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DisabledGo has made every effort to ensure that this web site is both simple to use and in a format that is accessible to all. If, however, you face any difficulties, we kindly ask you to contact us.
DisabledGo is responsive to the disabled people who use our website and services. After consultation with our Steering Groups we have introduced 4 new symbols and many new access related questions to our guides. The symbols and new information will be included in access guides created after May 2008. The new style guides started appearing on the live site in September 2008.
The guides created before this date will be gradually updated as we continue to renew the information annually.
The new symbols are for Parking, Adapted Rooms, Sign Language and Changing Places facilities.
Explanations for the existing and new symbols are provided below.
(N) = relates to explanations relating to our new style access guides which were created after May 2008 and start to appear on the live site during September 2008.
DisabledGo Symbols - What do they mean?
Wheelchair User
The key services in the venue are accessible to a person who can independently power their wheelchair. There will be level access leading to the entrance door and most internal level changes can be accessed by easy ramps and/or standard/platform lifts. All venues have sensor/push pad operated automatic doors or no doors at the main entrance. Entrance doors must have a clear door width of at least 75cm.
Venues accessed by lift will be also be awarded this symbol so long as a member of staff does not need to be notified to operate the lift.
Wheelchair User with Assistance
The key services in the venue are accessible to a wheelchair user. There will be level access or an easy/moderate ramp and/or up to one shallow (10cm) step and most internal level changes can be overcome by easy/moderate ramps or standard/platform lifts. However assistance may be required to overcome for example, heavy manual doors. Entrance doors must have a clear door width of at least 75cm.
Venues accessed by lift will be also be awarded this symbol. A member of staff may need to be notified to operate the lift.
Mobility Impaired Walker
There is an entrance to the building with no more than three medium steps. If there is more than one step a handrail must be provided. Internal level changes can be overcome by moderate/easy ramps and/or lifts.
Seat Available
A seat is available on the premises for customers. If not readily available it can be requested.
WC Adapted
There are adapted toilets on the premises. Doors to adapted toilets must have a clear door width of at least 75cm.
Adapted toilets must have step free access to be awarded the Adapted Toilet Symbol.
WC Standard
There is step free access to standard toilets on the premises. These are located on the ground or other floors accessible by lift.
Changing Rooms
There are adapted changing rooms or fitting rooms available on the premises.
Changing Places Facilities Available
This symbol relates to access guides created or updated after May 2008.
DisabledGo is delighted to add its support to the Changing Places campaign for fully accessible public toilet facilities for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Changing Places toilets include an adult-sized, height-adjustable changing bench, hoist and plenty of space.
Standard adapted toilets do not meet the needs of all people with a disability - or their carers.
Changing Places toilets are different to standard adapted toilets.
Changing Places toilets provide:
The right equipment
- A height adjustable adult sized changing bench
- A tracking hoist system, or mobile hoist if this is not possible
Enough space
- Adequate space in the changing area for the disabled person and up to two carers
- A centrally placed toilet with room either side for the carers
- A screen or curtain to allow the disabled person and carer some privacy
A safe and clean environment
- Wide tear off paper roll to cover the bench
- A large waste bin for disposable pads
- A non-slip floor
Criteria
The criteria for awarding the symbol is designed by the Changing Places consortium and further information can be found on the Changing Places website.
Where these facilities do not meet the criteria set out by the Changing Places Consortium the facility will be known as Changing Places (Partial). These type of facilities will not be awarded the Changing Places symbol but the Adapted Changing Room symbol.
To qualify for the Changing Places (Partial) section to be added, the facility must meet this minimum criteria:
- The changing facility should be at least the minimum floor size for Changing Places and
- have an adapted toilet within the cubicle
The information will be included in the access guide to allow the user to decide if the facility is suitable to their requirements.
As part of our partnership working with Changing Places, DisabledGo will provide the details of partial facilities to Changing Places in order for them to contact the venue with a view to encouraging the service provider to upgrade the facility to the full Changing Places standard.
Large Print
Large print information is available on the premises. Large print materials which are available 'on request' will be noted in the Additional Information section on the Detailed Access Guides but will not qualify for the large print symbol.
