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Visual & Performing Arts Academy

Bede Campus, Durham Road, Sunderland, SR3 4AH

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include Lecture Theatre, cafe, film screening room, dance and drama studios, classrooms, music practise spaces, recording studios, photography studio and a dark room.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:30 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 17:30.
  • Friday 08:30 - 17:30.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in Sunderland.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Sunderland.
  • The nearest underground station is University.

Site/Campus Car Park (Bede Campus Site/Campus Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the rear right of the Campus.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Bede and Barnes Buildings.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 227cm x 475cm (7ft 5in x 15ft 7in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff, students, visitors and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access to the car park from the Bede and Barnes Buildings.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Bede and Barnes Buildings.
    • The nearest designated bay is 100m (109yd 1ft) from the Bede Building Main Entrance.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front right of the building.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 108cm (3ft 7in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 108cm (3ft 7in).

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is not clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is no directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Opening Times (Starbucks Cafe)

  • Monday 08:00 - 16:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 20:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 15:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Eating and Drinking (Starbucks Café)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located on the ground floor at the front right of the building, in the foyer.
    • 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 meals and snacks.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • 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 .
    • There is a portable card machine available for payment.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 88cm.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 76cm.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There are some tables which are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 71cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Theatre

  • There are not designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Wheelchairs are left with you.
  • A companion may not sit with you.
  • This venue does not provide audio described performances.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Concessions are not available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
    • The stairs are located ahead on entering via the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 15m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • 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.
    • There are similar stairs at the rear of the building.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1800kg.
  • The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 235cm x 160cm (7ft 9in x 5ft 3in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - With Accessible Shower - Front Right Corridor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible toilet was out of use at the time of the survey.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, in the front right corridor, to the right as you enter the building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) 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 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 lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (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.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 235cm x 248cm (7ft 9in x 8ft 2in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 170cm (5ft 7in).
    • 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 contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • 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.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 84cm.
    • 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 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.
  • Accessible Shower View
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum 150cm x 150cm turning space.
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head cannot be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 54cm (1ft 9in).
    • Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • 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.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the shower.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • Comments View
    • There are other accessible toilets on all floors of the building but they do not have accessible showers.

Toilet with Adaptations (Second Floor - Front Right Corridor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the second floor, in the front right corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is 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 lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • 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.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 221cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 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 contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) 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 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 84cm.
    • 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 101cm (3ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.
  • Comments View
    • There are other similar accessible toilets available on the ground and first floors.

Standard Shower

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located on the second floor, towards the rear of the building.
  • Comments View
    • There is a deep (24cm) step to access the standard shower, created by the shower tray.

Standard Changing Room (Female)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located on the second floor, within the female standard toilets, in the front right corridor.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Comments View
    • There are standard toilets within this changing room.
    • Please see the standard toilet section in this guide for more information.

Standard Changing Room (Male)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located within the standard toilet on the second floor, in the front corridor.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Comments View
    • There are standard toilets within this changing room.
    • Please see the standard toilet section in this guide for more information.

Standard Toilet(s) (Second Floor and Ground Floor)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the second floor, in the front corridor, to the right as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the ground floor in the rear right corridor, just past Starbucks Café.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The information above relates to the female toilet. There is a different configuration of rails in the male toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • The female toilets on the ground floor have one ambulant cubicle with a horizontal rail on the door and a horizontal and vertical grab rail on the wall to the right.
      The male standard toilets have one cubicle that has a horizontal rail on the door only.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is generally on duty.
  • Staff are trained to BSL level 3.
  • Staff are Text Relay aware.
  • Comments View
    • Please see below for some useful contact information:
    • Mindful Employer
    • 01392 208833
    • http://www.mindfulemployer.net/
    • Action For Blind People
    • 0800 915 4666
    • http://www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk
    • RNIB
    • 0845 766 9999
    • http://www.rnib.org.uk
    • MIND
    • 0845 766 0163
    • http://www.mind.org.uk/
    • SKILL : National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
    • 0800 328 5050
    • http://www.skill.org.uk/.