Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Swalecliffe Day Opportunities Centre

Longfield Close, Swalecliffe, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 2SP

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

Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • 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 can 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 mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include mobile hoists, ceiling track hoists, wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs, tri wheel walkers, commodes, walking sticks, walking frames, hoist slings and adjustable beds.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact any member of staff.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
  • Parking View
    • The car park is located at the front of the venue.
    • 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) is/are signposted and have markings which are faded.
    • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 220cm x 490cm.
    • 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 22m from the main 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 tarmac and block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • 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 a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 145cm (4ft 9in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 105cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located immediately to the right as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is not staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building.
  • Circulation View
    • There are 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 and laminate.
    • 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.
    • There is a play/activity area located directly opposite the main entrance in the conservatory.
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • 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.

Entrance (Garden Entrance 1)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located within the conservatory, on the right end of the far wall.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 75cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located immediately after the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • At the top of the ramp there is a large lip that may be difficult to overcome unaided.

Entrance (Garden Entrance 2)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located within the conservatory on the left of the far wall.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 70cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located immediately after the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • Comments View
    • At the top of the ramp there is a large lip that might be difficult to overcome unaided.

Room(s) (Conservatory)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was The conservatory.
    • The conservatory is located opposite the main 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 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 double.
    • 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).
    • 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 70cm.
    • 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 wood and laminate.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • At the entrance to the conservatory there is a lip of 3cm (see photographs 3 and 4).
    • There are 2 exit doors that lead into the garden.
    • They are both heavy, manual doors, 1 double and 1 single, that open away from you with an access width of 140cm (with 1 side locked) and 75cm respectively.
    • At both exits there are steep ramps.
    • At the top of the ramps there is a large lip at the door frame.

Garden/Activities

  • At the rear of the venue there is a garden area with a greenhouse.
  • There are paths that are uneven with slopes.
  • Some of the pathway are paved and some are compressed dirt.
  • The entrances to the greenhouses all have small lips at the thresholds.
  • There is garden furniture with seats that have armrests available.

Changing Places

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located on the main corridor, past the reception office.
    • The facility is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the main entrance.
    • The facility is not in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
    • The facility is located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
    • There is level access into the facility.
    • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • 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 door opens inwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 580cm x 310cm .
    • The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
    • There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 215cm (7ft 1in).
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 365cm (11ft 12in).
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • There are no vertical grab rails for the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 80cm.
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head can be placed between 120cm and 140cm when mounted.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There is a vertical grab rail for the shower.
    • The colour contrast between the vertical grab rail(s) for the shower and wall is high.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 80cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The wide paper roll dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 95cm.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the hand dryer is 80cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 75cm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a/are pedal bin, female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is not an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • There is not a coat hook.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) for public use.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the main corridor to the right of reception.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the female toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is available.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail to the right of the seat.
    • There is a lowered wash basin.
    • The height of the lowered wash basin is 80cm.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the main corridor to the right of reception.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is not a lowered urinal.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is available.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail to the left of the seat.
    • There is a lowered wash basin.
    • The height of the lowered wash basin is 80cm.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.