Access Guide
Overview
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About
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- This is a museum and art gallery with multiple services available.
- Services available in the venue include: a café, a shop, a library, a community space and various exhibitions.
- View information on opening times
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue does not have its own car park.
- There is a drop-off point and on-street standard parking.
- The name of the nearest car park is Top O' Town Car Park.
- View information on Top O' Town car park, Dorchester (opens new tab) .
- The nearest train station is Dorchester West.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google (opens new tab).
- View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
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Getting In and Around
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- There is step-free access via slope at the most accessible entrance.
- There is step-free level access throughout, this may include the use of a lift.
- Access throughout may include doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
- The lower ground, ground, first and second floors can be accessed via a standard lift, a platform 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.
- There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
- The designated safe space is located on the second floor.
- Documents are available in the following formats: Braille (on request) and large print (on request).
- There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
- There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
- Staff receive the following training: Disability confidence training, Dorset Blind Association training.
Toilet and Changing Facilities
- There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
- Toilets with adaptations are located on the ground, first and second floors.
- The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
- The male and female toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
- The Changing Places toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
- Parent and baby changing facilities are located to the left rear of the ground floor.
Parking
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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 Directly outside the entrance to the museum, in the bus layby.
- There is no dropped kerb from the drop-off point.
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On-street Parking
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- On-street standard parking is available.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is a public car park located The nearest public car park is situated off Poundbury Road.
- The name of the car park is Top O' Town Car Park.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.
Drop-off Point
- There is a designated drop-off point available.
- The designated drop-off point is located in the bus stop bay directly outside the entrance.
Entrance
- This entrance is located at the front of the building.
- 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 slope at the entrance.
- The slope has a slight gradient.
- There are double manual doors at this entrance.
- The doors are permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 148cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a high colour contrast.
- There is a second set of double automatic doors .
- The second set of doors open away from you.
- The width of the opening is 156cm.
- The second set of doors have a high colour contrast.
- There is step-free level access as you enter.
Getting Around
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
- Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
- The flooring is shiny and patterned.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of walkways.
- There may be background noise.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout.
- Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Lift (Main)
- The lift surveyed is located to the left of the ground floor corridor.
- The distance from the entrance is 60m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- Lower Ground, Ground, First, Second Floors are accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a high colour 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, Braille markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 101cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 208cm (width) x 107cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- The majority of the internal 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.
- There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.
Stairs
- The stairs surveyed are located on the ground floor by the Lulworth Gallery.
- The lower ground, ground, first and second floors can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail on the right going up.
- The handrail is easy to grip.
- The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrail extends horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 18cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor Left Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor to the left of the shop counter.
- The distance from 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 written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high colour contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 179cm (width) x 300cm (depth) and there is 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 112cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
- 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 colour contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet seat is 49cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 103cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 74cm 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 colour contrast.
- There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 104cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There is one coat hook.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located in the corridor on the left, just past the shop 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 written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
Changing Places (Left Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The Changing Places facility surveyed is located on the ground floor in the left hand corridor after exiting the shop.
- 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 60m.
- The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has a very easy 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 colour contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 100cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high colour contrast.
- The dimensions of the facility are 303cm (width) x 397cm (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 a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 172cm.
- There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
- There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
- 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 colour contrast.
- The toilet seat is 49cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
- There is not a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
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Changing Bench and Hoist Details
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- The changing bench is wall mounted 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 lever mixer.
- There is no shower seat.
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Other Facilities
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- 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 colour contrast.
- There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
- There are paper towels for drying hands.
- The towel dispenser has a low colour contrast.
- The towel dispenser is 85cm from the floor.
- A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
- The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 83cm.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 82cm 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 facility has a nappy/incontinence items bin, a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
- There are two coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 94cm and 129cm from the floor.
- A privacy screen is available.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room
- The room surveyed is located on the ground floor next to the main lift.
- The distance from the entrance is 65m.
- The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
- 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 colour contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 99cm.
