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Black Country Living Museum

Tipton Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 4SQ

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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 slope at the most accessible entrance.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: many areas throughout the venue.
    • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and manual doors.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is no hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
    • 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 first aid room within the visitor centre.
    • British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
    • Documents are available in the following formats: audio commentary.
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Staff receive the following training: First Aid.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 5 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located at the entrance, the Workers Institute, the Elephant and Castle pub, the Bottle and Glass Inn and the Brickworks.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located within the male and female standard toilets.
    • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located on the upper ground floor within the visitor centre.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • The changing facilities which have adaptations are located outside in the yard opposite the visitor entrance.
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the standard toilets on the upper ground floor of the visitor centre.

Parking (Car Park 1)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on Tipton Road.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 14 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 224cm (width) x 600cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 13cm.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 50m from the visitor entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • Payment machines are located inside the venue and inside the main building.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are 6 electric vehicle charging points.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 237cm (width) x 488cm (depth).
    • The controls are 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 an app.

Parking (Car Park 2)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on Tipton Road.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 15 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 236cm (width) x 497cm (depth).
    • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
    • The width of the marked zone is 125cm.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 34m from the visitor centre.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located inside the venue.
    • There is a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a level manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user in front of the payment machine (185cm x 210cm).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located outside the learning centre.

Access To (Car Park 2 to Visitor Entrance)

  • The distance from the accessible parking spaces in Car Park 2 is 15m.
  • The most accessible route has slight ramps or slopes and doors permanently held open.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There is written text signage on or near the entrance.
  • There are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 129cm.
  • The doors have a medium visual contrast.

Entrance (Visitor Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 120cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Toilet with Adaptations (Visitor Centre - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the left hand side from the visitor entrance.
    • The distance from the visitor entrance is 8m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 93cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a low visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 146cm (width) x 268cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (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 low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low 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 medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 92cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 71cm 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 low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 93cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
    • The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 103cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Eating and Drinking (Café Black Country)

  • Location and Access View
    • Café Black Country is located straight ahead and to the left hand side, on the upper ground floor.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
    • The doors open both ways.
    • The doors require effort to open.
    • The width of the opening is 171cm.
  • Service View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered and designated seating.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus are displayed on the counter.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The payment counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located ahead and to the left, from the café entrance.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 90cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 70cm.
    • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • Seating Area View
    • The seating area is uncovered.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and benches.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and long tables.
    • Some 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.
    • There may be 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.
    • There is also an outdoor seating area which accessed via double doors at the rear of the café. The door width is 216cm and the doors open outwards.

Shop (Museum Shop)

  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
    • The majority of product aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
    • Some aisles are obstructed by product bins.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the shelving and floor throughout this area.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise.
    • Signage is not provided.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
    • The venue has a payment counter.
  • Payment Counter View
    • The counter surveyed was to the left hand side after entering the shop.
    • Signage is not provided for the counter.
    • The queue width is at least 150cm and the width at each turn is at least 150cm.
    • The height of the payment counter is 102cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
    • The card payment machine is portable.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located to the left hand side, from the visitor entrance.
  • The distance from the visitor entrance is 15m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The upper ground floor and ground floor are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a low 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 Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 110cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 147cm (width) x 229cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • 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 straight ahead as you enter the visitor centre.
  • The upper ground floor and lower ground floor 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 17cm.
  • 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.

Reception

  • The reception is located on the lower ground floor of the visitor centre.
  • The distance from the lifts is 7m.
  • The height of the reception desk is 102cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Changing Places

  • Location and Access View
    • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located at Brook Entrance, opposite the Visitors Centre.
    • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
    • There is 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 visitor welcome centre is 23m.
    • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has slight ramps or slopes.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • A RADAR key is required for access to this facility.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • 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 280cm (width) x 550cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
  • Toilet Details View
    • 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 348cm.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 83cm.
    • There is a spatula flush on the left transfer side.
    • There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The horizontal grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is located on the dropdown rail.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The changing bench is free standing and height adjustable.
    • The length of the changing bench is 195cm.
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is an adjustable shower head.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 47cm from the floor.
  • Other Facilities View
    • There is a height adjustable wash basin.
    • 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.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 114cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
    • A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 99cm.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low 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 an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The facility has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 109cm and 142cm from the floor.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Exhibition Space (Bradburn and Wedge Motor Garage and the Vehicle Sheds)

  • This area is indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches.
  • There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
  • The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the tour.
  • Access throughout the tour may include narrow walkways.