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TouchBase Pears - Performing Arts Centre

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 (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.

Entrance (Arts and Wellbeing Studios)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the main building reception.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 102cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 106cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 91cm.

Room(s) (Music Room)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was The Music Room.
    • The Music Room is located along the arts and wellbeing corridor at the far right of the building.
    • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • There is written signage for the room, 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) 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.
    • 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 fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 71cm.
    • 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 vinyl.
    • 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.
    • There is a steep ramp to access the piano area. The width of the ramp is 81cm.

Room(s) (Performance Studio)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was The Performance Studio.
    • The Performance Studio is located to the right along the main foyer, past the main reception.
    • 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 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) automatically.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 102cm.
    • The door(s) is/are double.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • 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 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 no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet and vinyl.
    • There is some flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • There is a second door to enter the space. The door opens automatically. The door is a double door. The width of the door is 132cm.
    • This space is used for all types of performances and the furniture depends on the performance at that time.

Room(s) (Visual Arts)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was The Visual Arts Room.
    • The Visual Arts Room is located along the arts and wellbeing corridor at the far right of the building.
    • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • There is written signage for the room, 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) 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.
    • 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) is 77cm.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is available.
    • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is laminate.
    • 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) (Wellbeing Room)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was The Wellbeing Room.
    • The Wellbeing Room is located along the arts and wellbeing corridor at the far right of the building.
    • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • There is written signage for the room, 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) 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.
    • 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 88cm and 92cm.
    • 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 varied.
    • There is an assistance dog in the wellbeing room.

Changing Places (Arts and Wellbeing Area)

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located along the arts and wellbeing corridor.
    • The facility is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
    • The facility is 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 not 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 Braille, tactile and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 271cm x 525cm.
    • 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 is peninsular.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 406cm.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 81cm.
    • 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 high.
    • As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a spatula flush.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 46cm.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
  • 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 174cm (5ft 9in).
    • 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.
    • The colour contrast between the shower rails and wall is high.
    • 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 fixed.
    • The height of the wash basin is 76cm.
    • 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 100cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the hand dryer is 77cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 72cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • There is a coat hook.
    • The height of the coat hook is 140cm from the floor.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • The lighting levels are good.