Braille
Braille information is available on the premises. Braille information which is available 'on request' will be noted in the Additional Information section on the Detailed Access Guides but will not qualify for the Braille symbol.
Assistance Dog
The service provider is able to welcome assistance dogs onto the premises.
Hearing System
A sound enhancement system is available at certain locations within the premises.
Conducting of Business (fax, email etc)
The service provider has a Minicom/Textphone or RNID Text Relay, or they are prepared to conduct business via fax or email.
Home Service
The service provider has a policy of providing a home delivery or home visiting service. A website delivery service does not constitute a home service.
Parking - venue has own car park for use by patrons
This symbol relates to access guides created or updated after May 2008.
This symbol indicates that the venue has its own car park for the use of patrons located directly at the venue. This symbol is provided on new style guides only.
This symbol will also be applied for venues within for example a shopping centre/retail park served by a car park belonging to the shopping centre/retail park as a whole.
If designated parking bays are available for Blue Badge holders' further details will be provided in Detailed Access Guides.
Blue Badge on street parking available
This symbol relates to access guides created or updated after May 2008.
This will be awarded if:
There is on street Blue Badge parking in the immediate proximity to the venue or;
The venue can provide parking if booked in advance to Blue Badge holders.
This last point could refer to a venue which has a car park for staff only but are happy to reserve a space for a Blue Badge holder.
All local parking restrictions should be checked before visiting the venue.
Public Car Park near to the venue
This symbol relates to access guides created or updated after May 2008.
This symbol indicates that there is a public car park within approximately 200 metres of the venue. This will refer to car parks such as NCP or council car parks.
Adapted Accommodation
This symbol relates to access guides created or updated after May 2008.
This symbol will only be awarded to accommodation which has rooms which have
- Either step free, ramped or lift access to bedrooms and
- Have adapted ensuite facilities and
- All doors leading to an adapted room and internal doors leading to the ensuite will have a minimum clear door width of 75cm and
- The adapted ensuite will have a selection of handrails to aid transfer to the toilet and ideally a drop down rail for balance and side transfer space (minimum of 60 cm) and
- The adapted ensuite will have a lowered bath or a level access wheel in shower.
The symbol will also be awarded for educational establishments which provide adapted residential facilities for its students.
Adapted Accommodation Additional Information
There are many other adaptations available for hotel rooms and DisabledGo will provide additional details with regards to hoists, auxiliary aids for sensory impairments etc where available. The guide should be read in full to ascertain these details.
NB There may be rooms with step free, ramped or lift access that may be suitable for some wheelchair users. If this is the case we will award a Wheelchair user with Assistance or Wheelchair user without Assistance symbol. Guides should be read by the individual to check to see if the room is suitable for their own requirements.
Only accommodation with adapted ensuite facilities meeting the above criteria 1 - 5 will receive the adapted room symbol.
Details will be provided for rooms having some of the criteria to allow individuals to check usability based on their own requirements.
Sign Language used
This symbol relates to access guides created or updated after May 2008.
The service provider has informed a DisabledGo Surveyor that they have a member of staff trained in sign language generally on duty.
The symbol will not be awarded if the sign language interpreter is only available on request. The information relating to the sign language interpreter is contained in the Additional Information section of the Detailed Access Guides and should be read fully to discover if a sign language interpreter is available on request and what level of sign language they are trained to.
We must emphasise that it is a symbol that should be relied upon with care as managing practices can vary and business ownership can change resulting in different approaches to disability. We can only assess whether venues have a sign language interpreter available at the time of the survey and at the Annual Renewal.
Disability Awareness Training
The service provider has informed a DisabledGo Surveyor that they provide Disability Awareness Training for their staff.
We have reservations about including this symbol, however we have been asked to include it in our guides by disabled people. We must emphasise that it is a symbol that should be relied upon with care as managing practices can vary and business ownership can change resulting in different approaches to disability. We can only assess whether venues have disability awareness training at the time of the research and at the Annual Renewal.
Key Services
The symbols will be awarded in relation to the key services and access to key services within a venue. Examples of this would be:
- A restaurant may have a reception area; an assistance dog would have to be allowed to accompany the owner into the actual restaurant whilst dining in order for the symbol to be awarded.
