Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Vijay Patel Building - Pod (Including Confucius Institute)

De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE2 7DR

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

Opening Times (Gallery)

  • Monday 12:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 12:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 12:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 12:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 12:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 12:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Parking

  • This venue does not have its own car park; the nearest car park is at the rear of Portland Building.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • There is 1 designated parking bay within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bay are 3.8m x 5.4m (12ft 5in x 17ft 8in).
  • The nearest designated bay is 50m (55yd) from the main entrance.
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • The patron does not have to cross a road.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • There are standard marked on-street parking bays slightly nearer on Newarke Close.
  • Parking is free for DMU Disabled/Temporary Disabled Parking Permit holders and pre-booked visitors.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance unless an external visitor (visitor spaces in Gateway House).

Outside Access (Gallery Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Outside Access (Design Wing West Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the west of the Design Wing.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 215cm (7ft 1in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 215cm (7ft 1in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Outside Access (Design Wing East Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the east of the Design Wing.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 215cm (7ft 1in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 215cm (7ft 1in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
    • The stairs are located to the left as you enter.
    • The stairs are approximately 8m from the West Design Wing entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There are also steps between the Pod and the design Wing which access all floors.

Lift (VP 7 and VP 8)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located between the Pod and the Design wing.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (Design Wing).
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Design Wing West entrance.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 127cm x 260cm (4ft 2in x 8ft 6in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift has a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Entrance (Confucius institute Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the Pod.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is / are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).

Reception (Centre for English Language Learning)

  • Centre for English Language Learning is located on the third floor, as you approach the Pod.
  • The desk is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the VP7 and VP8 lifts.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is visible from the lift.
  • There is step free access to this reception area, via lift.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are medium.
  • The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written and pictorial directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Design Wing West entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 220cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 3in).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 101cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the VP 7 and VP 8 lifts.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, to the right as you exit the lift.
    • There are additional accessible toilets on floors 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The toilets on floors 4 and 5 have the transfer space on the right hand side.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 200cm (5ft 1in x 6ft 7in).
    • There is not a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the first floor, the second floor, the third floor, the fourth floor and the fifth floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located near to the pod.
    • There is a female standard toilet in the same location.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 10m from the Design Wing west entrance.
    • There is not a/are not cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.