Oxford University Computing Services aims to make reasonable adjustments, where possible, for anyone with a disability or condition in order for them to access our services. In particular, the lecture rooms and Help Centre at OUCS have a comprehensive range of enabling technology and other equipment.
The majority of User Services (Shop, Lecture rooms, Help Centre, Registration, Help Desk, Printing, Email access) are located on the ground floor of the OUCS building at Banbury Road. The main entrance at 13 Banbury Road is not suitable for wheelchair access, however ramped access to the main OUCS building is at 9 Banbury Road and a portable ramp for access to the Conference Rooms at 7 Banbury Road is available on request.
Accessible toilet facilities are available on the ground floor of the building.
- Email: enable@oucs.ox.ac.uk
- Phone: (2)73206
1. The Help Centre
The Help Centre has eight Apple Macintosh computers and forty PCs running common software applications such as Microsoft Office. All have access to the Internet. A number of PCs have hardware and software to support disabled and dyslexic users.
1.1. Hardware
- Scanners - The Help Centre has five scanners all running optical character recognition software that scans text.
- Monitors: A 21 inch monitor and a 15 inch flat screen monitor are available.
1.2. Other equipment
- Height Adjustable Desks
- Back and Arm Supporting Adjustable Chairs
- Mice and Trackballs
- Ergonomic and Special Keyboards
- Other Ergonomic Equipment - document holders, footrests, hand and wrist rests
1.3. Software
- Jaws - screen reading software that enables blind/visually impaired people to access computers. The software reads out the information that is within the Windows screen/application and allows navigation via the keyboard.
- Magic - screen magnification software that enables partial or full screen magnification in any Windows application.
- Text Help - this software is designed specifically to aid people who are dyslexic. It provides word prediction, a homophone checker and a document reader that works in the majority of Windows applications.
- Kurzweill 1000 - this software is installed on a PC attached to a scanner. The software can scan and recognise text and then read it back with a number of different voices.
- Email: enable@oucs.ox.ac.uk
- Phone: (2)83438
2. IT Learning Programme and the OUCS Lecture Rooms
The OUCS IT Learning Programme runs over forty courses covering both introductory and specialised use of computers and common systems and packages. There are four fully equipped lecture rooms. They all have high specification PCs (Apple Macintosh computers are available on request) and full projection facilities.
- Isis room has specialist desking, two height adjustable desks, DVD/Video player, interactive whiteboard, along with an induction loop system.
- Windrush has specialist desking, a height adjustable desk, interactive whiteboard, induction loop can be set up.
- Cherwell has a height adjustable desk, interactive whiteboard, induction loop can be set up, induction loop can be set up.
- Evenlode has a height adjustable desk, interactive whiteboard, induction loop can be set up, along with an induction loop system.
Many course notes can be provided in large print, Braille or as electronic text. Please request your chosen format when booking your course.
A searchable database of all OUCS IT courses is available where you can book places and manage your IT course schedule online. All our courses are also available in a printed form available from OUCS reception, help centre and from various libraries and departments around the University. This information can also be provided in alternative formats on request to the Help Centre.
If you have a disability and wish to attend a course please contact us in advance to discuss how we can help:
- Email: enable@oucs.ox.ac.uk
- Phone: (2)83438
3. Other University Services
3.1. User self-assessment
All staff who use a computer in their daily work are encouraged to complete a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) User self-assessment. If staff experience any pain or discomfort in using a standard keyboard and mouse, they may find it helpful to try out alternatives. Guidance is available from the DSE assessor within their department or the Occupational Health Service.
Disabled staff are entitled to reasonable adjustments in the workplace, including the provision of assistive technology and software. Please contact the Occupational Health Service or Staff Disability Adviser.
3.2. Disability Advisory Service
The Disability Advisory Service (DAS) is part of Student Welfare and Support Services. They provide information, advice and guidance on the way in which a particular disability may potentially impact on a student’s experience at the University and can assist with organising disability-related study support.
This service now includes an Assessment Centre which assesses disabled student's study needs, including the provision of assistive software and technology.
3.3. Accessible Resources Acquisition and Creation Unit (ARACU)
The Accessible Resources Acquisition and Creation Unit service provides audio recordings of books and other material. There is also equipment at the New Bodleian Library to enable independent access to resources. This includes CCTVs, Kurzweil Reading Edge and a computer with adapted software. These resources are available for any student with a disability including dyslexia.
3.3.1. Braille Embossing Service
All requests for brailling should be sent to aracu@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Please contact the Unit using one of the following methods:
- Email: aracu@bodley.ox.ac.uk
- Phone: 01865 (2)83862
3.4. Useful contacts
- Occupational Health Service
- Email: enquiries@uohs.ox.ac.uk
Web Site: http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/uohs/
Phone: 01865 (2)82676 - Staff Disability Adviser
- Email: Caroline.Moughton@admin.ox.ac.uk
Web Site: http://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/eop/disab/staff/
Phone: 01865 (2)80687
4. Further Information
4.1. About the OUCS web site
Details about our web site and its level of accessibility can be found in our Accessibility Statement.
4.2. Information on the Web
- local talks on accessibility issues
- AbilityNet provides training about IT and disability and a range of downloadable factsheets.
Back and Arm Supporting Adjustable Chairs
Back and arm supporting adjustable chairs are available in the Help Centre and the Lecture Rooms.
Setup Instructions
- Height adjustment (A) - Lift lever to activate, use body weight to lower or ease weight to raise. Release lever to lock.
- Seat/back angle adjustment (B) - Push button to unlock, lean back against the chair back and adjust seat and back angle. For dynamic posture the chair may be left unlocked in a 'free float' mode.
- Back height adjustment (C) -
- Tension contol (D) - Turn control wheel to increase tension and anticlockwise to reduce tension
- Arm height adjustment (E) - Push lever under arm and move arm to desired position
- Arm support adjustment (F)- Push arm to desired angle
Height Adjustable Desks
A height adjustable desk is available in each of the OUCS Thames Suit lecture rooms. Other facilities available can be obtained by selecting a room from the list below:
- Cherwell: 14 student computers or 20-seat lecture room
- Evenlode: 24 student computers or 30-seat lecture room
- Isis: 32 student computers arranged in groups of six or a 60-seat lecture room.
- Windrush: 14 student computers arranged in groups of three and four
Ergonomic and Special Keyboards
Big Keys LX (PC)
- Full range of keys for word-processing
- Qwerty Layout
- High contrast black lettering on white large keys. Keys are 4 x the size of standard keyboard keys and lettering is 10 x the size
- Useful for users with visual impairment
- When keyguard is fitted the keyboard is useful for people with motor difficulites as it allows specific keys to be aimed for
Cable Free Keyboard (PC)
Setup Instructions
There is a separate keyboard and receiver. The keyboard has a button on the top right hand side that acts as the mouse. The receiver has two PS2 plugs, a green one for the mouse, and a purple one for the keyboard.
- Before the keyboard can be used, three AA batteries need to be installed
- Unplug the standard keyboard
- Plug in the purple ended cable of the receiver into the keyboard port and the green in one into the mouse port
- The standard keyboard keys will work as normal, but to make the top row of special keys work, the following program must be run:
- When you have finished, close the machine down
- Switch off, unplug the receiver, and replace original keyboard
- Remove batteries from keyboard and return to box
Mice and Trackballs
The following pointing devices are available for use in the Help Centre and the OUCS Thames Suite.