- If assistance dogs are welcomed in the restaurant of a hotel but not welcomed in guest rooms then the Assistance Dog symbol will not be awarded as the key service is considered to be sleeping at the hotel.
- A hotel may have a restaurant open for general public use, there may be level access to the restaurant however if the hotel has no rooms accessible to wheelchair users neither of the wheelchair user symbols will be awarded as the key service is considered to be sleeping at the hotel. (Where possible the restaurant would be done as a separate Detailed Access Guide and the relevant symbols applied. Otherwise information regarding the restaurant would be given in the 'restaurant comments' section of the main hotel guide)
- A bar may have a raised area this raised area would not prevent the wheelchair symbols or Mobility Impaired Walker symbol being applied if there is adequate step free or ramped access to other seating areas. The information regarding the raised area will be provided in the 'Inside Access' comments section or in the No Level Access sections. (N)
- If internal deep steps or internal steep ramps are barriers to accessing key services the mobility symbols will not be awarded even if there is level access into the building. The information regarding the steps and ramps will be provided to enable people to make an informed decision as to the usability of the venue based on their own particular access requirements.
- Train stations rarely have level access from the platform to the train. The station itself may be accessible for a wheelchair user, but due to assistance generally being required in accessing trains the Wheelchair User with Assistance Symbol would be awarded as the key service at a station is accessing a train.
- A venue, such as a historic building, may have areas of interest on the ground floor with step free access. There may also be stepped areas with no alternative access. If the venue has provided an alternative way to view inaccessible areas of a building in the form of a video tour and has some internal ground floor areas of interest, a Wheelchair User with Assistance and a Mobility Impaired Walker symbol will be awarded.
Outside Access and External Environment
Parking
Only car parks belonging to and being managed by the venue will be awarded the 3 star parking symbol. (N)
Distances of designated bays from the accessible entrance are approximate.
On street Blue Badge parking information will only be given if signage and information relating to Blue Badge parking is obvious and clear to the surveyor at the time of carrying out the survey. (N)
Information regarding Designated Drop off Points will only be provided if a purpose built drop off point has been provided close to the venue. (N)
Doors
External doors are expected to have a minimum clear width of 75cm in order to be awarded either a Wheelchair User or a Wheelchair User with Assistance symbol.
Doors are described as heavy or light. The surveyors make an informed decision based on training. Door weights are not measured with a Newtonometer.
A threshold at an entrance which is higher than 15mm will result in a Wheelchair with Assistance Symbol being awarded rather than a Wheelchair user without Assistance Symbol.
If the main entrance to a venue is not accessible to a wheelchair user and there is an alternative level entrance we will, where possible, provide information relating to both entrances on the Detailed Access Guides.
If any internal doors, which are essential to access some of the key services are less than 75cm details will be given as to the location of the doors and their width.
Entrances
Information regarding the main entrance and an alternative entrance (if available) will be given to allow people with different access requirements to decide which entrance is the most suitable to their own particular circumstances.
Ramps
Ramps are referred to as easy, moderate or steep. Surveyors make an informed judgment based on training. They are not measured using a gradient measurer. Where possible a photograph will accompany information given in the guide.
Any venue accessed by a steep ramp will not be awarded a Wheelchair User symbol, a Wheelchair User with Assistance symbol or a Mobility Impaired Walker symbol unless an alternative means of accessing the level change is available. The access information will still be provided in the Detailed Access Guide despite the symbol not being awarded.
Where a ramp or slope width measures less than 180cm a measurement will be provided. (N)
(N) Information relating to a level landing at the top of a ramp is provided for external ramps leading to entrances only. The availability of level landings at the top of ramps is for information only and does not form part of the criteria for awarding access symbols.
Steps
A shallow step is up to and including 10cm
A medium step is up to and including 17cm
A deep step is over 17cm.
Steps are counted up to 15 steps per landing. If more steps per landing it will be shown as 15+.
Any venue accessed by a deep step will not be awarded a Wheelchair User symbol, a Wheelchair User with Assistance symbol or a Mobility Impaired Walker symbol, unless an alternative means of accessing the level change is available or an alternative entrance is available. The access information will still be provided in the Detailed Access Guide despite the symbol not being awarded so that our users have the information to make an informed decision based on their own circumstances.
