Access Guide
Summary (Aberdeen Art Gallery)
- For information about the opening hours please click here.
- Amenities at this site include: exhibition rooms, a shop, a café and a reception.
- There is not onsite parking available here and there is designated Blue Badge on street parking nearby.
- The most accessible entrance has a slight ramp/slope and automatic doors.
- There is 1 step-free entrance.
- The entrance surveyed is the Main Entrance at the front of the gallery on School Hill.
- The building has 3 floors once inside.
- There is step free access once inside with lift access to other floors.
- There is ramped access to galleries 11 and 12, and the Cowdray Hall Balcony.
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- This venue also has the following available: seating, a virtual tour, maps and sensory packs.
- The sensory pack includes: ear defenders, fidget toys, sunglasses and soft toy. For more information about reserving a pack, and any charges, please contact the venue before your visit.
- The following mobility aids are available to borrow: a wheelchair. For more information on any hire fees or booking requirements, please contact the venue.
- Toilet and changing facilities available include: standard toilets, a Changing Places facility, step free standard toilets and accessible toilets.
- There is/are 5 toilet(s) designated as accessible.
- The accessible toilet surveyed can be found on the ground floor at the rear of the gallery.
- This accessible toilet surveyed is approximately 58m from the main entrance.
- The standard toilets can be found on ground, first and second floors.
- The standard toilets surveyed can be found ground floor to the left of the gallery behind the café.
- There is a member of staff who has some sign language experience, but he is not always available.
Parking
- This venue does not have a car park.
- Nearby parking includes: Blue Badge on-street parking (within 50m) and a multi-storey public car park.
- There is Blue Badge parking on the road to the right of the art gallery near the entrance off School Hill.
There is multi storey parking at Bon Accord car park on Harriet Street.
Public Transport
- There is a bus stop within approximately 150m of the venue.
- The nearest bus stop is on School Hill.
- The nearest train station is Aberdeen Station.
Entrance (Main Entrance)
- The entrance surveyed is located at the front of the building on School Hill.
- There is step-free access at this entrance, via ramp/slope.
- The slope has a slight gradient .
- The slope does not have handrails.
- There are double automatic doors which open towards you.
- The door is activated by a push pad at a suitable height for seated users (between 75cm - 100cm).
- The width of the opening is 177cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- There is a single automatic door which are permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 201cm.
Counter (Information Counter)
- There is step-free level access to this counter.
- The height of the counter is 125cm.
- There is not a low level counter at the recommended height for seated users (between 76cm - 86cm).
- There is no (or very little) background noise here.
- The counter does not have a hearing assistance system.
Shop (Gallery Shop)
- The majority of aisle widths are not 150cm+.
- All flooring in the shop is smooth and even.
- The majority of the flooring includes large repeating patterns in bold colours, which may look like steps or holes to some people.
- The majority of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery.
- There is step-free level access to the till(s).
- The height of the counter is 85cm.
- The checkout area has windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The till does not have a hearing assistance system.
- Services/facilities available in the shop include: a portable card machine for payment and a standard wheelchair to borrow.
- There is no (or very little) background noise here.
Eating and Drinking (Ground Floor Cafe)
- This is a café which serves hot and cold meals and snacks.
- There is step-free level access to this area.
- There is staff can provide assistance and full table service.
- Menu types include; handheld menus.
- Menus are easy to read.
- The following are available here: drinking straws, takeaway cups, takeaway cutlery and a portable card machine for payment.
- There is no (or very little) background noise here.
- There is not a low level counter at the recommended height for wheelchair users (between 76cm - 86cm).
- The seating area has: room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm), tables which are accessible to wheelchair users and chairs without armrests.
- The seating area does not have: a mixture of chairs with and without armrests.
- Tables are at a recommended height for wheelchair users (between 70cm - 80cm).
- All flooring in the area is smooth and even.
- The majority of the flooring includes large repeating patterns in bold colours, which may look like steps or holes to some people.
- The majority of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery.
Room(s) (Cowdray Hall)
- The room surveyed was Cowdray Hall and is located on the ground floor to the left from the main entrance.
- There is wayfinding signage on the route to the room(s).
- There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
- The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
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Getting Into The Room
View
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high. The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
- There are double manual doors (with one door locked) which open away from you.
- The width of the opening is 75cm.
- There is step-free access into the room(s).
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Inside The Room
View
- The room has: room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm) and chairs without armrests.
- The room does not have: a mixture of chairs with and without armrests.
- There are no tables which are at a recommended height for a wheelchair user (between 70cm - 80cm).
- Some flooring in the area is smooth and even.
- Where the flooring is not smooth or even, it is due to carpet.
- The majority of the flooring includes large repeating patterns in bold colours, which may look like steps or holes to some people.
- The majority of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- This room has a projector screen.
- The area does not have a hearing assistance system.
- There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
- The room is used for concerts and lectures.
Room(s) (Learning Space)
- The room surveyed was Learning Space and is located on the ground floor at the rear of the building.
- There is wayfinding signage on the route to the room(s).
- There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
- The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
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Getting Into The Room
View
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is low. The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
- There is a single manual door which open towards you.
