Access Guide
Getting To and Around Fitzwilliam College
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Arriving By Car or Bike
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- Fitzwilliam College is on the northwest side of Cambridge, between Huntingdon Road and Storey's Way and it can be accessed from both roads. The main entrance is located on Storey's Way.
- Fitzwilliam College has two car parks, one at the main (south) entrance on Storey's Way, the other on Huntingdon Road (north entrance). If you are a visitor and wish to use the car park please report to the Porters' Lodge on Storey's Way. If you are a conference guest you must speak to your conference organiser. In addition, on-street car parking is available along Storey's Way by the College entrance. Students are generally not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements.
- Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes. The College has plenty of on-site storage for bicycles, including to the rear of Blocks A-D and next to the Porters' Lodge.
- For more information on visiting Fitzwilliam College please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
- There are bus stops in Huntingdon Road close to the College.
The bus services that stop in Huntingdon Road include; 5 citi and 6 citi.
These bus services give direct links to; Oakington, Swavesey, Bar Hill, Fenstanton, Madingley, and Cambridge city centre.
The main bus station in Drummer Street is approximately 1.2 miles away from Fitzwilliam College. - Cambridge City Centre Bus Station AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.
- For more information on planning a journey by bus please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Cambridge.
- Cambridge Station is approximately 2.1 miles away from Fitzwilliam College. The station has direct links to London Kings Cross, London Liverpool Street, Cambridge North, Kings Lynn, Stansted Airport, Brighton, Ipswich and Norwich. The rail companies that operate out of this station are; Cross Country, Great Northern, Thameslink and Greater Anglia.
- For more information on Cambridge Station please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on planning a train journey to Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
- Cambridge Railway Station AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.
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Accessing the College Site
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- The main (south) entrance to the College site is located at the south side of the College site off Storey’s Way. Access is to the right of the Porters’ Lodge and through a foyer out to Gatehouse Court.
- The first door is level, with a slightly raised threshold, and opens automatically with a key card (photograph 1). The width of the door opening is 96cm and the height of the car reader is 104cm.
- The second door to exit, at the rear of the foyer, is power assisted and opens away from you (photograph 2).
- The opening width of the door is 93cm. After exiting the foyer there is a sloped path with a slight upwards gradient leading out to Gatehouse Court (photograph 3).
- Alternative pedestrian access to the site, for key card holders, is via the north entrance which is located off Huntingdon Road next to the main car park (photograph 4).
- Access to this entrance is via ramp or steps to either side (the ramps can be used to bypass the steps). The ramp to the right of the entrance has an easier gradient (photograph 5).
- There are two steps to the right of the entrance and four steps to the left. Both sets have handrails on both sides. Photograph 6 shows the steps to the left of the entrance which can be bypassed by a ramp.
- There are two sets of doors at this entrance (photographs 7 and 8). The first set of doors is key card activated and opens automatically towards you. The width of the door opening is 88cm and the height of the card reader is 92cm. There is also an intercom system at a height of 110cm. The second door opens automatically away from you and has an opening width of 84cm. This entrance gives access to the site through D Block next to Tree Court.
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Getting Around the College Site
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- The external areas of the College site have an extensive network of paths. The paths mostly have a flagstone paving surface which may be slightly uneven in places (photographs 9 to 15).
- At time of survey (September 2025) construction work had altered the access routes around the campus.
- With access between Gatehouse Court and New Court and the rest of the campus being via a manned crossing situated between Gatehouse Court and Wilson Court (photograph 16).
- There is an access road to the rear of Blocks J to S that has a tarmac surface
- The walkways around Fellows' Court are tiled (photograph 17).
- Due to ongoing construction works at the time of survey (September 2025) the most accessible route into Fellows Court is via the path located towards the north of Tree Court (photograph 18).
- Due to ongoing construction works at the time of survey (September 2025) the alternative route to access Fellows Court is heavily restricted and only has a width of 67cm at its narrowest point (photograph 19).
- The site is mostly quite flat, however, there are some stepped and sloped sections along the paths. Steps can be bypassed by taking alternative routes. There are bench seats for resting throughout the College site.
- The Chapel and it's immediate surroundings are closed at time of survey (September 2025) due to construction work.
- A temporary chapel has been established within the Trust Room in stairway L.
- There are some steep gradients on sections of the paths, such as; outside the Auditorium, outside Block L (photograph 20) and leading down to the Hall Building in Tree Court (photograph 21).
- Stepped sections between The Grove and the Hall Building and outside Block L (photograph 22) can be bypassed using the Tree Court paths with steep slopes.
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Additional College Site Information
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- There is extensive directional signage around the College site which makes navigation easier for those unfamiliar with the layout (photographs 23).
- The signage is consistent and clearly presented with good colour contrast.
Accessible toilet facilities are located in the main (south) entrance foyer, the Hall Building, Wilson Court and the Auditorium.
