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TouchBase Pears - Main Building Guide

750 Bristol Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6NA

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • Sense TouchBase Pears please click here (new tab).
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • There is a member of staff trained in basic British Sign Language.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in Irish Sign Language.
  • Irish 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 and different languages on request.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located in the garden.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include mobile hoists, ceiling track hoists and adjustable beds.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact the reception staff.
  • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
  • There are dimmable lights in the main foyer that respond to outdoor brightness.
  • Most of the signage on the teaching/sensory/quiet rooms contains objects of reference to aid with identification.
  • The main reception can offer deaf alerter buzzers to visitors to wear in case of a fire alarm.
  • There is a dog toileting area located in the car park. ISL interpreters and documents in alternative formats (braille, large print, Makaton and other languages) are available upon request in advance of your visit.

Parking

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located in front of the main entrance.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
    • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 9 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 240cm x 520cm (7ft 10in x 17ft 1in).
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The marked zones around the Blue Badge parking bay(s) have at least the recommended width of 120cm.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Paying View
    • There are no parking charges for the car park.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
    • The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac.
    • 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 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
  • Comments View
    • The entrance barrier has a camera and visitors can use BSL when making contact with the venue.

Outside Access (Bristol Road)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left side of the venue.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Break the barrier'.
    • There is step-free 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.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 132cm (4ft 4in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 148cm (4ft 10in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 236cm.
    • 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 190cm.

Outside Access (Café and Library Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Sense cafe'.
    • 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 164cm.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the venue.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'TouchBase Pears'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is 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 a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 149cm (4ft 11in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 249cm.
    • 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 187cm.

Getting Around (Main Foyer)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • Circulation View
    • There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl.
    • 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 is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a play/activity area located The Hub is located to the right just past the main reception.
    • There is an events area located The Buzz is located to the right far end of the foyer.
    • 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 not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
  • Comments View
    • There is a mixture of high and low tables.
    • The height of the tables are between 40cm and 105cm.

Reception (Main Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right as you enter through the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) 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 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 76cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • 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 29/06/2023.
    • The hearing loop was not working at the time of testing.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided in the reception area.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Reception Seating Area View
    • There is not a seating area close to the reception point.
  • Comments View
    • The hearing loop had a broken wire and a replacement has been sent.

Library (Selly Oak)

  • The library is located to the left of the café.
  • The library is 5m from the café and library entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the library.
  • There is step-free access within the library.
  • The type of flooring in the library is carpet and vinyl.
  • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There are potential trip hazards within the room.
  • Trip hazards are present in the form of carpets.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in audio format.
  • Braille, Large Print and audio formats can be requested through the library.
  • There is an ordering service.
  • There is a self service book borrow/return machine available.
  • The self service machine touch screen is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There are reading/study desks available.
  • The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 85cm in height.
  • There are no height adjustable desks available.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
  • The library does not have a computer area.
  • Comments View
    • A member of staff may be available, subject to timetabling.
    • Please contact the library in advance if you feel that you may require assistance.

Eating and Drinking (Sense Café)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located at rear of the building.
    • There is step-free access to the café.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include: written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold drinks and snacks.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 76cm.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the tray counter/rail is 76cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 41cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 69cm.
    • Some tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • In this area there are coffee tables and long tables.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (The Buzz)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The room surveyed was The Buzz.
    • The Buzz is located to the right of the main foyer past the main reception.
    • There is not wayfinding signage for the room.
    • There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
    • There is written signage for the room(s), in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
    • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • There is step-free access.
    • The 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 112cm.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • Room Details View
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a second door to enter the room. The door opens away from you (push). The door is a single door with a locked extension leaf. The door may be difficult to open. The width of the door is 119cm. A hearing loop is available for The Buzz room.

Toilet with Adaptations (Café and Library - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the rear of the library and inside the cafe.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the café and library entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 234cm (6ft 7in x 7ft 8in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 132cm (4ft 4in).
    • 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 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 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.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot 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 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Additional Fixtures and Fittings View
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 140cm from the floor.
    • 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 within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 86cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 111cm (3ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 103cm.

Toilet with Adaptations (Main Foyer - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the far left of main foyer.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 32m (34yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 201cm x 220cm (6ft 7in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 151cm (4ft 11in).
    • 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 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 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.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Additional Fixtures and Fittings View
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 140cm from the floor.
    • 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 within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) 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 contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 86cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.