Disabled access
PRONI welcomes you and will aim to give you as much assistance as you need. If you encounter any problems during your visit please speak to a member of staff and we will try to sort them out quickly.
The facilities for searching archives are all on the ground floor of the building and are fully accessible to wheelchair users.
We recommend that you contact us in advance of your visit. Tell us the date and time you expect to arrive and any needs you have. We will try to make your visit as easy as possible.
Getting help during your visit
When you get to PRONI please ask staff at the help desk in the search room (or the person giving the talk or organising the event) at any time if you require help. For example, some documents are very heavy so you may need some assistance in returning them to the issue desk.Access to the building
The search room, reading room and self-service microfilm room are all on the ground floor and on a level surface.Ramps, as well as steps and non-slip surfaces, are in place at all necessary points before reaching the front door and at the entrance to the on-site canteen.
All doors into the main public areas on the ground floor have automatic opening doors.
The lecture room is the only public space which is not on the ground floor. However, wheelchair users and anyone who has difficulties climbing stairs can use the staff lift at the far end of the building. You will then be accompanied by a member of staff to the lecture room.
Parking
There are two parking spaces allocated for blue/orange badge holders next to the front door. You are advised to contact us and reserve a space in advance of your visit.Toilets
The main public toilets are located on the ground floor in the search room and there is also an accessible toilet next to reception.Using Microfilm
All the microfilm readers are powered machines so that microfilms can be reeled forwards and backwards at the touch of a button. There are a number of microfilm readers in the self-service microfilm room which are more suitable for wheelchair users as reels can be loaded unto the machine at waist level. If you wish to reserve one of these readers please contact us in advance. All readers have a zoom lens so that images can be magnified.Customers with a visual impairment
Guide dogs are welcome at PRONI.If you need to have a companion with you to help with reading documents please speak to the help desk staff and we will try to make your use of the documents as easy as possible.
All our leaflets are produced in an accessible font and size but if you require a larger print format please enquire at the help desk in the search room. The larger print formats will be copied for you free of charge. Should you require a leaflet on tape, CD-ROM or braille this can be arranged.
Magnifying glasses are available on request
An electronic document magnifier (the mono mouse) linked to a TV screen is available in the main reading room. This enlarges both printed and manuscript text. Simply scroll the mono mouse over the text and begin reading on screen.
There is clear signage in all the public areas that will direct you to the catalogues in the search room and to the tables in the reading room.
One of the computers used for ordering documents in the Public Search Room has adaptive technology, with a large screen, tracker ball and large print keyboard.
Customers with a hearing impairment.
The help desk in the search room and the lecture room are all provided with induction loops.
