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National Museum of Scotland - Learning Centre

Chambers Street, EH1 1JF

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Access Guide

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Learning Centre Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located centrally, near the learning centre.
  • The distance from the main gallery lifts is 30m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
  • Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a medium visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 90cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 140cm (width) x 150cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.

Learning Centre Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located to the right of the main entrance.
  • There are permanently held open doors to access the stairwell.
  • Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps have open risers.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

South Atrium and Learning Centre Entrance

  • This entrance is located to the rear of the museum, on level 1.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance, however one door is locked.
  • The locked door can be opened on request.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The doors are easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 225cm.
  • The doors has a low visual contrast.
  • These doors are likely to be held open for large events.
  • There is external access for some events out of normal museum operating hours.
  • There is also an entrance to the right hand side, for the learning centre stairs and lift.

South Atrium Auditorium

  • Auditorium View
    • The most accessible route to the auditorium has a lift, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access to a row of seating, this may include the use of a lift.
    • There is a designated seating area.
    • The following rows have stepped access: the upper level seating.
    • Seating available includes: flip-down seats with armrests.
    • The designated seating for wheelchair users is on the front row on the lower level.
    • Access to the auditorium is possible via the upper and lower levels.
    • There are manual, double doors, which are held open before and after event screenings.
    • The opening width of the doors is 132cm.

Event Space

  • The event space is located in the learning centre, on the level above the South Atrium.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 155cm.
  • Facilities available in this area include: standard and accessible toilets and access to the upper level of the auditorium.
  • The layout of this space may change depending on the event.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Seminar Room

  • The room is located on level 4 of the learning centre.
  • The distance from the lift is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables and desks.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a television with subtitles.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Studio 1

  • The room is located on level 4 of the learning centre.
  • The distance from the lift is 25m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access, a lift and doors permanently held open.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 86cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a television with subtitles and a wash basin.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Studio 2

  • The room is located on level 4 of the learning centre.
  • The distance from the lift is 23m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and a lift.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 85cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a television with subtitles and a wash basin.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Toilet with Adaptations (Learning Centre - Auditorium - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located in the Learning Centre near the Atrium Auditorium.
    • The distance from the Learning Centre entrance is 15m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, a lift, a slight ramp or slope, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 94cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 215cm (width) x 220cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 147cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 71cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 105cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 112cm and 175cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 80cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Learning Centre - Level 4 Studios - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on level 4, near the studios in the Learning Centre.
    • The distance from the lift is 21m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, a lift and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 170cm (width) x 280cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 105cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 44cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 71cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 112cm and 178cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 91cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.