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Education Building

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include Lecture Theatres, Teaching Rooms, Of?ces, Café, IT Suite, the Disability Inclusion and Special Needs Department including ACER and VICTAR.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Approaching from the north west or south east along the M6: Leave at Junction 6 (signposted Birmingham Central) to join the A38(M). At the end of the motorway, keep to the right, go over a flyover, then through some underpasses to join the A38 Bristol Road. The University is on the right, two and a half miles from the city centre.
      Approaching from the M42 north: Leave at Junction 8 to join the M6 northbound and follow the instructions above.
      Approaching from the south west: Leave the M5 at Junction 4 (signposted Birmingham SW) to join the A38. The University is approximately eight miles from the motorway.
      Approaching from the M40: It is easier to turn south on the M42 and leave at Junction 1, heading north on the A38 Bristol Road. The University is approximately eight miles from the motorway.
    • There are various car parks located throughout the Campus which require permits for staff. Blue Badge holders can park on Campus and must use the intercom to Security to pass through the security barriers at each entrance.
  • By Bus View
    • Buses X20, X21 and X22 from the Bus Mall, Moor Street Queensway and Smallbrook Queensway travel along Pritchatts Road, and stop (stop ID nwmdmtjd) opposite the North East Car Park, around 60 metres from the Education Building.
      Buses 1a and 51s stop near the King Edwards High School on Edgbaston Park Road opposite the University’s Main Entrance (Stop ID: nwmdtawg) around 200 metres from the building.
      Numbers X61 and 63 travel from the Bus Mall, Moor Street Queensway, and from New Street Station, St Martin’s Queensway, to the Bristol Road, at the corner of Edgbaston Park Road (Stop ID: nwmatmap) around 600 metres from the building. The services all run frequently from the city centre.
  • By Train View
    • From Birmingham New Street Station around six trains an hour call at University Station and take 8-10 minutes. The ?nal destinations for trains are Bromsgrove, Redditch, Hereford and Cardiff Central. The Education Building is approximately 900 metres and 11 minute walk from University Station.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by Blue Badge holders and staff permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located to the front of the building, and entered from Pritchatts Road.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 240cm x 400cm (7ft 10in x 13ft 1in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the rear entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The car park can be used by staff permit holders and Blue Badge holders.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance (facing the Campus Ring Road))

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the left going up the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 3 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.

Outside Access (Main Entrance (Facing Prichatts Road))

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 155cm (5ft 1in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 155cm (5ft 1in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the left going up the ramp.

Outside Access (Ground Floor Annexe Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front right of the building, facing the car park.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located at the entrance to the rooms to the right of the Ground Floor Annexe Entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • There are 4 steps to access the right-hand side of the corridor.

Outside Access (Annexe First Floor for Seminar Rooms 106 - 107 and Offices 108 - 121)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor walkway from Pritchatts Road to the right of the main part of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • 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 card reader/lock is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.

Getting Around (Ground Floor)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the lower area of the ground floor from the main entrance.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 1. There is an alternate set of steps shown in photograph 2.
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to offices and standard toilet facilities to the rear of the building on the ground floor.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 3.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written and pictorial 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 good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • There are hearing loops within the Lecture Theatres.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.

Lift (Ground Floor Level Change)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to your left on entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 225kg.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 90cm x 105cm (2ft 11in x 3ft 5in).
  • 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 not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Reception

  • The main reception is located in the entrance foyer.
  • The desk is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the ground floor level change lift.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area, via lift.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are good.
  • The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Eating and Drinking (Cafe)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located off the ground floor foyer facing the rear (Ring Road) entrance.
  • 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.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
    • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • 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 distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 69cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 71cm.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 69cm.
    • There are also high tables, booths and high stools.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 105cm.
    • Some tables are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and 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.
    • Access to the additional seating area is via four medium steps.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Small Lecture Theatre G33)

  • Directional and locational signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There are no designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is not space for an assistance dog.
  • There is not step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • Speakers area is at the bottom of the staggered seating in additional to a level change consisting of two medium steps to access it.
  • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 84cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • There is a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 71cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The room does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • There is an IR hearing assistance system.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Vaughan Jeffreys Lecture Theatre)

  • Directional and locational signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are push pad activated.
  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the front.
  • There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
  • There is space for an assistance dog.
  • There is not step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • There are four medium steps to access the speaking area.
  • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 84cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • There is (staggered) tiered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the (staggered) tiered seating do not have handrails.
  • There is a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 72cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are not even.
  • There is an IR hearing assistance system.

Other Floors (Main Staircase)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 1M, 2, 3, 3M, 4 and 5.
    • The stairs are located next to the lift in the foyer area.
    • The stairs are approximately 8m from the ground floor level change lift.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a set of steps located in the entrance foyer from the ground floor to the first floor. (Photograph 3).

Lift (Main Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to your right at the top of the ground floor level change lift.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1000 kg.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Ground floor level change lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 155cm x 140cm (5ft 1in x 4ft 7in).
  • 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 has a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does 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.

Other Floors (Seminar Room 106 - 107, VICTAR and Offices 108 -121)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 (Corridor Containing Seminar Room 106 - 107, VICTAR and Offices 108 -121 only).
    • The stairs are located towards the rear left of the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 8m from the Ground Floor Annexe Entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Getting Around (First Floor)

  • Access View
    • There is/are 8 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to VICTAR.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps can be seen in photographs 1 and 2.
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to Vaughan Jeffreys Lecture Theatre Upper Floor.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 3.
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the Vaughan Jeffreys Lecture Theatre on the First Floor.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 4. To access these stairs you must first overcome the four steps needed to have access the Vaughan Jeffreys Lecture Theatre on the first floor.

Getting Around (Upper Floors)

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to second floor corridor.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 1.
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the right going up, for access to the corridor on the third floor.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 2.
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to the fourth floor corridor.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 3.
  • Comments View
    • There is a set of four deep steps with a handrail to the right to access the corridor on the fifth floor. As shown in photograph 4.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the first floor.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floors as well as between the floors on the main staircase. .

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to your right on exiting the lift on the first floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main 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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 166cm x 250cm (5ft 5in 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary 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 good.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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 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.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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 contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 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 good.
    • 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 104cm.
    • 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 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to your right on exiting the main lift on first floor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m from the main lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 76cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • Lighting levels are good.