- The width of the opening is 83cm.
- There is step-free access into the room(s).
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Inside The Room
View
- The room has: chairs without armrests, tables which are accessible to wheelchair users and room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The room does not have: a mixture of chairs with and without armrests.
- Tables are at a recommended height for wheelchair users (between 70cm - 80cm).
- All flooring in the area is smooth and even.
- The majority of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
- This room has a television screen.
- The area does not have a hearing assistance system.
- There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
- Light switches are at a recommended height from floor level at 115cm.
- Lighting levels are adjustable.
The room has an accessible toilet and standard shared toilets.
Lift (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 ground floor, first floor and second floor.
- Externally the lift has: a door with a low colour contrast to the surroundings, buttons with a low colour contrast to the surroundings, controls at a recommended height range (between 90cm - 110cm) and tactile markings.
- The lift door opening width is 120cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 155cm x 230cm.
- Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator, controls at a recommended height range (between 90cm - 110cm), tactile markings, a hearing assistance alarm system, Braille markings, an audible announcer, a mirror to aid reversing and buttons with a low colour contrast to the surroundings.
Stairs (Main Staircase)
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are ground floor, first floor and second floor.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are not clearly marked but there are handrails on both sides.
- Lighting levels are low at these stairs.
Stairs (Stairs to First Floor)
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are ground floor and first floor.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are not clearly marked and there are no handrails.
Tour
- The tour is self-guided but guides are available to provide additional information.
- The tour takes approximately 3 hours.
- There is step-free access throughout the tour, via lift.
- The majority of walkways are 150cm+ wide.
- Different tour types are available which may vary the tour time and route.
- There is no (or very little) background noise along the tour route.
- The following may be experienced on the tour: lighting effects and interactive video effects.
- Tour information includes the following formats: information board, BSL, television/screen, mobile app, touchscreens, pictorial and interactive exhibits at a recommended height for wheelchair users (between 75cm - 120cm).
- Floor plans/maps are available for the tour route.
- There are sofas, bench seats and chairs without armrests at regular intervals along the tour.
- Some of the seating is fixed.
- All flooring along the tour route is smooth and even.
- The majority of the flooring includes large repeating patterns in bold colours, which may look like steps or holes to some people.
- The majority of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery.
- Lighting levels are low along parts of the tour route.
Ramp or Slope (Gallery 11 to 12 and Cowdray Hall Balcony - First Floor)
- There is a ramp with a steep gradient .
- The ramp does not have handrails.
Room(s) (McBey Library)
- The room surveyed was McBey Library and is located on the first floor of the gallery.
- There is wayfinding signage on the route to the room(s).
- There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
- The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
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Getting Into The Room
View
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is low. The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
- There is a single manual door which open away from you.
- The width of the opening is 86cm.
- There is step-free access into the room(s).
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Inside The Room
View
- The room has: room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm), tables which are accessible to wheelchair users, chairs without armrests and coffee tables.
- The room does not have: a mixture of chairs with and without armrests.
- Tables are at a recommended height for wheelchair users (between 70cm - 80cm).
- All flooring in the area is smooth and even.
- The majority of the flooring includes large repeating patterns in bold colours, which may look like steps or holes to some people.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The area does not have a hearing assistance system.
- There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
- Light switches are at a recommended height from floor level at 115cm.
- There are fixed security barriers inside the door with an opening which is 90cm wide.
The lighting levels are adjustable.
Room(s) (Special Exhibitions - Galleries 20-22 - Second Floor)
- The room surveyed was Special Exhibitions and is located on the second floor.
- There is wayfinding signage on the route to the room(s).
- There is wayfinding signage and written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
- The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
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Getting Into The Room
View
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high. The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
- There are double manual doors (with one door locked) which open away from you.
- The width of the opening is 106cm.
- There is step-free access into the room(s).
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Inside The Room
View
- The room has: bench seats, room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm) and chairs without armrests.
- The room does not have: a mixture of chairs with and without armrests and tables which are accessible to wheelchair users.
- There are no tables which are at a recommended height for a wheelchair user (between 70cm - 80cm).
- All flooring in the area is smooth and even.
- The majority of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The area does not have a hearing assistance system.
- There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
- The room is used for temporary exhibitions and the layout and seating/table arrangements will change for each exhibition. There is always bench seating available.
Room(s) (Seminar Room - Second Floor)
- The room surveyed was Seminar Room and is located on the second floor.
- There is not wayfinding signage on the route to the room(s).
- There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
- The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
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Getting Into The Room
View
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is low. The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
- There are double manual doors (with one door locked) which open away from you.
- The width of the opening is 84cm.
- There is step-free access into the room(s).
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Inside The Room
View
- The room has: room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm), chairs without armrests and tables which are accessible to wheelchair users.
- The room does not have: a mixture of chairs with and without armrests.
- Tables are at a recommended height for wheelchair users (between 70cm - 80cm).
- Flooring in the area is not smooth and even.
- Where the flooring is not smooth or even, it is due to carpet.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is low.
- This room has a television screen and a projector screen.
- The area does not have a hearing assistance system.
