Access Guide
Overview
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About
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- This is a secondary school.
- Facilities available in the venue include: classrooms, workshops, meeting rooms, Learning Support Centre, dining halls, auditorium, library and cinema room, and adjoining sports halls.
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
- There is a drop-off point.
- The nearest parking is located off Ayr Road (main public car park).
- The nearest train station is Auchinleck.
- The nearest bus station is Cumnock Bus station.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
- The main public car park is located off Ayr Road where the coach drop-offs are also made. This car park is over 500m away, over the river bridge with some slopes along the route.
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Getting In and Around
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- There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
- There are further pupil entrances around the building, including a link entrance to the first floor of the Barony Sports Village, with separate entrances below the link bridge on the ground level.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
- The following areas have stepped access: central rows of seating in the auditorium and stepped seating area.
- Access throughout may include manual doors and doors permanently held open.
- The ground, first and second floors can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- There is seating available.
- There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
- You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair and mobility scooter charging facilities.
- There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
- The designated safe space is located in the library immersive cinema, meditation station (parent and baby room), or the staff quiet room.
- There is a British Sign Language interpreter on duty.
- Documents are available in the following formats: Braille (on request), large print, Makaton, different languages (on request), audio and audio commentary.
- There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
- There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
- Additional facilities/services include: phone charging points.
- Staff receive the following training: equality, autism awareness, trauma informed, dyslexia training, Makaton.
- Related Access Guides View
Opening Times (The Robert Burns Academy)
- Monday 08:45 - 15:40.
- Tuesday 08:45 - 15:40.
- Wednesday 08:45 - 15:40.
- Thursday 08:45 - 15:40.
- Friday 08:45 - 12:30.
Toilet and Changing Facilities
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Toilet Facilities
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- There are 10+ toilets with adaptations.
- Toilets with adaptations are located to the right as you enter in Piper's Café, to the right of the dining hall, off the rear corridor, near the rear link entrance, and throughout the upper floors.
- The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
- The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located to the right as you enter, near the dining hall, and throughout the building on all floors.
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Changing Places and Changing Facilities
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- The Changing Places toilet facilities are located round to the right as you enter, within the Supported Learning Centre (SLC).
- Parent and baby changing facilities are located round to the right as you enter.
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Washroom and Shower Facilities
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- There are changing rooms with adaptations and a further Changing Places facility within the adjoining Barony Sports Village, please refer to the separate guide for details.
Parking
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Car Park
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- The car park is located at the front of the building, off Underwood Road.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac and block paving.
- There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 250cm (width) x 500cm (depth).
- There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
- The width of the marked zone is 120cm.
- The nearest designated bay is 30m from the building entrance.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a very easy slope.
- There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
- The electric vehicle charging points are available in the ECC drop-off car park further along Underwood Road, before the staff car park.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Clearly presented parking signs are available.
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Electric Vehicle Charging Points
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- There are 2 electric vehicle charging points.
- The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 250cm (width) x 485cm (depth).
- The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The charging points require tap and pay (contactless payment).
- There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is a public car park located off Ayr Road.
- The distance from the nearest Blue Badge bay to the Barony Sports Village entrance is approximately 190m.
Drop-off Point
- There is a designated drop-off point available.
- The designated drop-off point is located on the left as you enter the car park off Underwood Road, in front of the building.
- There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the drop-off point.
- There is a clearly signed and marked designated Blue Badge drop-off bay nearest the building which offers a marked hatched zone to the side and front.
Parking (Ayr Road - Main Public Parking)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located off Ayr Road.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac and block paving.
- There are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 250cm (width) x 500cm (depth).
- There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
- The width of the marked zone is 130cm.
- The nearest designated bay is 550m from the entrance.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes.
- There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- Parking is free for all users.
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Electric Vehicle Charging Points
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- There are 2 electric vehicle charging points.
- The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 250cm (width) x 500cm (depth).
- The controls are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The charging points require tap and pay (contactless payment).
- There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point available.
- The designated drop-off point is located at the end of the car park.
- There is no dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
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Public Car Parks
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- This car park is over 500m from the entrance, although it is directly next to the some of the sports fields.
Entrance
- This entrance is located at the front of the building.
- The entrance area is not clearly signed.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
- There is step-free level access at the entrance.
- There is an intercom at a height of 113cm.
- There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
- The doors open towards you.
- The width of the opening is 162cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a low visual contrast.
- There is a second set of double automatic doors.
- The second set of doors open towards you.
- The width of the opening is 161cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
Reception
- The reception is located ahead as you enter.
- The distance from the entrance is 5m.
- There is step-free level access to reception.
- The height of the reception desk is 111cm.
- There is a lowered section at the desk.
- The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
- The reception has mirrors and glazed screens.
- There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Opening Times (Pipers' Café)
- Monday 08:00 - 15:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 15:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 15:00.
- Thursday 08:00 - 15:00.
- Friday 08:00 - 15:00.
Eating and Drinking (Pipers' Café - Entrance Foyer)
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Location and Access
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- The Pipers' Café is located in the reception entrance foyer, to the left as you enter.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
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Service
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- This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered and staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
- Full table service is not available.
- Menus are wall-mounted and displayed on the counter.
- The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian.
- The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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Order and Payment
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- The payment counter was surveyed.
- The counter is located to the rear of the café.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 90cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has glazed screens.
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Seating Area
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- There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
- There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, armchairs, benches and stools.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables, coffee tables and long tables.
- 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 vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Getting Around
- There is step-free level access throughout walkways, this may include the use of a lift.
- Access throughout may include manual doors and doors permanently held open.
