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Ulster Museum

Stranmillis Road, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is also an entrance at the left of the museum known as the Café entrance or Botanic Garden entrance.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: level 0 has a ramp leading to the male / female toilets and seating.
    • There is a ramp on level 1 leading to level 2.
    • There is a ramp on level 2 leading to level 3.
    • There is a ramp between levels 3 and 4 to the art gallery.
    • There is a ramp on level 5 to access gallery 1 and exhibits.
    • The following areas have stepped access: the male and female toilets on level 0.
    • There is also stepped access to the art gallery on level 5.
    • Access throughout may include manual doors and narrow walkways.
    • Levels 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 can be accessed via a standard lift, a platform lift and stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair and an electric wheelchair.
    • British Sign Language Interpreters can be requested prior to your visit.
    • Documents are available in the following formats: large print and different languages.
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 4 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on levels 0, 2 and 4.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on levels 0, next to the cafe and level 2 and 4 .
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • The Changing Places toilet facilities are located to the right of the building on level 0.
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the toilets with adaptations on levels 0, 2 and 4.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the right of the building.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac and block paving.
    • There are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 231cm (width) x 526cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to one side and the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 115cm.
    • the main entrance
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a steep ramp or slope and bollards.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (Main)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 160cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The second set of doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 144cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.
  • Pedestrians approaching from the street will need to use a slight ramp.

Reception

  • The reception is located to the right when entering the museum.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 18m.
  • There is step-free level access to the reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 111cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 74cm.
  • The reception has a television.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

Eating and Drinking (Wynne and Pym Café)

  • Location and Access View
    • The café is located on level 0, to the left of the building.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • Service View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and designated seating.
    • Full table service is not available.
    • Menus are wall-mounted.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The payment counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located to the left when entering the museum.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 85cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has windows and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: additional seating.
    • The following areas have stepped access: additional seating.
    • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, benches and high stools.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables, high tables and booths.
    • Some chairs are fixed.
    • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There is background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

Exhibition Space (Museum)

  • The museum is indoors.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: level 0 has a ramp leading to the male / female toilets and seating.
  • There is a ramp on level 1 leading to level 2.
  • There is a ramp on level 2 leading to level 3.
  • There is a ramp between levels 3 and 4 to the art gallery.
  • There is a ramp on level 5 to access gallery 1 and exhibits.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the male and female toilets on level 0.
  • There is also stepped access to the art gallery on level 5.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • The following may be experienced here: interactive video effects, audio triggered by a sensor and audio triggered by the visitor.
  • There is background noise.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
  • Display information includes: pictorial, audio guides, information boards, televisions/screens and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, sofas and benches.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
  • The following areas of the tour have step-free access via ramps or slopes: level 0 has a ramp leading to the male / female toilets and seating.
  • There is a ramp on level 1 leading to level 2.
  • There is a ramp on level 2 leading to level 3.
  • There is a ramp between levels 3 and 4 to the art gallery.
  • There is a ramp on level 5 to access gallery 1 and exhibits.
  • The following areas of the tour have stepped access: the male and female toilets on level 0.
  • There is also stepped access to the art gallery on level 5.
  • Access throughout the tour may include manual doors, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
  • Areas with stepped access only can be experienced by visitors via an information booklet.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.
  • Some signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.

Shop

  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • Access throughout may include narrow walkways and narrow aisles (less than 120cm).
    • The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
    • The majority of product aisle widths are under 120cm.
    • Some aisles are obstructed by product displays.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the shelving and floor throughout this area.
    • Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
    • There is background noise.
    • Signage is not provided.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • The venue has a payment counter.
  • Payment Counter View
    • The counter surveyed was ahead and to the left as you enter the shop.
    • Signage is not provided for the counter.
    • The queue width is between 120cm and 150cm and there is no need to turn.
    • The payment counter has windows and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
    • The height of the payment counter is 115cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
    • The card payment machine is portable.
    • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 0 - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the rear left of the building on level 0.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 11m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a steep ramp or slope.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 96cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 183cm (width) x 227cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 120cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 88cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 115cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 92cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 86cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Level 0 - All Age Changing Area

  • Location and Access View
    • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located to the rear right of the museum on level 0.
    • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
    • There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 26m.
    • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 94cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 282cm (width) x 390cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The changing bench is free standing and height adjustable.
    • The length of the changing bench is 190cm.
    • The facility hoist is mobile and accesses the changing bench.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 155cm.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The facility has a waste bin and a nappy/incontinence items bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 138cm from the floor.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
    • There is a baby change located at the rear of the changing area at a height of 84m.
    • There is a toilet with adaptations which has left hand transfer located at the rear of the changing area.

Lift (Main)

  • The lift surveyed is located at the rear of the reception foyer.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 29m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Levels 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a low visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 90cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 107cm (width) x 208cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located at the rear of the reception foyer.
  • Levels 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the step is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Lift (Platform - Levels 0 to 1)

  • The lift surveyed is located within the Troubles and Beyond exhibit on level 0.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • The distance from the main lift is 34m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, slight ramps or slopes and narrow walkways.
  • Levels 0 and 1 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • None of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 81cm (width) x 115cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • None of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift is slow moving and the button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Lift (Platform - Levels 1 to 2)

  • The lift surveyed is located on level 1.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • The distance from the main lift is 31m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Levels 1 and 2 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • Some of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 117cm (width) x 78cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • None of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.