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.

TouchBase Pears - Sense College

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

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

  • 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 (Sense College)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left in the centre of the main foyer before the Sense College area.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Sense College'.
    • There is step-free access 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 120cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 150cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is key card reader used to exit the area.
    • The height of the key card reader is 121cm.

Reception (Sense College)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located straight ahead as you enter Sense College.
    • The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Sense College 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 not placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 109cm.
    • 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 74cm.
    • 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 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 Seating Area View
    • There is not a seating area close to the reception point.

Area(s) (Sense College)

  • The facilities/services located inside Sense College include; 3 teaching rooms, 1 sensory room, 1 kitchen, accessible toilets, and showers.
  • There is step-free access throughout the area.
  • There are not doors in lobby areas/corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
  • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
  • The main walkway(s)/aisle(s) in the open plan office(s) are wide enough for wheelchair users to pass.
  • The type of flooring in the open plan/communal areas is carpet.
  • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • There are no height adjustable desks in this area.
  • There are not desks which are potentially accessible for wheelchair users in this area.
  • Seating in this area includes; adjustable chairs with armrests, chairs with wheels and armrests, chairs with armrests and sofas.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the floor/area.
  • Overhead signage is provided in this area.
  • Dementia friendly signage is provided.
  • There is Braille signage on accessible toilet, meeting room and kitchen doors in this area.
  • There is tactile signage on accessible toilet, meeting room and kitchen doors in this area.
  • There is not background music in this area.
  • Comments View
    • There are wheelchairs and mobility aids to borrow in this area.

Kitchen (Sense College - Steven Hawkin)

  • The kitchen is located to the right of the Sense College reception.
  • There is step-free access to the kitchen.
  • There is a/are door(s) to access the kitchen.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door may be difficult for some to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the kitchen.
  • The height of the work surfaces are 90cm .
  • There is a work surface with a clear knee recess.
  • There is a height adjustable work surface.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • There are sofas, chairs with armrests and armchairs within the kitchen .
  • Tables are not permanently fixed.
  • Chairs are not permanently fixed.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 67cm (2ft 2in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are tactile knobs added to kitchen worktop and appliances.

Sensory Room (Sense College - Stevie Wonder)

  • The sensory room is located to the left of the reception inside Sense College.
  • There is step free access into the sensory room.
  • The width of the door opening is 84cm.
  • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • There is a table available. The height of the table is 70cm.

Changing Places (Sense College)

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located to the left of the reception inside Sense College.
    • The facility is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the Sense College 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 not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • There is pictorial, written text and dementia friendly 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 319cm x 402cm.
    • 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 86cm.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 280cm.
    • 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a spatula flush.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 82cm.
    • 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 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 77cm.
    • 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 90cm.
    • 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 102cm.
    • 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 not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, non-infectious waste, general domestic waste and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is a coat hook.
    • The height of the coat hook is 158cm from the floor.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Sense College - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the reception as you enter Sense College.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Sense College 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, written text and dementia friendly 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 207cm x 216cm (6ft 9in x 7ft 1in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
    • 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 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • 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 not 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 160cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.