Access Guide
Introduction
- Related link Liberty Living Website.
- Http://www.kent.ac.uk/accommodation/medway/student-accommodation-medway.html
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Comments
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- The accommodation at Liberty Quays is in 4 separate buildings.
- It is managed by the Liberty Living company.
- Although the buildings have names, and are shown by their names on the street signs and maps, they are more usually known by residents by the block numbers.
- Formidable - Building S1 - BLocks 1-4, facing Pier Road, contains the reception, laundry and common room for S1 and S2, residents are mainly first year students.
- Victorious - Building S2 - Blocks 5 - 6, the accommodation is above the shops on the retail plaza.
- Triumph - Building L1 - Blocks 7 - 10, contains the reception, laundry and common room for L1 and L2, located at the rear of Block S1 with the main entrance off Blake Avenue.
- Pioneer - Building L2 - Blocks 11 and 12, main entrance off Pearl Lane.
Location
- The venue is situated outside the centre of the town.
- This venue is situated in Gillingham.
- The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
- The nearest National Rail station is Gillingham.
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
Parking
- The venue does not have its own car park.
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Public Car Parks.
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- There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
- The name of the car park is Retail Plaza parking.
- The car park is located off Blake avenue, near to the Subway and other shops.
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On Street Parking and Drop-off Details.
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- On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
- The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 360cm x 600cm (11ft 10in x 19ft 8in).
- On street Blue Badge parking is located off Blake Avenue at the rear of S1 and opposite the reception to L1.
- Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
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- There is no parking for residents on site.
- The car park for the shops is limited to 2 hour maximum stay.
Outside Access (S1 Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located facing Pier Road.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- The intercom is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
- The card reader/lock is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 157cm (5ft 2in).
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located to the left of the entrance leading to the left hand doors.
- The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
- The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
- The ramp is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
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Step(s)
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- There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
- The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
- There is / are 2 step(s) to access the entrance.
- There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
- The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is / are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do not have handrails.
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Comments
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- This is the main entrance for blocks 1 - 4.
- The block entrances are off the internal courtyard.
Reception (S1)
- The desk/counter is 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main entrance, to the left of the main entrance foyer as you enter.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The lighting levels are medium.
- The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
- The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The desk/counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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Comments
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- This reception serves blocks 1 - 6.
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Opening Times
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- Monday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Thursday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Friday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Inside Access (S1)
- 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 varied.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
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Comments
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- Photographs 2 and 3 show the common room.
- Photograph 4 shows the student launderette where there are washing machines and dryers within reach for a wheelchair user.
Level Change (Common Room and Laundry S1)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located in the entrance foyer, to the right after the main entrance, opposite S1 reception.
- The ramp/slope is easy.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
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Comments
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- The ramp leads up to the common room and launderette.
Other Floors (S1 Entrance Foyer)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are Foyer - Courtyard.
- The stairs are located ahead from the S1 entrance.
- The stairs are approximately 15m from the S1 main entrance.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The lighting levels are medium.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
Lift (S1 Entrance Foyer)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located at the rear of the entrance foyer, to the right of the stairs.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are Foyer - Courtyard.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- The lift door is manual, heavy and opens outwards.
- The dimensions of the lift are 105cm x 150cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 11in).
- 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 have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not have an audible announcer.
- The lift does not have a hearing loop 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 bright.
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Comments
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- This lift overcomes the steps leading up to the central courtyard, where the entrances to the accommodation blocks are located.
Entrance (S1 Entrance Foyer to Courtyard)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located from the upper level of S1 foyer to the courtyard.
- There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
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Comments
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- There is also a single automatic door 100cm wide.
Accessible Toilet (S1)
- There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the entrance foyer, to the right of the lift.
- There is a second accessible toilet facing this one (photographs 3 and 4), which has the transfer space on the left and a grab rail fitted on the right. The alarm cord is also tied up.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The door is light.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 225cm (4ft 9in x 7ft 5in).
- There is not 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- 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.
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are female sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall-mounted grab rails are not available.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Outside Access (Block 1 Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located off the S1 building central courtyard.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The width of the door opening is 108cm (3ft 7in).
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Comments
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- There are similar entrances with manual doors to all blocks.
Other Floors (Block 1)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1-2-3-4-5.
- The stairs are located off the block 1 foyer.
- The stairs are approximately 4m from the block 1 entrance.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The lighting levels are medium.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- There are similar stairs in all other blocks.
Lift (Block 1)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located just inside the Block 1 entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1-2-3-4-5.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Block 1 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 106cm x 133cm (3ft 6in x 4ft 4in).
- 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 loop 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 medium.
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Comments
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- There are identical lifts in all the other blocks.
Accommodation
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Location of Accessible Accommodation
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- The establishment provides 27 accessible accommodation facilities with an ensuite and/or separate accessible bathroom.
- The accessible facilities are located in S1, S2 and L2.
- There is level access from an accessible entrance.
- This is by lift.
- The room number viewed was 119.
- The width of the door to the room is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the clear floor space are 200cm x 300cm (6ft 7in x 9ft 10in).