Distances
Distances measured in meters are approximate. An example of this would be the distance of an accessible entrance to an accessible hotel room or the distance from the venue to a train station.
Please refer also to Key Services for further information relating to Outside Access.
Inside Access
Doors
If any internal doors, which are essential to access some of the key services, are less than 75cm details will be given as to the location of the doors and their width.
Reception Desk/Service Counters
A low reception desk is up to 70cm from floor level. (N)
A medium reception desk is between 70cm – 110cm from floor level. (N)
A high reception desk is over 110cm from floor level. (N)
Where the reception desk is high or medium but a lowered section is provided, the lowered section height will be up to 70cm. (N)
Lifts
Platform lifts are those which a wheelchair user wheels on to, in order to overcome raised areas/steps or level changes.
Standard lifts are those which are used by both disabled and non disabled people.
The measurement of the width of the door to the lift will be no less than 75 cm. (N)
Standard lift control buttons are within reach of a wheelchair user. (N)
- External controls should be within 110cm from floor level.
- Internal controls should be within 120cm from floor level and positioned on the side of the lift car wall.
Stair lifts are those which a person has to sit in (not in a wheelchair) in order to over-come steps. Stair lifts do not qualify as an acceptable means of overcoming steps and Wheelchair User and Wheelchair User with Assistance symbols will not be awarded if this is the only way available to access a venue for a wheelchair user.
The information regarding the stair lift will be provided to enable people to make an informed decision as to the usability of the venue based on their own particular circumstances.
Lighting
Surveyors look at the purpose of the facility/area and make an informed decision based on training. Faulty lighting, for example light bulbs which have not been replaced and flickering lighting would be amongst indicators of poor lighting. A Luxometer is not used to take readings of lighting levels.
Height of Tables
Heights of tables are measured from under the table, taking into account any support bars, to the floor. This is done to enable wheelchair users, for example, to find out in advance whether their legs will be able to fit comfortably at the table.
Refer also to Key Services for further information relating to Inside Access.
Signage
Information regarding signage has been limited to those indicating Adapted Toilets and individual hotel rooms. (N)
Information about the signage relates to signs on or near the door to the adapted toilet or hotel room.
The guide will provide information as to whether the sign is in Braille, is tactile or is pictorial or a combination of the three formats.
After feedback and research regarding signage, particularly around larger buildings, it was not felt appropriate to give information regarding signage as a whole due to its varying levels of accessibility and appropriateness.
Adapted Toilets
An Adapted Toilet symbol will not be awarded if:
- The door width to access the toilet is less than 75 cm or
- The toilet is accessed by a step or a steep ramp – with no alternative access provided.
Where an adapted toilet is partially adapted and has not been awarded the symbol, the details and a photograph will still appear in Detailed Access Guides. The information is provided in the toilet section of a Detailed Access Guide to enable people to make informed decisions as to the usability of the toilet based on their own particular requirements.
Please note:
- 1. Emergency alarms are not considered to be functioning if, at the time of survey, they are found to be tied up or higher than 10cm from floor level.
- 2. Floor dimensions will be given allowing the individual user to assess the suitability of size of cubicle according to their own individual circumstances.
- 3. A transfer space to the left or right side of the toilet which is less than 60cm is not considered to be a transfer space. Accordingly, if any available transfer space is less than 60cm the measurement will not be given.
Please note: the above factors 1 – 3 will not prevent a facility being given an Adapted Toilet symbol.
Colour Contrast
Photograph 1 shows an adapted toilet facility with good colour contrast.
Photograph 2 shows an adapted toilet facility with poor colour contrast.
Standard Toilets
All Detailed Access Guides should be read fully to ascertain if standard toilets are available as the WC symbol will only be applied in the following circumstances
The Standard Toilet symbol will only be awarded if the approach is level, by lift or there is an easy to moderate ramp/slope. If there are any steps on the approach to the toilet the symbol will not be awarded.
For example a venue may have two medium steps with handrails at the outside access. Once inside, the standard toilet on the first floor can be reached by using a standard lift. This venue would receive the Mobility Impaired Walker symbol and the standard WC symbol. A mobility impaired walker can access the venue from the outside and use the lift to access the standard toilet.
