Skip to Main Content
Banner Image Main site Library home page Library home page

Library Essentials

Support at DBS

DBS aims to provide appropriate advice, support & information to help all students with disabilities. If you are a new student and need to apply for Reasonable Accommodations, please register with the Disability and Inclusion Officer to ensure that reasonable accommodations are in place.

Please call into the Student Services Hub in Castle House or visit the Helpdesk Portal.

DBS also has established a Student Engagement and Success Unit (SESU), which aims to help all new students at DBS transition successfully into Higher Education. If you would like to have a meeting with the Student Engagement Officer visit the Helpdesk Portal or drop by one of the Tea and Talk sessions.

Building Access

DBS Library is located on the 2nd floor of Aungier Street building.  The floor is served by a lift. Ask Reception or Security to escort you or call (01) 4170660 and one of the librarians will help you.

Using resources

Many books are now accessible online, but if you need a physical book and face challenges retrieving it, please contact us and the Library staff will retrieve items for you to collect at the Information Desk.

If any of the library resources are not machine readable, please contact us so we can arrange an accessible version.

We offer longer loan and return periods for those registered with Disability Services.

We also offer workshops and One-to-One appointments.

Book an Appointment

Assistive technology

AHEAD has compiled a comprehensive collection of assistive technologies in the AT HIVE, accessible through the link below. This resource offers a wealth of tools and demonstrations to support note-taking, reading, and writing. 

  • OneNote (Office 365) Keeping notes together in an organised manner and allows for media rich note taking to include images and audio recording. Free to use with Office 365 - available to all DBS students.
  • Google Keep effective way to capture quick notes and to-do lists.
  • Google lens free app that allow you to read out text from a sign, book or handout as well as translate text and even recognise objects. It can be used to read a report, assignment, book or notes.
  • OpenDyslexic a free typeface designed against some common symptoms of dyslexia.
  • Voice typing (Google Docs)  Most useful for people who may find they have slow typing skills and need an alternative way to typing. Works best on Chrome browser.
  • Word Dictate (Office 365)  the online version of Word called ‘Dictate’. This dictation tool gives you the opportunity to type with your voice instead of your hands. Works best on Edge browser.
  • ZenPen  free website that is a low distraction setting to help with sensory stimulation and distraction during the writing process.

Discover these and more within the AT HIVE, alongside guides to Microsoft, Apple, and Google’s built-in accessibility supports.

Visit the AT HIVE

Hidden disabilities

At DBS, we recognize that hidden disabilities can pose unique challenges and that's why we are part of the Hidden Disabilities Initiative. 

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces, and at the College.

By wearing the sunflower lanyard, individuals with hidden disabilities can signal to staff or the general public that they may need help or that certain accommodations could be beneficial, without having to verbally explain their condition. You can request you sunflower lanyard through the Disabilities and Inclusion Officer.

DBS Library staff is trained to identify the Sunflower and may ask you what we can do to assist you.