- There is extensive directional signage around the College site which makes navigation easier for those unfamiliar with the layout (photographs 23).
Useful Information
- To see more information on Accessibility and Disability Support please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on University of Cambridge Disability Resource Centre please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01223 332 301.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on Fitzwilliam Admissions please click here (opens new tab).
- Email: [email protected].
Site/Campus Car Park (South Car Park)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located at the front of the College site, off Storey's Way.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Porters' Lodge and the Gatehouse.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park surface is loose chippings.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 319cm x 432cm.
- The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone only at the rear.
- The marked zone is 71cm wide.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by staff, visitors and Blue Badge holders.
- There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- There is step free access from this car park.
- Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
- There is not a campus map available within the car park.
- The nearest designated bay is 17m (18yd 1ft) from the South/Main Entrance.
- Of the two blue bade bays one is clearly marked and signposted and the other is just signposted.
The path leading to the South/Main Entrance from the car park is 125cm wide .
There is an area off this car park specifically for Fellows' parking.
There are two electric vehicle charging available in the car park.
Site/Campus Car Park (North Car Park)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located at the rear of the College, off Huntingdon Road.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 240cm x 480cm.
- The marked zone is 130cm wide.
- The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by staff and visitors.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- There is step free access from this car park.
- Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
- There is not a campus map available within the car park.
- Of the two blue badge bays one has hatched marking on either side and the other on both sides.
There are four electric vehicle charging bays available within the car park.
Getting To (The Student Accommodation)
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Location
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- The Student Accommodation is located around the edge of Fitzwilliam College, with the accessible rooms located in Blocks A, B, X and Y.
- A and B are located off Tree Court and X and Y are located off Wilson Court.
- There is not wayfinding signage along the route to the Student Accommodation.
- Fitzwilliam College link (new tab) - click here.
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Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
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- Shared standard toilet facilities are located in Blocks A and B on the ground, first and second floors.
Outside Access (A)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of A Block, off Tree Court.
- This entrance gives access to the ground floor stairwell of A Block.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'A'.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the key fob reader is 108cm.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The exit push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 90cm.
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Comments
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- There are similar entrances into the other accommodation blocks.
- The entrance into Block B can be seen in photograph 2.
Getting Around (A)
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Access
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- There is step-free access throughout the area.
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Circulation
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- There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
- There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is not provided.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Audio
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- This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
Accommodation (A03)
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Accessible Room Information
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- This type of accessible room is located in Blocks A, B X and Y.
- There is step-free access to this type of accessible room.
- Residents need to open a door between the entrance and the room(s).
- The room surveyed does not have an adjoining room.
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Accessible Room Features
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- The accessible room surveyed is located to the left of Block A on the ground floor.
- The accessible room surveyed at the time of the visit was A03.
- There is step-free access to the accessible room surveyed.
- The visual contrast between the external room door and wall is high.
- The door is manual with a key fob lock.
- The fob/card reader height is 107cm.
- The width of the door is 77cm.
- There are not lowered spy holes available.
- The visual contrast between the internal room door and wall is high.
- The bed height is not adjustable.
- The height of the bed is 53cm (1ft 9in).
- The measurement between the bed base and floor is 30cm (12in).
- The bed is not moveable.
- The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
- The desk is height adjustable.
- The desk knee recess has the recommended dimensions of 70cm (height) x 50cm (depth).
- The room surveyed had a height adjustable chair without armrests.
- Wardrobes have not been adapted to allow use from a seated position.
- Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- Electric sockets are between 40cm and 100cm (4ft) from floor level.
- The window control type(s) for the room is a/are standard lever(s).
- The window controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- There is not an emergency alarm in the room.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- The type of flooring is carpet.
- The visual contrast between the room walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels in the room are good.
- The desk within the room is height adjustable.
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Bathroom Facilities
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- This information relates to the ensuite.
- The visual contrast between the external bathroom door and wall is high.
- The bathroom door opens inwards.
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the door into the bathroom is 80cm.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The visual contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is high.
- The dimensions of the bathroom are 217cm x 245cm.
- The bathroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The bathroom has a non-slip floor.
- The visual contrast between the bathroom walls and floor is high.
- There is not an emergency alarm within the bathroom.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the bathroom.
- Disposal facilities are not available.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf immediately next to or behind the toilet.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 73cm.
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- There is no soap available.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The lighting levels in the bathroom are good.
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Toilet Details
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- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat visual contrast is low.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 140cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
- The visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 108cm (3ft 7in).
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Shower Details
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- The ensuite has a wheel in shower.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The shower control type is lever.
- Shower controls have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
- The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 52cm (1ft 8in).
- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available for the shower.
- Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
- There is a single vertical grab rail to assist standing users.
- The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
- The visual contrast between the shower dropdown rail(s) and wall is/are high.
