Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Dorset Museum and Art Gallery

High West Street, Dorset, DT1 1XA

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

Overview

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

  • Drop-off Point View
    • 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.
  • On-street Parking View
    • On-street standard parking is available.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • 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)

  • Location and Access View
    • 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.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • 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)

  • Location and Access View
    • 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)

  • Location and Access View
    • 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).
  • Toilet Details View
    • 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.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • 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.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is no shower seat.
  • 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 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)

  • Location and Access View
    • 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.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • 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)

  • Location and Access View
    • 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.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • 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

  • Location and Service View
    • 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.
  • Order and Payment View
    • 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.
  • Seating Area View
    • 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.