- There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
- Light switches are at a recommended height from floor level at 115cm.
- The lighting levels are adjustable.
On Mondays there is a session when sensory deprivation tents are erected in the room.
Eating and Drinking (Café - Second Floor)
- This is a café which serves desserts.
- There is step-free access to this area, via lift.
- There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered, staff can provide assistance and table service (on request only).
- Menu types include; counter menus.
- Menus are easy to read.
- The following are available here: drinking straws, takeaway cups and a portable card machine for payment.
- There is no (or very little) background noise here.
- There is not a low level counter at the recommended height for wheelchair users (between 76cm - 86cm).
- The seating area has: room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm), tables which are accessible to wheelchair users, chairs without armrests, sofas and coffee tables.
- The seating area does not have: a mixture of chairs with and without armrests.
- There are some tables which are at a recommended height for wheelchair users (between 70cm - 80cm).
- All flooring in the area is smooth and even.
- The majority of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery.
Shop (Book Shop - Second Floor)
- The majority of aisle widths are not 150cm+.
- All flooring in the shop is smooth and even.
- The majority of the flooring has a very shiny finish, which could cause issues with glare or look slippery.
- There is step-free level access to the till(s).
- The height of the counter is 88cm.
- There is a low level till at the recommended height for seated users (between 76cm - 86cm).
- The till does not have a hearing assistance system.
- Services/facilities available in the shop include: a portable card machine for payment and a member of staff to provide assistance.
- There is no (or very little) background noise here.
West Terrace - Second Floor
- The west terrace is located on the second floor behind the café.
- There is a door which opens towards you and is 108cm wide.
- The access to the terrace is level via the main lift.
- The terrace is split into 2 levels with steps only to the lower level.
- The steps are not clearly marked and have hand rails both side.
- There are tables on both levels which are 72cm to the underside.
- There are chairs with no armrests only.
Changing Places (Second Floor)
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Location and Access
View
- The facility is additional to standard and accessible toilets, and is not located close to other managed facilities.
- There is a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
- There is step-free access to the facility, via lift.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- There is a manual door which opens both ways and has a low colour contrast.
- The width of the door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the facility are 360cm x 295cm.
- The ceiling height is at a minimum height of 2.4m and there is not a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
- The facility has not got a non-slip floor.
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Toilet Details
View
- There are lateral transfer spaces on both sides of the toilet seat but they are obstructed.
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 70cm (2ft 4in).
- The following grab rails are available: a horizontal grab rail on the door, a vertical grab rail on the transfer side, a vertical grab rail on the non transfer side and vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- There is a dropdown rail on both sides of the seat.
- The following have a high colour contrast with their surroundings: all grab rails and both dropdown rails.
- The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
- There is a spatula flush on the left transfer side.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm at a recommended height for a seated user (within 10cm from the floor).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 77cm.
- The toilet has a backrest.
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Changing Bench and Hoist Details
View
- The facility changing bench is wall mounted and height-adjustable.
- The length of the facility changing bench is 179cm (5ft 10in).
- The changing places hoist is powered overhead and covers all areas in the cubicle.
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Other Facilities
View
- There is a fixed height wash basin (not at a recommended height range).
- The wash basin tap type is sensor.
- The wash basin is 69cm from the floor.
- The following fixtures cannot be reached from the toilet seat: the toilet roll holder, the wash basin, the soap dispenser, towel dispenser and hand dryer.
- The soap dispenser is 108cm from the floor.
- The towel dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
- The hand dryer is 95cm from the floor.
- The cubicle also has: a full length mirror, a waste bin without lid, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There is not a shelf.
- The coat hooks for seated users are at the recommended height.
- Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a flip down baby change table, which is 76cm high.
Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Left Hand Transfer)
- This accessible toilet is located behind gallery 2.
- There is step-free level access into the accessible toilet.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 58m from the main entrance.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
- There is a manual door which opens inwards and has a poor colour contrast.
- The door has a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door opening is 89cm.
- The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm x 320cm and it has a turning space of at least 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the left of the toilet seat but it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 89cm from the side of the toilet pan to the wall.
- There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
- The following grab rails are available: vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin, a vertical grab rail on the transfer side and a horizontal grab rail on the door.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The following fixtures can be reached from the toilet seat: the toilet roll holder, the wash basin and the soap dispenser.
- The following fixtures cannot be reached from the toilet seat: towel dispenser and hand dryer.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 42cm.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 85cm.
- The wash basin tap type is sensor.
- The height of the wash basin is 71cm.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 112cm.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 96cm.
- The height of the hand dryer is 95cm.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm at a recommended height for seated users (within 10cm from the floor).
- There is not a shelf.
- The height of the coat hook is 107cm from the floor.
- The cubicle also has: a full length mirror and a sanitary bin.
- The following have a good colour contrast with their surroundings: the internal door, some grab rails and the floor.
- The following have a less clear colour contrast with their surroundings: some grab rails, the dropdown rail and the toilet seat.
Standard Toilet(s)
- There is step-free level access into the toilet(s).
- There is a manual door which opens inwards and has a low colour contrast.
- The shared standard toilet was surveyed.