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South Courts - Harwich Court

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

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • There are 23 houses in this area.
  • Each one consists of several self contained flats housing 4-6 students.
  • Each flat has a shared kitchen.
  • Each room in the flats have their own en suite shower and toilet.
  • Two ground floor rooms in each of the flats have been adapted for wheelchair users.
  • This venue is open 24 hours a day.

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the campus.
  • This venue is situated in Colchester.
  • The venue is in a pedestrian area.
  • The nearest mainline station is Hythe.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • Comments View
    • Although not as close as Hythe, most visitors choose to arrive at Colchester North station where bus and taxi connections are more readily available.

Parking

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 bell is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The intercom is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 82cm (2ft 8in).

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located at the front of the building.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 110cm (3ft 7in).

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Accommodation

  • Location of Accessible Accommodation View
    • The establishment provides 4 accessible accommodation facilities with an ensuite and/or separate accessible bathroom.
    • This information refers to Harwich Court.
    • The accessible facilities are located on the ground floor.
    • The room number viewed was 7c.
    • The width of the door to the room is 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • Light switches are within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is a functional emergency alarm in the room.
    • Other accessible facilities available in the bedroom are a standard height bed. (Adjustable beds are available on request).
    • Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in accessible accommodation.
  • Accessible Bathroom View
    • The information relates to the ensuite.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 277cm x 427cm (9ft 1in x 14ft).
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The width of the door to the bathroom is 76cm.
    • The door weight is light.
    • There is a functional emergency alarm in the bathroom.
    • The door is locked by a (no lock).
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 in height.
    • There is a sink.
    • The sink cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the sink is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • The measurement of lateral transfer space is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet pan the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There are mirrors.
    • The mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • Disposal facilities are not available.
  • Bath and Shower View
    • There is not a bath.
  • Wheel In Shower View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head height is adjustable.
    • The type of shower controls used are lever.
    • There is no shower seat.
    • There are no handrails available for the shower.
  • Colour contrast and lighting in accessible rooms View
    • The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between external ensuite / bathroom door and wall is high.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Colour contrast and lighting in accessible bathroom View
    • The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the bathroom is high.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rails and wall is medium.
    • The colour contrast between the grab rails and wall is medium.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Auxiliary Aids - General View
    • Some of the rooms have auxiliary aids for people with sensory impairments.
    • Available auxiliary aids include vibrating pillows.
    • Vibrating fire alarms are available on request.
    • The accommodation does provide other auxiliary aids for people with mobility impairments.
    • Available mobility auxiliary aids include ceiling tracking hoists are available.
    • Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in standard rooms.
    • There is / are 0 accessible room(s) with a bath.
    • There is / are 2 accessible room(s) with a wheel in shower.
  • Ground Floor Rooms View
    • Ground floor rooms do have level access.
    • None of these rooms are accessed by platform lift.
    • Rooms are located within Harwich Court Flats.
    • Adjoining rooms are not available.
  • Standard Rooms on Other Floors View
    • There are standard rooms on other floors.
    • The other floors cannot be accessed by lift.
    • Adjoining rooms are not available.
  • Comments View
    • The dimensions of the room are 376 cm x 550 cm.
    • The first photograph shows the bed and ceiling hoist.
    • There is also a ceiling hoist running from the shower area to the toilet.
    • The second photograph shows the lowered work desk opposite the bed.

Level Change (Shower Room)

  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • The steps are located in the entrance to the ensuite.
  • There is / are 1 step(s) to the area / service.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2-3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell from the first floor upwards.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
  • Comments View
    • There is no lift available.

Additional Info (Shared Kitchen)

  • There is a shared kitchen with a lower level sink, microwave, cooker, fridge, freezer and seating.

Additional Info

  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.
  • Staff are Text Relay aware.
  • Comments View
    • Staff may receive disability awareness training.
    • The photographs show the shower room facilities.