- The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
- There may be background noise.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
- Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests, sofas and high stools.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Dining Room
- The dining room is located to the left as you enter.
- There is step-free level access into the dining room.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
- Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests, benches, stools and high stools.
- Furniture available in the room includes: tables, high tables, long tables and booths.
- Some seating and tables are fixed.
- The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- There is a similar dining area on the first floor directly above this, and a further similar café and dining area to the right of the ground floor.
Theatre (Auditorium - Ground and First Floor)
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Theatre Information
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- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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Auditorium
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- The most accessible route to the auditorium has step-free level access and manual doors.
- There is step-free level access to a row of seating.
- The following rows have stepped access: all rows of seating behind the first fixed row at the front of the seating.
- Seating available includes: chairs without armrests and flip-down seats without armrests.
- There is a partition wall on the first floor balcony level which opens to provide more step-free space, and further fold down seating with stepped access.
There is a narrow balcony with the partition wall in place.
Room (The Barony Board Room)
- Board.
- The room is located through to the right of the building.
- The distance from the entrance is 120m.
- The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free level access into the room.
- There is a single manual door with a medium visual contrast.
- The door opens away from you.
- The width of the opening is 86cm.
- There is step-free level access throughout the room.
- Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- The flooring is patterned.
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests.
- Furniture available in the room includes: long tables.
- Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There may be background noise in this room.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Lift
- The lift surveyed is located through to the left of the building, then right before the rear seating area.
- The distance from the entrance is 105m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and manual doors.
- The ground, first and second floors 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 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 95cm (width) x 203cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Stairs
- The stairs surveyed are located to the left as you enter.
- There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
- The ground, first and second floors can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps have some clear markings 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 steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- The stairs that are part of the seating area only have the handrail on one side as the handrail is wall fixed.
Opening Times (Library)
- The library is open between 08:30-08:45 from Monday to Friday, between 13:40-14:00 from Monday to Thursday (12:30-13:00 on Friday) and between 15:40-16:15 from Monday to Thursday.
Library (First Floor)
- There is step-free level access throughout the library.
- There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
- Seating available in the library includes: chairs without armrests and high stools.
- Furniture available in the library includes: tables, high tables and desks.
- Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- This library is able to provide material in the following formats: large print, ebook and audio.
- Auxiliary aids available in this library include: handheld magnifiers, coloured overlays and headsets.
Counter (Library - First Floor)
- The counter is located to the right as you enter the library.
- The distance from the lift is 70m.
- The most accessible route to the counter has narrow walkways.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 117cm.
- There is a lowered section at the counter.
- The height of the lowered section is 90cm.
- The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Screen (Immersive Cinema - Library - First Floor)
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Access To
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- The screen is located on the first floor, ahead as you enter the library.
- The most accessible route to the screen has step-free level access, a lift, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
- There is step-free level access into the screen.
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
- The door has a locked extension leaf.
- The locked extension leaf can be opened on request .
- The door opens towards you.
- The width of the opening is 87cm.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance before and after screenings.
- This entrance gives access to the rear of the cinema room.
- There is step-free level access as you enter the screen.
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Screen Information
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- The following rows have step-free level access: all rows.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, before and after screenings.
- There are chairs without armrests, beanbags and soft mats available.
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Designated Seating
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- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- There are three projectors/display walls within the immersive cinema room.
Toilet with Adaptations (Pipers' Café - Right Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located to the left as you enter, beside the café counter.
- The distance from the entrance is 15m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 94cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 192cm (width) x 230cm (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 126cm (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 medium visual contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 86cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 72cm 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 medium visual contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 90cm 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 113cm from the floor.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- 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 walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located to the left as you enter, beyond the stairs opposite the dining hall.
- The distance from the entrance is 50m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
- The door opens by sliding and has a high visual contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 183cm (width) x 234cm (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 117cm (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 medium visual contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 96cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 72cm 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 medium visual contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 94cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
- The hand dryer is 95cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a full length mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
- There are no coat hooks.
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Changing Places (Supported Learning Centre - Clos-o-mat - Transfer Both Sides)
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Location and Access
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- The Changing Places facility surveyed is located round to the right as you enter, within the Supported Learning Centre.
- 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 entrance is 75m.
- The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access and manual doors.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens by sliding and has a high visual contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 90cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
- There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
- The dimensions of the facility are 360cm (width) x 395cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
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Toilet Details
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- There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however they are obstructed.
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 93cm.
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 223cm.
- There is an elbow pad flush for the toilet.
- There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
- There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
- The vertical grab rails have a medium visual contrast.
- There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
- The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is located on the dropdown rail.
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Changing Bench and Hoist Details
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- The changing bench is free standing and height adjustable.
- The length of the changing bench is 180cm.
- The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
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Shower Details
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- There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
- The shower controls are push.
- There is no shower seat, but one can be requested in advance.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.
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Other Facilities
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- There is a height adjustable wash basin.
- The wash basin has a sensor tap.
- There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 96cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- A wide paper roll dispenser is not available.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
- The hand dryer is 95cm 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 facility has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There are no coat hooks.
- A privacy screen is available.
- The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There were two changing benches available in the room at the time of survey (2026).
Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Meditation Station)
- The room surveyed is located round to the left as you enter, beyond the drama/stage room.
- The distance from the entrance is 70m.
- The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
- There is step-free level access into the room.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 94cm.
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 93cm.
- There is a wash basin, a hand dryer and a mirror in the room.
- The wash basin has a sensor tap.
- The room has no disposal facilities.
- Seating available in the room includes: armchairs.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
