Access Guide
Summary
- Services/facilities within the venue include an Information Desk, Shop, Café, Galleries, Exhibits, Study Store, School Lunch Area, Toilets and Baby Change Facilities.
- Services / facilities within the grounds include further ground floor Galleries, Exhibits, Theatre, Learning Centre, Mother and Baby Room, a Park and Picnic Area, separate Farmhouse Buildings and Museum with Gardens.
- For the National Museum of Rural Life - Farmhouse AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the National Museum of Rural Life - Getting Around The Farm AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the National Museum of Rural Life - Museum Ground Floor AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the National Museum of Rural Life - Museum to Farm AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
- For the National Museum of Rural Life - Farm Toilets AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
Getting Here
-
By Road
View
- The museum is located to the North West of East Kilbride via Stewartfield Way, close to the A726/A727 interchange.
- There is a car park at the main building and parking can be arranged at the farmhouse buildings off Kittochside Road.
-
By Bus
View
- There is not a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- Bus 31 serving East Kilbride stops around 300m away on Stewartfield Way.
- For more information on buses in East Kilbride please click here (opens new tab).
-
By Train
View
- The nearest Railway Station is Hairmyres.
- Hairmyres station is around 2 miles away.
Taxi and bus routes are available from the station. - For more information on National Rail please click here (opens new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- Staff receive disability awareness/equality training.
- There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- Staff do not receive deaf awareness training.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: Braille on request and large print on request.
- There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/near by.
- The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located to the rear of the main building.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
- There are mobility aids available.
- The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
-
Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the opening is 123cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the opening is 123cm.
-
Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Reception
-
Reception
View
- The reception point is located to the left as you enter.
- The reception point is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the lift.
- There is step-free access to the reception point.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- The height of the reception counter is 120cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a lowered section of the counter.
- The height of the lowered section at the counter is 81cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
- There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 29/11/2022.
- The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
- There is a touch screen.
- 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 tiles.
-
Reception Seating Area
View
- There is a seating area close to the reception point.
- Access to the seating area is unobstructed.
- There are bench seats available.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
-
Comments
View
- There are portable touchscreens available upon request instead of the fixed screen.
Counter (Gift Shop)
-
Counter
View
- The counter is located in the shop, to the right of reception.
- The counter is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the main entrance.
- Clear signage for the counter is visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the counter.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
- There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the counter are good.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a lowered section of the counter.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the counter.
- There is a hearing assistance system at the counter.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is not signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
Getting Around
-
Access
View
- There is step-free access throughout the building.
- There is a slight slope, with a handrail on the right going up, for access to further exhibits and the ground floor.
- The ramp leads all the way round the building down to the ground floor. It can be used to bypass the stairs and lift.
-
Circulation
View
- There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is tiles and concrete.
- 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.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some corridors/walkways.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are good.
- Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
-
Signage
View
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
-
Safe Place(s)
View
- There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
- The place of safety is the First Aid Room on the ground floor. Please ask a member of staff.
-
Audio
View
- This venue does play background music in public areas.
- Music is played in the café.
- There is a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.
- The system is a portable loop.
- The hearing loop is located at reception.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
Attraction / Exhibit (Picture Gallery)
-
Entrance / Opening
View
- There is a single, permanently held open door with an opening width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
-
Attraction / Exhibit
View
- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The type of flooring in this area is concrete.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some areas.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There is some flash photography within this area.
- There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
- All exhibits can be audio described.
- Exhibits are audio described in person.
- There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
- This gallery is located on the glass fronted balcony above the ground floor.
There is a floor rail beneath the pictures on the wall. - There is a low colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
-
Exit
View
- Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
- The exit is not clearly signed internally.
- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
- The exit is step-free.
Attraction / Exhibit (Study Store)
-
Entrance / Opening
View
- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
-
Attraction / Exhibit
View
- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The type of flooring in this area is concrete.
