Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

The Forum

Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PT

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Comments View
    • Student Services Centre - Accommodation, Skills Development, Student Finance, Student Guild Advice Unit, Registry Services, AccessAbility, IT Help Desk, Career Zone, Multi Faith Chaplaincy, Health and Wellbeing and International Student Support.
    • Learning spaces, Library, Alumni Auditorium, Exploration Labs, Seminar Block, Market Place, Terrace Restaurant and Costa Coffee.

Getting Here

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.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located to the rear of the building off Poole Gate 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 3 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are signposted and have markings which are faded.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 225cm x 500cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The marked zone is 120cm wide.
    • 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 40m (43yd 2ft) from the rear accessible 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 block paving.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Visitor Car Park C.
    • The car park is located to the front of the Forum next to the INTO Building.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Parking (Visitors Car Park - C)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
  • There is/are 10 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 600cm x 400cm (19ft 8in x 13ft 1in).
  • 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 slopes/ramps.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
  • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • The road is generally quiet.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Comments View
    • Within Car Park C, charges apply from 08:00 to 16:00 Monday to Friday.
    • There is no charge for parking during evenings and weekends.
    • Parking is £2.00 for up to 2 hours, £4.00 for up to 4 hours and £6.00 for all day.
    • Visitors can also pre-book parking at the University.
    • There is a drop off point within the car park.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance - Front)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • 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 220cm (7ft 3in).
  • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance - Rear)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The width of the door opening is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance is push pad controlled on both entering and exiting the building.
    • The push pads are at a height of 95cm.
    • On entering the building, the door opens towards you and on exiting, the door opens away from you.
    • To the right, as you face this entrance, there is a revolving door.

Level Change (Accessible Entrance - Rear)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading down to the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.

Outside Access (Front Terrace - First and Mezzanine Floors)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, on the first 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 212cm (6ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance is push pad controlled on both entering and exiting the building.
    • The push pads are at a height of 95cm.
    • On entering the building, the door opens towards you and on exiting, the door opens away from you.
    • The photograph on the left shows the entrance that leads from the terrace to the 1st floor.
    • The photograph on the right shows the entrance that leads from the terrace to the mezzanine floor.
    • The details are the same for both entrances.

Level Change (Front Terrace - Mezzanine Floor Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading from the terrace to the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • The steps are located leading down to the entrance.
  • There is / are 10 step(s) to the area / service.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The steps are deep.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.

Outside Access (Costa Coffee - First Floor Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located off the rear terrace.
  • 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 212cm (6ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance is push pad controlled on both entering and exiting the building.
    • The push pads are at a height of 95cm.
    • On entering the building, the door opens towards you and on exiting, the door opens away from you.
    • This entrance would mainly be used to access the terrace seating area at the rear of the Costa Coffee shop.

Reception (Student Information Desk)

  • The desk/counter is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the front accessible entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The desk/counter is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.

Other Floors (Main Foyer Stairs)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0-Mezzanine.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 sets of identical stairs leading from the main foyer to the mezzanine level.

Other Floors (Student Services and Rear Stairs)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are -1-0-M-1-2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting level is bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
  • Comments View
    • The Student Services stairs allow access between the mezzanine and 1st floors.
    • The rear stairs allow access between levels -1 and the 2nd floor.
    • The photograph on the left shows the Student Services stairs.
    • The photograph on the right shows the rear stairs.

Lift (Student Services)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the right as you enter the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0-M-1-2.
  • The lift is 16m (17yd) from front accessible entrance.
  • 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 210cm x 140cm (6ft 11in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are 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 lift controls do not have Braille markings.
  • The lift controls do have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is an identical lift located at the rear of the building, between the Market Place and the NatWest Bank.
    • This lift serves levels 0-M-1.
    • There is an additional lift located at the rear of the building, to the left of the Alumni Auditorium.
    • The details for this lift are the same as the lift detailed.
    • This lift serves levels -1-0-1-2.

Eating and Drinking (Students' Guild Restaurant)

  • The following information is for the restaurant.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is not 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 service counter.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 3m (9ft 10in) from the restaurant entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 35cm (1ft 2in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • Comments View
    • There is an area at the rear of the restaurant which has soft chairs and sofas, tall tables and bar stools.

Eating and Drinking (Terrace Restaurant)

  • The following information is for the restaurant.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is not 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 service counter.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 3m (9ft 10in) from the restaurant entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not 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.
  • Comments View
    • Step free access to the restaurant is available via Great Hall.
    • Please see the guide for Great Hall for further details.

Eating and Drinking (Starbucks)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is not 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 chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the cafe entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • 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 drinks and snacks.

The Market Place

  • The Market Place offers a wide variety of food, snacks, drinks, fresh fruit and vegetables and stationery items.
  • Within the main Foyer area there is a branch of Pret a Manger which is mainly a self-serve take away service with a limited number of high tables and stools. The tables are all 108cm high.
  • There are other seating areas within the Forum with tables at 72cm high and seating with and without arms.
  • The flooring in Pret a Manger is dark and contrasts with the main Forum floor; it might be mistaken for a step (photograph 6).
  • Adjacent to the Alumni Auditorium there is a Feature Foods kiosk selling snacks, drinks and ice cream (photographs 7-11).
  • The counter does not have a lowered section and menus are wall only.
  • All cups are disposable.

Alumni Auditorium

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located at the front and rear of the auditorium.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit either beside or behind.
  • It is 24m (26yd) from the designated seating area to the nearest adapted toilet.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • The rows suitable for hearing loops are all rows within the auditorium.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • The Alumni Auditorium has 400 seats.
  • There is an adaptable seating layout that enables people to turn and face each other to facilitate group discussion.
  • All of the seats are individually networked.
  • The Alumni Auditorium also caters for both performance and music.
  • There are 2 entrances into the auditorium on both the ground and mezzanine floors.
  • These entrances have double doors, which open towards you, are heavy and have a width of 184cm.
  • On the mezzanine floor there are bi-fold doors which also allow access to the auditorium.

Student Services

  • Student Services Centre includes Accommodation, Skills Development, Student Finance, Guild Student Advice Unit, Registry Services, AccessAbility, IT Help Desk, Career Zone, Multi Faith Chaplaincy, Health and Wellbeing and International Student Support.

Exploration Labs

  • There are two 60-seater Exploration labs.
  • The first provides 60 tablet PC's and video conferencing facilities.
  • The second provides ten, multi-touch "surface tables".

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 70m (76yd 1ft) from the front accessible entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the far end of the foyer, next to one of the entrances to the Alumni Auditorium.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 92cm (3ft).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 240cm x 170cm (7ft 10in x 5ft 7in).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • 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 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are additional adapted toilets located on all levels of The Forum, including the library.
    • This adapted toilet is 16m from the rear accessible entrance.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the rear of the building.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 70m (76yd 1ft) from the front accessible entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are additional standard male and female toilets located on all levels of The Forum building including the library.
    • These standard toilets are 20m from the rear accessible entrance.

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 not generally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.
  • Staff are not Text Relay aware.
  • Takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available on request.
  • Comments View
    • There are link corridors that lead from The Forum into the library on levels -1, 0 and 1.
    • The photograph on the left shows one of these link corridors.
    • There is a link corridor that leads from The Forum into Great Hall.
    • The photograph on the right shows that link corridor.