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Ashford North Youth Centre

Mabledon Avenue, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8BJ

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • Ashford North Youth Centre please click here (new tab).
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request, different languages on request and audio on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are not mobility aids available.

Community Centre

  • Services/facilities provided include; youth services for young people and an access club for youths with disabilities.
    There are different group activities tailored for specific needs.
  • Services/facilities within the building include staff offices, a kitchen, a large main hall, accessible and standard toilets, and individual rooms that can be used for classes, including an art room.
  • Services / facilities within the grounds include the main Youth Hub Centre, parking facilities, a separate office and a gym room separate from the main building.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
  • Parking View
    • The car park is located off Essella Road.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 240cm x 480cm.
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
    • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
  • Paying View
    • There are no parking charges for the car park.
    • Parking is free for visitors of the venue.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac and concrete.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • There is no tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 8m from the youth hub entrance.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).

Approach

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles and block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

Outside Access (Youth Hub Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the south-west side of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 100cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 190cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar set of double doors that are manual, heavy, and open towards you.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and laminate.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

Kitchen

  • The kitchen is located at the south end of the main room.
  • There is step-free access to the kitchen.
  • There is a/are door(s) to access the kitchen.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the kitchen.
  • There is a dual height refreshment counter.
  • The dual work surface heights are 76cm and 90cm.
  • There is a work surface with a clear knee recess.
  • There is not a height adjustable work surface.
  • The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
  • There are chairs without armrests within the kitchen.
  • Chairs are not permanently fixed.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • Takeaway cups are not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Room(s) (Arts Room)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Arts Room.
    • Arts Room is located opposite the kitchen, within the main room.
    • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single (with an unlocked extension leaf).
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is some fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 70cm and 90cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is wood.
    • There is flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a work bench and sink at the rear of the room at 90cm high and with lever mixer taps.

Room(s) (Main Room)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Main Room.
    • Main Room is located straight ahead as you enter the youth hub entrance.
    • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • This room has a television screen.
    • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is some fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 80cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is laminate.
    • There is flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • This venue was not open at the time of the survey, so the main room was used for some storage which would be cleared when reopened.

Room(s) (Family Room)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Family Room.
    • Family Room is located at the north-east end of the main room.
    • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single (with an unlocked extension leaf).
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are some chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Room(s) (Gym)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Gym.
    • Gym is located opposite the main youth hub building.
    • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door may be difficult for some to open.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is some fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • Furniture can be reconfigured to allow a turning space for wheelchair users.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is concrete.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Room(s) (Meeting Room)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Meeting Room.
    • Meeting Room is located opposite the main youth hub venue.
    • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 70cm.
    • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • This room has a television screen.
    • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 70cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There are some chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Youth Hub)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located opposite the youth hub entrance, within the main room.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the youth hub entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 220cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/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.
    • 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 next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 80cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Youth Hub)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located opposite the youth hub entrance.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the youth hub entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is not a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is a lowered wash basin.
    • The height of the lowered wash basin is 80cm.
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.