stairs unaided, you should wait for assistance on the landing areas of either the front or back staircase. Both of these areas are designated Refuge Points. An E-Vac chair is available on each staircase for carrying people downstairs quickly.

All floors of the library are wheelchair-accessible, meaning that you can choose to work in the group study areas, silent areas, and at computers. The Library building is wireless-enabled, should you wish to bring your own laptop and software.

There are height-adjustable desks on the second floor.

Books can be fetched from the shelves for you in advance of your visit and left for you or your Support Worker to collect from the Reservations area on the Ground Floor. Please try to give at least half a day's notice if possible. You can request this service either by email, library@aston.ac.uk or by telephone +44(0)121 204 4525. Requests will be dealt with Monday - Friday 09:00 - 17:00.

We can send books out to you by post if you are unable to come to the Library in person. You can return the books by post, but please note that this will be at your own risk and you will have to pay the return postage. 

The University will provide alternative formats of books to students with a disability. If you require an alternative format, please contact the Library to discuss your needs. You can also submit files to SensusAccess to convert them into more inclusive and accessible formats. This tool can be used by staff and students alike.

SensusAccess

This is provided by Aston University to enable students and staff to convert documents into a wide range of alternative media.

It is an automated document conversion service that will help enable you to convert your readings, slides and lecture notes into formats that work best for you. For example, you could convert an image-only PDF or JPEG file to a word document, MP3 file, or e-book.

SensusAccess is great for supporting different learning styles, and for providing help when reading text in a foreign language.

SensusAccess is entirely automated and the documents you submit to the service are automatically deleted once they have been converted. You do not need to worry about keeping your privacy as SensusAccess does not store personal information.

How do I use SensusAccess?

Using the web form, simply:

• Upload your document to SensusAccess
• Select how you want it converted
• Enter your Aston email address

Once your document is ready (it should take about 10 minutes), you will receive an email to your inbox.

For more information, watch the video or access the e-learning course and brochures.

Request a locker in Main Building, MB563

Lockers are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to Aston University students who are either:

• Referred by the Disability and Neurodiversity Team and / or
• Aston Ambassadors who live off-campus

Lockers are intended primarily as a convenience for the temporary storage of textbooks, and articles of outer clothing such as coats. 

Locker Request form