Services for students with disabilities

On this page

common images used to designate or illustrate certain type of disabilities

The Library contact for students with disabilities is: Ebony Magnus, Associate Dean of Libraries, Academic Engagement, ebonym@sfu.ca

For information about other campus services and facilities contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) (formerly: the Centre for Students with Disabilities).

Accessibility

View the Library's Floor plans and locations directory.

At the W.A.C. Bennett Library (SFU Burnaby):

  • The entrance doors to the Library are equipped with motion detectors to open automatically. The entrance to the library is on the third floor.
  • Wheelchair accessible washrooms are available on floors 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7.  Not all the library's washrooms are accessible; those that are accessible are marked with a wheelchair symbol on or beside the door.
  • All elevators in the library are wheelchair accessible. People with disabilities have boarding priority.
  • There is an accessible printer on the east side of the third floor.
  • Photocopiers are located in Reserves and on the third and sixth floors.
  • In the event of a fire alarm, go to a stairwell landing where a fire warden will direct you.
  • Where the library building or facilities restrict access, do not hesitate to ask for assistance.

Finding library material

The Library computers include access to the Library catalogue which lists books, journals,  and other items owned by the Library. Computers are located on floors three to six at tables accessible by wheelchairs. You can also search the Catalogue from any computer with access to the web.

Use journal article databases to find articles to locate journal articles, book chapters and many other sources on your topic. Check out research guides to find materials by subject and course.

Retrieval from library stacks/shelves

The stacks or shelves in some parts of the library are high and narrow, and may not be accessible to all users. If you have difficulty reaching or lifting materials in the book stacks, or operating the library's self-serve photocopiers, please let the front desk know and they can help you.

Books that are available in the library will be held for you at the Service Desk. Journal articles will be photocopied and held for you to pick up at the Service Desk.

Requests for retrieval can be sent by e-mail from the library catalogue, journal article databases, or by regular e-mail.  Requested items will be available for pick-up within one working day.

Alternate format materials

If you require course readings in an alternate format, such as sound recordings, large print or electronic text, please reach out to the Disability Services Officer in the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) for more information. The library needs to have a request for alternate format materials from the Centre on file for each semester you use this service. Bring a list of required texts for each course you will be taking in the upcoming semester to the Centre, including the complete bibliographic statement on your course outline (this may include title, author, publisher, edition statement, year of publication and ISBN).

Please notify the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) as soon as possible when you know what courses you will be taking. Some texts may already be available in your format, and we will borrow them for the duration of the semester. However, if we need to send your texts to production, it can sometimes take a number of weeks to get them to you.

Although the library does not collect material in alternate formats, you can request supplementary research material through Interlibrary Loan. If the item you require is already available in the format you need, we will borrow it for your research as a regular interlibrary loan request

Audio lecture recordings: The university also makes recordings available for some lectures. 

Adaptive technology, computers, and equipment: Locations and support

 W.A.C. Bennett Library (SFU Burnaby)

2nd floor

Two adjustable height sit or stand tables on the 2nd floor of the Bennett Library (SFU Burnaby). These tables are in the Group Study Area near the Day Lockers. Note that they do have electrical outlets but no computers.

3rd floor

The 3rd (main) floor of the W.A.C. Bennett Library  (SFU Burnaby) has the following technology and equipment for priority use by students with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision.

  • Two computers with adaptive technology
    • equipped with a  22" monitor, flatbed scanner, JAWS, ZoomText (Magnifier), Kurzweil, and Dragon Naturally Speaking. 
    • One located in the centre computer area, near the printers, on an adjustable desk
    • One located in the bookable study room 3027.
  • One electronic desktop magnifier
  • Three adjustable height sit or stand tables, each with a computer.
  • One accessible printer.

 Belzberg Library (SFU Vancouver)

A public workstation near the printers is equipped with JAWS, ZoomText (Magnifier), Kurzweil, and Dragon Naturally Speaking. 

Library staff can help you to find the workstation.  

 Fraser Library (SFU Surrey)

JAWS, ZoomText (Magnifier), Kurzweil, and Dragon Naturally Speaking are available on the public workstation SC-Lib-40. 

This workstation is in the last row of computers (in the outside of the circle) and to the right, if you are standing at the Loans counter. Or ask Library staff to help you find the workstation.

Support for adaptive technology 

The Library assumes that students using the adaptive technology will already have some familiarity with the programs on it. If you require training in the use of these programs, please contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL).

The Canada Study Grant (CSG) for assistive technology provides technology support services, (assessment, equipment, training, and technical support) to eligible post-secondary students with disabilities. For more information and application materials for the Canada Study Grant, see Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment – Students with Disabilities (CSG-DSE), from Assistive Technology BC.  

Bookable study rooms and other Library spaces

At the W.A.C. Bennett Library (SFU Burnaby) and Fraser Library (SFU Surrey) rooms can be booked by students with disabilities who are registered with CAL.

See Library study rooms for students with disabilities for more information.

Quiet spaces

We also have group, quiet, and silent study areas.

Other services

If you have a student aide, the library can issue a card that allows your aide to borrow library materials on your behalf. This can be arranged at the Service Desk.

If there is anything else we can do to help you use the Library, please let us know.