- There is a wash basin, a paper towel dispenser and a coat hook in the room.
- The wash basin has a push tap.
- The room has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
Exhibition Space (Ground floor)
- This area is indoors.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The flooring is shiny.
- The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
- There may be background noise.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There are video panels at a height of 96cm and a microscope exhibit at a height of 81cm.
There are small step stools at some exhibits.
Exhibition Space (First floor)
- This area is indoors.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The flooring is shiny and patterned.
- The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
- There is no (or very little) background noise.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- Seating available in this area includes: sofas and benches.
Toilet with Adaptations (First floor - Right Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located to the right of the stairs as you reach the first floor.
- The distance from the entrance is 60m.
- 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 written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high colour contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 241cm (width) x 283cm (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 170cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
- 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 colour contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet seat is 49cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 127cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 73cm 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 colour contrast.
- There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a medium colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 97cm 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 no shelf.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There is one coat hook.
- The coat hook is 159cm from the floor.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 100cm.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Exhibition Space (Second floor)
- This area is indoors.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
- There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- Some flooring is shiny.
- The walls and floor have a low colour 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: chairs with armrests and benches.
Toilet with Adaptations (Second floor - Right Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located immediately to the left as you exit the main lift on the second floor.
- The distance from the entrance is 70m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and a lift.
- 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 colour contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high colour contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 169cm (width) x 253cm (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 100cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
- 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 colour contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet seat is 49cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 99cm 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 high colour contrast.
- There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 97cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There is one coat hook.
- The coat hook is 156cm from the floor.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 98cm.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
Exhibition Space (Lower ground floor)
- This area is indoors.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- There is no (or very little) background noise.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Access To (Shop)
- To the left as you enter.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There is written text signage on or near the entrance.
- There is step-free level access into the shop.
- There are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 171cm.
- The doors have a high colour contrast.
Getting Around (Shop)
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- There is a low colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of walkways.
- There may be background noise.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout.
- Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
Counter (Shop)
- The counter is located just to the right as you enter.
- The distance from the entrance is 5m.
- 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 106cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has a television which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- There is background noise in this area.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
Exit (Shop)
- There is step-free level access at the exit.
- There are double manual doors at this exit.
- The doors are permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 116cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a high colour contrast.
- There is step-free level access as you exit.
Access To (Taste Café)
- The Taste Café is immediately to the right as you enter the building.
- The distance from the entrance is 5m.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There is written text signage on or near the entrance.
- There is step-free level access into the café.
- There are double manual doors which open away from you.
- The width of the opening is 185cm.
- The doors have a high colour contrast.
Eating and Drinking
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Location and Service
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- This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
- Full table service is available.
- Menus are handheld and displayed on the counter.
- The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
- The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups, easy grip cutlery and takeaway cutlery.
- 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.
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Order and Payment
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- The service counter was surveyed.
- The counter is located directly ahead as you enter the Taste Café.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 95cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has windows and glazed screens which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
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Seating Area
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- 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 flooring is patterned.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
- The seating and tables are fixed.
- The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- There is background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Getting Around (Taste Café)
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- Access throughout may include doors permanently held open and narrow openings.
- The flooring is patterned.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- There may be background noise.
- Wayfinding signage is not provided.
- Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Exit (Taste Café)
- The exit area is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free level access at the exit.
- There are double manual doors at this exit.
- The doors are permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 148cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a high colour contrast.
- There is step-free level access as you exit.
Lift (Platform)
- The lift surveyed is located to the left of the ground floor corridor.
- The distance from the entrance is 50m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has a steep ramp or slope.
- The ground floor and the library on the first floor are accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a low colour 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 high colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 88cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 97cm (width) x 142cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All 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.
- Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.
Library
- There is step-free level access throughout the library, this may include the use of a lift.
- Access throughout the library may include doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
- 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 flooring is shiny.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Seating available in the library includes: chairs with armrests.
- Furniture available in the library includes: tables.
- The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.