Campus accessibility
Our estate contains a diverse range of properties, ranging from contemporary buildings, such as the Information Commons, Jessops West and The Diamond, to those of special historical interest like the Arts Tower, Firth Court and Sir Frederick Mappin Building.
Despite the age, characteristics or architectural significance of these buildings, the University of Sheffield has a responsibility to ensure the estate and its services prevent discrimination and ensure (wherever reasonable) its facilities and services are accessible to all. Accessibility is therefore a key consideration of all building projects.
Ensuring that our older buildings are fully accessible presents more of a challenge, but we continue to seek innovative ways of re-organising and re-developing our older property stock to ensure that it meets today’s standards and achieve our ultimate goal of providing a fully inclusive campus.
If you encounter an accessibility issue
Please get in touch in you encounter an accessibility issue on campus, and help our team ensure our campus is accessible for everyone.
AccessAble
In partnership with AccessAble, previously DisabledGo, online access information is available for all our buildings and services and includes a number of route plans to help you navigate across campus.
More information on AccessAble
With the help of AccessAble, we have also developed the dedicated mobile app ‘AccessAble - UOS’ to make accessing this information even easier.
The app is available free for both Android (click here) and Apple OS devices (click here).
How we make campus accessible
Feedback on access
- Have you encountered any physical barriers when trying to access a university property? Are there any building features or facilities you are unable to use or find difficult to access?
- Are there any common accessibility features or facilities provided on campus, which you feel are unsuitable, difficult to use or could be improved?
- Should you encounter any problems trying to access a University facility, or have any suggestions or comments in respect of accessibility across Campus, we would like to hear from you.
To get in touch please fill in our accessibility issue form, or email EFMHelpDesk@sheffield.ac.uk.
Deaf Messaging Service
The University has an innovative technology system across campus to warn people when a fire alarm is activated.
The Deaf Messaging Service (DMS) will be available for staff, students and visitors, and will particularly help those less likely to hear a fire alarm when it is activated due to a hearing impairment.
Registered users simply send a text to the DMS number with the location code for the area you are in, both of which you’ll be able to find on information signs across campus.
In the event of a fire alarm sounding in the building, users on the system receive a text alerting them to the alarm.
DMS guidance document January 2024 - please note this document is currently being updated by our Health and Safety Team. The mobile number has changed to +447480 486966. As soon as the new document is made available, the existing one will be replaced here.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans
The University of Sheffield takes the health and safety of its staff, students and visitors very seriously.
If you are unable to evacuate a building safely in the event of an emergency you will need a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP). This will identify any special arrangements or assistance required by an individual to ensure their safety in the event of an evacuation.
Click here for more information on PEEPs (University login required)
Support for students
The Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS) coordinates support for students who declare a disability or a specific learning difficulty.
They encourage all prospective students to come and meet them, explore the campus and discuss any individual support needs they may have.
Click here for DDSS contact details and more information on the support available (University login required)
Support for staff
The University of Sheffield is committed to attracting, growing and engaging with talented people from diverse backgrounds at every level. This is recognised by our ‘Two Ticks’ status. We recognise the importance of inclusivity within the University community, to ensure that all can flourish and reach their full potential.
Our Workplace Health & Wellbeing Service works with the Human Resources department to ensure that any reasonable adjustment and support needs for staff with disabilities are met.
Click here for more information or to contact Human Resources (University login required)