- There is some flooring 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 this area.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There is some flash photography within this area.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
- All exhibits can be audio described.
- Exhibits are audio described in person.
- There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
-
Exit
View
- Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
- The exit is clearly signed internally.
- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
- The exit is step-free.
Attraction / Exhibit (Special Exhibition - Garden Detectives)
-
Entrance / Opening
View
- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
-
Attraction / Exhibit
View
- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The type of flooring in this area is wood.
- There is some flooring 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 this area.
- This area does play background music/sound.
- There is some flash photography within this area.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
- All exhibits can be audio described.
- Exhibits are audio described in person.
- There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
- The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 5cm.
- There is a high colour contrast between some walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
-
Exit
View
- Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.
- The exit is not clearly signed internally.
Attraction / Exhibit (Land Gallery)
-
Entrance / Opening
View
- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
- There is a slight permanent ramp, with a handrail on the right going up, for access to the lower exhibits.
-
Attraction / Exhibit
View
- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The type of flooring in this area is concrete.
- There is some flooring 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 this area.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There is some flash photography within this area.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
- All exhibits can be audio described.
- Exhibits are audio described in person.
- There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
- The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 1cm.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
-
Exit
View
- Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
- The exit is not clearly signed internally.
- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
- The exit is stepped.
- There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, when exiting.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
-
Comments
View
- The main ramp throughout the building is used to bypass the exit steps from the entrance.
- There are handrails on both sides of the ramp near the exit steps (photograph 8).
Schools Lunch Area
- There is a school lunch area located opposite the land gallery.
- This area also has ramped access via the building corridors.
- There are handrails on both sides of the ramps.
- The tables are 70cm in this area.
- There is also a small exhibit in this area dedicated to bees.
- There is a carpeted surface to the bees exhibit.
Eating and Drinking (Shielings Café)
- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located to the right as you enter.
- There is step-free access to the café.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
- The height of the service counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- There is a counter/tray rail at a height of 85cm to allow a disabled person to manoeuvre a tray.
- There is a hearing assistance system .
- The system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is not signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- There is step-free access within the café.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- This area does play background music.
- The type of flooring in this area is tiles and wood.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests on both sides.
- The nearest table is approximately 5m from the entrance/opening.
- The nearest table is approximately 4m from the till/counter.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 45cm.
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 72cm.
- Takeaway cups are available.
- Takeaway cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- There are hand held menus, menu boards/signs and wall menus available.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
- The lighting levels are good.
-
Comments
View
- There are additional seating areas just outside the café off the main entrance foyer.
Other Floors
-
Stairs
View
- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are for public use.
- The stairs are located to the left as you enter, near reception.
- The stairs are approximately 16m from the main entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The steps do have open risers.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are 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 both sides.
- Handrails are 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.
Lift (Front)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the left as you enter, near reception.
- The lift is approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
- The clear door width is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 130cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 3in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing loop system.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are good.
Lift (Side)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the rear right as you enter.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
- The clear door width is 109cm (3ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 170cm x 182cm (5ft 7in x 5ft 12in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing loop system.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Museum - First Floor - Right Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
-
Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter, beyond the stairs.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the main 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 by sliding.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 188cm x 216cm (6ft 2in x 7ft 1in).
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 130cm (4ft 3in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a cleaning wipe stand and a sanitary bin.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not 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 non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 128cm from the floor.
-
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.
- 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- 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 76cm (2ft 6in).
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 102cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 113cm (3ft 8in).
-
Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels are good.
-
Baby Changing Facilities
View
- Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
- The baby change table is not height adjustable.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 88cm (2ft 11in).
Standard Toilet(s) (Museum - First Floor)
- 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 to the left as you enter.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the main 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 a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
- The height of the lowered urinal is 49cm.
- There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the lowered urinal.
- The lowered urinal does not contrast visually with the wall.
- There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair in front of the lowered urinal (90cm x 140cm).
- An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
- Lighting levels are good.