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Learn about Study & Intern in London.
Attitudinal
The UK’s attitude toward disability issues is generally open and accepting, and there are federal laws to facilitate access. A large portion of buildings, however, are not accessible due to the fact they are much older and protected from alterations by the National Heritage or English Heritage laws. At CEA CAPA, there are efforts being made to improve campus access for students.
Classroom/Internship Site
The CEA CAPA London Study Center is located in an area subject to planning restrictions, which limits permanent modifications for accessibility. The entry to the building includes steps, and so a hydraulic lift must be used to accommodate a wheelchair, which must be arranged in advance. Many of the classrooms are wheelchair accessible. In most cases, classrooms can be moved. There is an elevator that can accommodate small wheelchairs. Scribes and assistive technology for voiced input may be possible for a charge. About 40% of the internship work sites are wheelchair accessible.
Service dogs are allowed in the classrooms. Course materials are available in alternative formats. There is no Braille signage for buildings, elevators and classrooms.
Sign language interpreters using British Sign Language, or American Sign Language interpreters can possibly be arranged for classrooms, internship sites, and sponsored events, depending on the cost. Induction loops are sometimes available, but captioned videos are not.
Test accommodations are provided and lectures can be tape recorded. It is possible to obtain the syllabus in advance, modify deadlines for assignments, and calculators are allowed for test taking. Notetakers are sometimes available.
Excursions and Field Trips
Sign language interpreters and mobility assistance may be provided depending on costs and availability. Accessibility at the site depends on the destination.
Housing and Food Services
Wheelchair accessible housing may be available. Laundry facilities are also available. There are kitchen facilities for personal use and refrigeration for prescribed medicines. Also with prior notice, host families could assist a deaf or visually impaired student. Personal assistants for living requirements may be arranged depending on costs.
Technology
Adaptive technology that can be arranged include a scanner, Braille printer, text magnification software, large screen for reading magnified print, CCTV, speech output software, voice recognition system, cassette tape recorder, Braille note taking device, and adaptive keyboards/trackball. Most of the equipment will have to be rented or purchased, so prior notice of need is important.
Library Services
The local library is a 15-minute walk from the CEA CAPA office and the nearly completed handicap accessible facility. The local library is also wheelchair-accessible. There is assistance for consulting the card catalogues and taking books off the shelves. There are no private rooms available.
Transportation
Transportation is limited in accessibility. Step free access is possible on some routes. Mobility Buses only run a few days a week. Black cabs are available, but expensive. Day to day transportation will primarily be on foot or by cab. Students generally travel 10–15 minutes between housing/classroom/public transport. All accommodations in London are self-catering (students cook their own meals), and local supermarkets are within 10–15 minutes away.