- The bed is 60cm (1ft 12in) high.
- The measurement between the bed base and floor is 5cm (2in).
- Light switches are within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- There is not a functional emergency alarm in the room.
- It is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- Other accessible facilities available in the accommodation are an accessible kitchen with lowered, 73cm high surfaces and an accessible oven.
- Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in accessible accommodation.
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Accessible Bathroom
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- The information relates to the ensuite.
- The dimensions of the bathroom are 200cm x 250cm (6ft 7in x 8ft 2in).
- The door opens outwards.
- The width of the door to the bathroom is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The door weight is light.
- There is not a functional emergency alarm in the bathroom.
- It is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is not a toilet roll holder.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
- There is a mixer tap.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- The measurement of lateral transfer space is 93cm (3ft 1in).
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is not a flush on the transfer side.
- Wall mounted grab rails are available.
- As you face the toilet pan the wall mounted grab rails are on the right.
- There are mirrors.
- The mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- Disposal facilities are not available.
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Wheel In Shower
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head height is adjustable.
- The type of shower controls used are lever.
- The shower seat is flip down.
- The shower seat height is 51cm (1ft 8in).
- There are handrails available.
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Colour contrast and lighting in accessible rooms
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- The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is poor.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is poor.
- The colour contrast between external ensuite / bathroom door and wall is poor.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Colour contrast and lighting in accessible bathroom
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- The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is poor.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the bathroom is poor.
- The colour contrast between the drop down rails and wall is poor.
- The colour contrast between the grab rails and wall is poor.
- Lighting levels are bright.
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Auxiliary Aids - General
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- Some of the rooms have auxiliary aids for people with sensory impairments.
- Available auxiliary aids include flashing alarms and vibrating pillows.
- Vibrating fire alarms are available on request.
- The accommodation does not provide other auxiliary aids for people with mobility impairments.
- Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in standard rooms.
- There is / are 27 accessible room(s) with a wheel in shower.
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Ground Floor Rooms
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- Ground floor rooms do have level access.
- Some of these rooms are accessed by platform lift.
- Rooms are located in S1, S2, L1 and L2.
- Adjoining rooms are not available.
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Standard Rooms on Other Floors
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- There are standard rooms on other floors.
- The other floors can be accessed by lift.
- There is level access to standard rooms on other floors.
- Adjoining rooms are not available.
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Comments
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- All accessible rooms are studio flats.
- Adaptations to accommodation such as to the shower room, kitchen or to the furniture are made to suit the needs of residents.
- There are some standard studio flats, but most standard rooms are arranged in apartments of between 4 and 9 bedrooms.
- Liberty Quays has accommodation for 1100 students, who have the option to stay all year round and for the full period of their study.
Outside Access (L1 Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on Blake Avenue.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- The intercom is at a height of 140cm.
- A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
- The card reader/lock is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- 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 (with one leaf locked).
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
- The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
- The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
- The ramp is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
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Step(s)
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- 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 (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
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Comments
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- There are similar doors with level access to enter the foyer from the courtyard on the opposite side of the building (photograph 6).
Reception (L1)
- L1 reception for L1 and L2 buildings is located to the right of the foyer as you enter the L1 main entrance.
- The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the L1 main entrance.
- The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to this reception area.
- The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
- The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
- There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low counter.
- The desk is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Inside Access (L1)
- There is level access to the service.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- The lighting levels are adjustable.
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Comments
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- Photographs 1-3 show the common room, which includes TV areas and a work area.
- Photograph 4 shows the launderette, which has washing machines and tumble dryers.
- Only the washing machines are accessible to wheelchair users.
Accessible Toilet (L1)
- There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the L1 main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located off the corridor leading from L1 foyer towards the common room.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The door is light.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 195cm x 235cm (6ft 5in x 7ft 9in).
- 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 130cm (4ft 3in).
- 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.
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are female sanitary and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not 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 not a hand dryer.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 120cm (3ft 11in).
- 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).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Outside Access (L2 Accessible Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located off the courtyard leading to blocks 11 and 12, entered from Pearl Lane.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
- The card reader/lock is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- 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 double.
- The width of the door opening is 152cm (4ft 12in).
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Comments
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- This door opens into a central foyer, giving internal access to blocks 11 and 12.
- Access through this entrance is only given to those residents who need the powered doors.
- There are also manual doors 89cm wide with level access into the foyer of block 11 and block 12.
- There is a 120cm powered gate with level access which gives access to the courtyard in front of the building from Pearl Lane.
Other Floors (L2 - Block 12)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0-1-2-3.
- The stairs are located to the right of the L2 foyer.
- The stairs are approximately 10m from the block 12 accessible entrance.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The lighting levels are medium.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- There are similar stairs within each block.
Lift (L2 - Block 12)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the right of the Block 12 foyer.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0-1-2-3.
- Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the L2 accessible entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in 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 does not have a hearing loop 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 bright.
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Comments
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- There are similar lifts in each of the blocks in L1 and L2.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilets are not available.
Additional Info
- Staff do not 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 normally on duty.
- This service can be requested.
- Staff are not Text Relay aware.