- There is also a fixed shower head at a height of 208cm.
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Comments
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- B03 is a similar accessible room in Block B which has an emergency alarm (Photographs 7, 8, 9 and 10).
Kitchen/Dining Area (A)
- The kitchen/dining area is accessed by a single door with an opening width of over 75cm.
- The door is not push pad activated.
- Lowered work surfaces are not available.
- The height of the lowest work surface is 90cm.
- There is a height adjustable work surface (which includes the hob).
- The kitchen does have an unobstructed floor space of at least 150cm × 150cm.
- There is not a knee recess under a work surface.
- There are some low level cupboards.
- The height of the dining table is 75cm.
- There are dining chairs without armrests only.
- There are sofas available in the kitchen. There are coffee tables with a height of 40cm.
- The Kitchen surveyed was on the ground floor.
Other Floors (A)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located ahead as you enter.
- The stairs are approximately 2m from the A Block Entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell from the first floor upwards.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 20cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are not clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
- Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are not easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are good.
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Other Information
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- The room(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are all standard rooms on the first and second floors.
Standard Toilet(s) (A - Ground Floor)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The shared toilet is located towards the rear right of the block.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
- The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are good.
Outside Access (Y)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located off Wilson Court.
- This entrance gives access to Y Block Stairwell.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Y'.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the key fob reader is 125cm.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The exit push pad or push button is 120cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 90cm.
- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
Getting Around (Y)
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Access
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- There is step-free access throughout the area.
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Circulation
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- There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
- There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is not provided.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Audio
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- This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
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Comments
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- The corridors on the first and second floors in Blocks X and Y lead into one another with no doors in between.
Accommodation (Y3)
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Accessible Room Information
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- This type of accessible room is located in Blocks A, B X and Y.
- There is step-free access to this type of accessible room.
- Residents need to open a door between the entrance and the room(s).
- The room surveyed does not have an adjoining room.
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Accessible Room Features
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- The accessible room surveyed is located to the left after you enter.
- The accessible room surveyed at the time of the visit was Y3.
- There is step-free access to the accessible room surveyed.
- The visual contrast between the external room door and wall is high.
- The door is manual with a key lock.
- The keyhole height is 92cm.
- The width of the door is 72cm.
- There are lowered spy holes available.
- The visual contrast between the internal room door and wall is high.
- The bed height is not adjustable.
- The height of the bed is 65cm.
- The measurement between the bed base and floor is 42cm (1ft 5in).
- The bed is not moveable.
- The height of the desk is 70cm.
- The desk is not height adjustable.
- The desk knee recess has the recommended dimensions of 70cm (height) x 50cm (depth).
- The room surveyed had a height adjustable chair without armrests.
- Wardrobes have not been adapted to allow use from a seated position.
- Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- Electric sockets are between 40cm and 100cm (4ft) from floor level.
- The window control type(s) for the room is a/are standard lever(s).
- The window controls are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- There is not an emergency alarm in the room.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- The type of flooring is carpet.
- The visual contrast between the room walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels in the room are good.
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Bathroom Facilities
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- This information relates to the ensuite.
- The visual contrast between the external bathroom door and wall is high.
- The bathroom door opens outwards.
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the door into the bathroom is 77cm.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The visual contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is high.
- The dimensions of the bathroom are 205cm x 165cm.
- The bathroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The bathroom has a non-slip floor.
- The visual contrast between the bathroom walls and floor is high.
- There is not an emergency alarm within the bathroom.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the bathroom.
- Disposal facilities are not available.
- There is a/are general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf immediately next to or behind the toilet.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 78cm.
- There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The lighting levels in the bathroom are good.
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Toilet Details
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- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat visual contrast is low.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 140cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is no dropdown rail.
- There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 76cm (2ft 6in).
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Shower Details
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- The ensuite has a wheel in shower.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The shower control type is twist/turn.
- Shower controls have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
- The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 43cm.
- There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available for the shower.
- There are not horizontal and/or dropdown rails available on both sides of the shower seat.
- There is a similar accessible room in Block X.
Kitchen/Dining Area (Y)
- The kitchen/dining area is accessed by a single door with an opening width of over 75cm.
- The door is not push pad activated.
- Lowered work surfaces are not available.
- The height of the lowest work surface is 90cm.
- The kitchen does not have an unobstructed floor space of at least 150cm × 150cm.
- There is not a knee recess under a work surface.
- There are some low level cupboards.
- The height of the dining table is 73cm.
- Seating for the dining table consists of chairs with armrests and bench seating.
- The kitchen surveyed was on the ground floor.
Other Floors (Y)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located ahead as you enter.
- The stairs are approximately 4m from the Y Block Entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
- Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are good.
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Other Information
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- The room(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are standard accommodation on the first and second floors.
Toilet with Adaptations
- There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