If the ladies toilet is accessible and the mens is not or visa versa the symbol will not be applied but again the information will be given as to how to access each of the toilets so that you can make up your own mind whether the toilets are accessible to your own individual circumstances.
Hotels/Bed and Breakfasts and Guest Houses
One example of an adapted room will be reviewed by a DisabledGo Researcher. It is not possible to review all rooms. The room number/name of the room viewed will be provided. (N)
New style guides for hotels and accommodation will have a further symbol awarded if accommodation has adapted ensuite facilities available.
Important room information
- The heights of beds are measured from the floor to the top of the mattress.
- The space between the bed and the floor is measured from the bottom of the bed base to the floor so that, for example, users will be able to know if their portable hoist can be used.
- The height of the bath is measured from the floor to the top edge of the bath so that, for example, users will be able to make an informed decision about whether the bath is suitable for their own individual circumstances.
The Wheelchair User, Wheelchair User with Assistance and Mobility Impaired Walker symbols will be awarded to hotels which have bedrooms which can be accessed by people with mobility impairments from the accessible entrance. The Detailed Access Guides will have to be read further to ascertain the exact nature of the facilities available.
The adapted toilet symbol will relate to toilets available for public use only, not for facilities attached to rooms. This ensures that when a hotel is being used for a function or conference, for example, that people are aware what kind of toilet facilities are available for public use.
Train Stations
Train stations rarely have level access from the platform to the train. The station itself may be accessible for a wheelchair user, but due to assistance generally being required in accessing trains the Wheelchair User with Assistance Symbol would be awarded as the key service at a station is accessing a train.
How to view a LISTINGS PAGE
STEP 1
In the search box, select the town or city you wish to find information about and then click the Search button. This will take you to your chosen town/city home page.
STEP 2
Every venue or service that we have researched has been organised into 8 categories.
Click on one of the 8 category buttons for the information you require and then keep clicking on the appropriate selections until you reach a page with listings for that service.
Example
If you are looking for information on a garden centre in your selected area
- Click on the 'Retail & Shopping' button
- You will then be taken to a page with sub-categories - select 'House & Garden'
- This will take you to another page with sub-categories - select 'Gardening Shops & Centres'
STEP 3
On the listings page, alongside the business contact details, you will see the DisabledGo symbols. These have been assigned by our researchers following a review of the premises/service.
You now have the option to filter out all the businesses that do not meet your access requirements. To do this, simply go to the top of the page and click on the symbols that you are interested in, and then click on the Filter Results button.
Only the listings that match ALL the symbols you have ticked will appear. To modify your search, click on any ticked boxes again to clear the tick and then click Filter Results with your criteria.
How to view a detailed ACCESS GUIDE
If a listing displays "Detailed Access Guide in the header, then even more research has been done! Clicking on this link will allow you to access very detailed information about the venue. Access guides are available for hundreds of venues within a town or city.
Points to note about access guides
- Use the menu bar on the left hand side of the page if you would like to print the access guide, add it to your 'favourites', or send it to an email address. If these options do not appear in the menu bar, please use your browser to perform these tasks.
- In the 'Opening Times' section, the current day is highlighted in bold.
- Click on any of the small photographs on the right hand side of the access guide to view them in a larger size.
- If there are any words underlined on the page, you can click on them to view even more information about that particular venue.
Using the COMMUNITY INFORMATION SECTION
In addition to the goods and services listed in a town/city home page, we provide our users with useful information that is relevant to the area.
You can access this page through the search box at the top of each page, or by going to a town/city homepage and clicking on the button under the 10 category buttons.
Once on the Community Information page, there is also a button under the category buttons that will return you to the town/city homepage.
Final Note
If you have additional needs or requirements of any kind, we strongly recommend that you make sure these can be met by the chosen venue. You can do so with confidence as DisabledGo only lists those venues with a positive regard for disabled people.
The criteria that DisabledGo have adopted do not necessarily conform to British Standards or to Building Regulations. Where symbols are used, they reflect what DisabledGo understands to be acceptable to meet the needs of people with physical and sensory impairments. In detailed access-reviews, DisabledGo seeks to convey as much information as possible to allow you to make up your own mind about whether a venue meets your needs.
