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Silberrad Student Centre

University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include;
      Ground Level - Learning Hub, IT Helpdesk, Careers Service and Skills for Success, Students' Union Creative Studios, Meeting Rooms.
      Level 1 - Student Services Hub, Information Desk, Income Desk, Support Desk and Meeting Rooms.
      Level 2 - Lakeview Room and meeting rooms and IT Lab.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • There is a/are Changing Places toilet(s) located on level 1, to the right as you exit the main lift.
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground and second levels of the building.
      The ground level accessible toilet is located ahead and to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
      The level 2 accessible toilet is located to the right as you exit the main lift.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the ground, first and second levels of the building.
      The ground level female standard toilet is located ahead and to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
      The first and second level female standard toilets are located to the right as you exit the main lift.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground, first and second levels of the building.
      The ground level male standard toilet is located ahead and to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
      The first and second level male standard toilets are located to the right as you exit the main lift.
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet on the ground level of the building.
    • Accessible shower facilities are located within the changing place located on level 1, to the right as you exit the main lift.

Getting Here (Central Campus)

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.

Approach (Valley Car Park)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles and block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Approach (Campus/Square 5)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles and block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
    • There is/are 6 unmarked step(s), with a central handrail.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front left of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Reception'.
    • 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) 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 at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are varied.
    • The height of the reception counter is 97cm.
    • There is not 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 77cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 30/06/2021.
    • The hearing loop was not working at the time of testing.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is tiles.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • There are sofas only in the waiting area.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building .
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is tiles.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is flooring in corridors/walkways 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/walkways.
    • There are seats without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • 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 communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 5, 6 and 7 show the facilities in the Learning Hub on the ground level.
    • Photograph 9 shows the Lakeview Room located on level 2 of the building.
    • The Lakeview room has a fixed hearing assistance system.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located ahead and to the right as you enter.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by the stairs are G, 1 and 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are varied.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar set of stairs located to the rear of the building (shown in photographs 3 and 4).

Lift (Main Lift)

  • The lift is located ahead and to the right as you enter.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1 and 2.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 109cm x 143cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 8in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar lift located at the rear of the building that was out of service at the time of surveying (30/06/2021).

Reception (IT Helpdesk)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on the ground level, within the Learning Hub.
    • The reception point is approximately 38m (41yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not 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 no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are varied.
    • The height of the reception counter is 74cm .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Reception (Student Development Zone)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on the ground level, within the Learning Hub.
    • The reception point is approximately 46m (50yd 11in) from the main entrance.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not 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 at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are varied.
    • The height of the reception counter is 73cm .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Reception (Information Desk / Income Desk)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located in the Student Services Hub area on level 1.
    • The reception point is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main lift.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not visible from the lift.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point, via lift.
    • There is not a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 74cm.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is tiles.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • Comments View
    • The Information Desk is the Student Services general enquiry desk.
    • Students come to this desk for information on accommodation, coursework and exams queries, international student advice, money and funding matters and official documentation.
    • The Income Desk is where students pay rent and tuition fees.
    • Photograph 7 shows the height adjustable desk containing a computer students can use to look up information, located opposite the Information Desk.

Reception (Support Desk)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located at the rear of the Student Services Hub area on level 1.
    • The reception point is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main lift.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not visible from the lift.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point, via lift.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 72cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath 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.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • Comments View
    • Students come here for advice and guidance on personal issues.
    • There is a door to enter the Support Desk area with an opening width of 86cm, which opens automatically away from you.
    • This is also where students come to contact the Disability and Dyslexia Service.
    • There are 7 interview rooms available for private consultation, which are accessed via 90cm wide doors (shown in photographs 3 and 4).
    • There is a height adjustable desk with a computer for students to use located adjacent to the main desk (photograph 8).
    • There is a sign indicating the presence of a hearing loop system, but there is no such system in this area of the building.

Reception (Careers Services and Skills for Success)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located straight ahead and to the right as you enter from the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the main entrance.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is 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 at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 73cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Comments View
    • The Careers Services and Skills for Success reception is open from 1pm - 3pm, Monday to Friday, term time only.
    • It is for generic careers advice - 1 to 1 careers meetings take place online and in rooms throughout the university.

Students' Union Creative Studios

  • The SU Creative Studios are located at the far end of the Student Services Hub on level 1 of the building.
  • It contains an Editing and Design suite (as shown in photographs 2, 3 and 4).
  • Off this, there is a Newsroom, TV Studio and 2 Radio Studios.
  • The Radio Studios contain height adjustable surfaces containing the broadcasting console and equipment (as shown in photograph 7).
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
  • All desks have a clear floor space of 70cm.

Changing Places

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located on level 1, to the right as you exit the main lift.
    • The facility is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main lift.
    • The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
    • The facility is not located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
    • There is level access into the facility.
    • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the Student Support Reception or by calling patrol staff on 01206 872 125.
    • 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 and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 363cm x 315cm.
    • 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 250cm (8ft 2in).
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • 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 the vertical grab rail is on the right.
    • 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 push button flush.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 93cm.
    • 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 out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 185cm (6ft 1in).
    • 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.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There is not a vertical grab rail for the shower.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is not 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 the left.
    • 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 88cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the hand dryer is 90cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 93cm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is a coat hook.
    • The height of the coat hook is 122cm from the floor.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Level - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground level, ahead and to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 16m (17yd 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 pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 90cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
    • 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 328cm x 220cm (10ft 9in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to 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 260cm (8ft 6in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female 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 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 female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 119cm from the floor.
  • 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.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • 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 93cm (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 73cm (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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 80cm.
    • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available .
    • The height of the baby change table is 87cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar accessible toilet in the same location on level 2 of the building.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located ahead and to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 18m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.