Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include various exhibitions, a gift shop, learning studio c, hot glass blowing studio, cold glass studio and the Gillian Dickenson learning studio and the Glass Yard Restaurant.
- Services / facilities within the grounds include University of Sunderland.
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Comments
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- This venue is part of the University of Sunderland.
- Areas within the venue are available for private bookings.
Opening Times
- Monday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.
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Comments
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- The venue is open during the evenings for evening classes and events according to bookings.
- Please contact the venue for more details.
Location
- There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Sunderland.
- The nearest Metro Station is Stadium of Light.
Parking
- The venue does have its own car park.
- Parking is free for all users.
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Venue Car Park
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- Charges apply to students and visitors to the adjacent Universiy of Sunderland.
- The car park is located to the front and side of the venue.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
- There is/are 5 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 360cm x 590cm (11ft 10in x 19ft 4in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 43m (47yd 1in) from the accessible entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 45m (49yd 8in) from the accessible entrance.
- 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 uneven surfaces.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
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On Street Parking and Drop-off Details.
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
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- Photographs 1 to 4 show the car park at the side of the venue for the accessible entrance.
- This car park has 2 Blue Badge spaces.
- The dropped kerb is in this car park.
- Photographs 5 to 8 show the car park at the front of the venue.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 156cm (5ft 1in).
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Comments
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- There are manual double doors to the left of the main entrance.
- These doors open towards you, are heavy and 149cm wide.
- There are revolving doors in between the automatic and manual doors.
Level Change (Main Entrance)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp or slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
- The ramp/slope is moderate.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the venue on the lower ground floor.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 149cm (4ft 11in).
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Comments
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- There are manual double doors to the left and right of the automatic doors.
- These doors open towards you, are heavy and 158cm wide.
Reception
- The desk/counter is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lift.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
- The lighting levels are bright.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing system is available only on request.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
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Comments
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- There is a fixed hearing loop at each each end of the reception desk.
Inside Access
- There is level access to the service(s).
- This venue does play background music.
- Music is played in the café.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are varied.
Gift Shop
- The gift shop is located on the lower ground floor to the right of the accessible entrance.
- The height of the counter is 99cm.
Museum (Exhibits)
- Exhibits cannot be audio described.
- Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
- Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
- Touch tours are not available.
- Video tours are not available.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is a wheelchair to borrow.
- To borrow the wheelchair, contact a member of staff.
Hot Glass Blowing Studio
- The hot glass blowing studio is located on the lower ground floor at the rear of the gift shop.
- This area is 35m from the accessible entrance.
- The door to this area opens away towards you.
- The door is single.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is 76cm wide.
- There is fixed seating in the studio to watch demonstrations.
- Wheelchairs access is in the front row of this area.
- There are 11 medium steps leading to the upper tiers of the seating area.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- There is a handrail to the left going up.
- There is a fixed hearing loop in this area.
Level Change (Learning Studio C and Cold Glass Studio)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located on the lower ground floor at the rear of the gift shop leading from the hot glass blowing studio.
- The ramp/slope is easy.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located in the hot glass blowing studio.
- There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
Learning Studio C
- This studio is located on the lower ground floor to the right of the hot glass blowing studio.
- The studio is 40m from the accessible entrance.
- The tables in the studio are height adjustable.
- Chairs without armrests are available.
- This studio is mainly used for evening classes.
Cold Glass Studio
- This studio is located to the rear of Learning Studio C.
- The studio is 60m from the accessible entrance.
- The area is used mainly by evening classes.
- There is a shallow step without handrails to access some of the equipment.
- Anyone using this studio has to undergo a health and safety induction.
Gillian Dickenson Learning Studio
- This studio is located on the ground floor, to the right of reception.
- The studio is 22m from the lift.
- The door to the studio opens away from you.
- The door is single.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is 87cm wide.
- The tables in the studio are 68cm high.
- There are chairs without armrests available.
The Reading Room
- This room is located to the right of the lift on the ground floor.
- The room is 12m from the lift.
- The door opens away from you.
- The door is single.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is 87cm wide.
- The computer tables and centre table are 68cm high.
- Chairs with armrests are available.
- This room must be pre booked and is usually used by students.
Eating and Drinking (The Glass Yard)
- The following information is for the restaurant.
- The restaurant is located on the lower ground floor to the left of the accessible entrance.
- Full table service is available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
- The standard height for tables is 72cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
- Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Children are welcomed in the bar area.
- Menus are hand held only.
- 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.
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Comments
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- There is a fixed hearing loop at the counter in this area.
- There is restaurant seating outside on the lower ground floor with river views.
- There is also bench seating in this area.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG and G.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located at the rear of reception.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG and G.
- The lift is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 133cm (4ft 4in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 146cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 9in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is bright.
Changing Places
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Location and access
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- The facility is located on the ground floor to the left of the reception area.
- The facility is approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the lift.
- There is level access to the facility.
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Dimensions and features
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- You do need a key for the facility.
- It is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from reception.
- The door opens inwards.
- The width of the door is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the facility are 340cm x 240cm (11ft 2in x 7ft 10in).
- The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
- The facility changing bench is free standing.
- The length of the facility changing bench is 170cm (5ft 7in).
- The facility hoist is powered overhead.
- The overhead hoist covers the changing bench and the toilet.
- The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
- The facility toilet is peninsular.
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 177cm (5ft 10in).
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 135cm (4ft 5in).
- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- Drop down rails are provided for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The type of wash basin is fixed.
- 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.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- A privacy screen is not available.
- Wide tear off paper roll is available.
- The facility has a non-slip floor.
- A functioning emergency alarm is available.
Accessible Toilet (Lower Ground Floor)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the accessible entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located on the lower ground floor opposite the accessible entrance.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The door is light.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 165cm x 190cm (5ft 5in x 6ft 3in).
- There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 98cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are general domestic waste, non-infectious waste, waste paper pedal bin and sanitary disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Accessible Toilet (Cold Glass Studio - Male)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is Braille, written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 60m (65yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located at the rear of Learning Studio C.
- There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is not a unisex toilet.
- There is a female accessible toilet adjacent.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens by sliding.
- The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 173cm x 203cm (5ft 8in x 6ft 8in).
- There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 106cm (3ft 6in).
- There is a dropdown rail, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are open waste paper bin disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall-mounted grab rails are not available.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is not a mirror.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- 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).
- 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 81cm (2ft 8in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- This facility is only used by evening class students.
Accessible Shower (Cold Glass Studio)
- Accessible shower facilities are available.
- The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the female and male accessible toilets.
- The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; handrails and a flip-down seat.
- The height of the seat is 54cm (1ft 9in).
- There is not level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.
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Comments
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- This facility is only used by evening class students.
Standard Toilet(s) (Lower Ground Floor)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
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- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located opposite the accessble entrance on the lower ground floor.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the accessible entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- There are further standard toilets on the ground floor.
Baby Change Room
- The baby change room is located on the ground floor.
- This room 21m from the lift and is adjacent to the changing places facility.
- The door opens by sliding inwards.
- The door is light.
- The width of the door is 81cm.
- The height of the baby change table is 105cm.
Additional Info
- Documents are not available in Braille.
- Documents can be requested in large print.
- A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.