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St Aidan's College - Straight Block

St Aidan's College, Windmill Hill, Durham, DH1 3LJ

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; undergraduate and postgraduate accommodation on three levels - 'A' Straight, 'B' Straight, and 'C' Straight - with shared kitchen facilities.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor (level B).
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor (level B).
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor (level B).

Accommodation Summary

  • Parking and Transport View
    • The accommodation shares another buildings parking facilities.
    • No secure parking is available.
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
    • There is not a university bus service stop within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
  • Residence Information View
    • This residence is made up of 3-storey residential block buildings.
    • The residence surveyed was Straight Block.
    • There is level access to the Main Building and ramped access to B Straight, and through to Level B in Elizabeth Pease House (via B Straight). There is stepped only access to the lower ground floor (A Straight) and Elizabeth Pease House lower ground floor (level A) and to the first floor (C Straight).
  • Accessible Accommodation Information View
    • The accommodation has 96 rooms in total.
    • There is an/are accessible room(s) within the accommodation.
    • The accommodation has 1 accessible room(s) with accessible bathroom facilities.
    • There is/are 1 accessible room(s) with a wet room/wheel in shower.
    • There is not an/are not adjoining room(s) available for the accessible room(s).
    • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
    • The accessible toilet facilities are located on the B Straight corridor.
  • Standard Accommodation Information View
    • There is standard accommodation on the ground floor.
    • Ground floor accommodation does have level access.
    • There are standard rooms on other floors.
    • The other floors cannot be accessed by lift.
    • Standard accommodation has shared bathrooms with stepped shower cubicles.
    • There is not an/are not adjoining room(s) available for the standard room(s).
  • Amenities and Communal Facilities View
    • There is not a convenience store within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
    • Communal facilities within this residence include a staffed reception, a launderette, a common room, a recreation room, a bar and a study area.
    • The communal facilities for the accommodation surveyed include; a kitchen.
    • The college is a catered college. Meals are normally taken in the main dining hall during term time.
  • Additional Accessibility Aids View
    • There is a deaf alert system available on request.
    • Vibrating pillows alarms are available on request.
    • Bed raisers are not available on request.
    • Portable hoists are not available on request.

Getting Here (St Aidan's College)

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, visitors and permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located on Windmill Hill.
    • 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 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 280cm x 480cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side but not at the 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 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is additional permit holder parking at the end of Windmill Hill behind the bar and loading bay, and by the Lindisfarne Centre and the rear of Houses N to Q off the separate access road from Mill Hill Lane.
    • Visitors without a permit should register their vehicle details at the reception.

Approach (Main Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is tarmac and concrete tiles.
    • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach .
    • The bollard(s) has/have a high visual contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
    • There is a black barrier and orange bollard at this entrance.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building on Windmill Hill by the car park.
    • This entrance gives access to main reception, common areas, straight and curved blocks.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 109cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 115cm.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

Reception (Main Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on the right as you enter via the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 77cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is tiles.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is not step-free access throughout the building .
    • There is sloped/ramped access to the ground floor (level B Straight).
    • There is stepped access to the lower ground floor (level A) and first floor (level C) bedrooms.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
    • There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.

Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (Ground Floor B Straight Corridor)

  • Ramp / Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope located on the main corridor to the rear of the main reception area.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the B Straight corridor.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) located on the main corridor to the rear of the main reception area.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access the accessible toilet, standard toilets, the B Straight corridor, and the Common Stairs - Straight Block end.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

Other Floors (Common Stairs - Straight Block)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located on the main corridor at the Straight Block end.
    • The stairs are approximately 30m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are Lower Ground (A Straight), Ground (B Straight), First (C Straight).
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
  • Other Information View
    • The area(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are Lower Ground floor A Straight corridor including Music Room, Gym and bedrooms, first floor C Straight corridor, first floor main corridor and bedrooms.

Other Floors (Link Staircase)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located in the link between the Straight Block and Elizabeth Pease House (EP Block).
    • The stairs are approximately 85m from the Main Entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are level A (lower ground), level B (ground), level C (first).
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Entrance (A Straight)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the lower ground floor (level A) off the Common Stairs - Straight end.
    • This entrance gives access to the A Straight corridor bedrooms A.1 to A.50 and link access to Elizabeth Pease House.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with an open extension leaf.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
    • There are similar doors at the far end of the corridor at the Elizabeth Pease House Link staircase on the lower ground floor (level A), ground floor level (level B) and first floor level (level C).

Entrance (B Straight)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor level (B) off the Common Stairs - Straight.
    • This entrance gives access to the B Straight corridor bedrooms B.1 to B.51 and link access to Elizabeth Pease House.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key lock is 96cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
    • During the day the doors are permanently held open.

Entrance (C Straight)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor level (C) off the Common Stairs - Straight.
    • This entrance gives access to the C Straight corridor bedrooms C.1 to C.69.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'C Straight - Residents Only'.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 134cm.
    • There is a second similar set of doors in the same location to C Straight accommodation. Bedrooms C.70 to C.81 are located on the first floor (level C) cross corridor of the Main Block (C Cross).

Accommodation (B.38)

  • Accessible Room Information View
    • This type of accessible room is located on the ground floor level B Straight.
    • There is not step-free access to this type of accessible room.
    • Residents do not need to open a door between the entrance and the room(s).
    • The room surveyed does not have an adjoining room.
  • Accessible Room Features View
    • The accessible room surveyed is located at the end of the corridor B Straight.
    • The accessible room surveyed at the time of the visit was B.38.
    • There is step-free access to the accessible room surveyed.
    • The visual contrast between the external room door and wall is high.
    • The door is manual with a key lock.
    • The keyhole height is 99cm.
    • The width of the door is 86cm.
    • There are not lowered spy holes available.
    • The visual contrast between the internal room door and wall is high.
    • The bed height is not adjustable.
    • The height of the bed is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The measurement between the bed base and floor is 28cm (11in).
    • The bed is not moveable.
    • The room does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
    • A member of staff can reconfigure the room furniture to create a turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
    • The height of the desk is 73cm.
    • The desk is not height adjustable.
    • The desk knee recess has the recommended dimensions of 70cm (height) x 50cm (depth).
    • The room surveyed had a desk chair with armrests.
    • Wardrobes have not been adapted to allow use from a seated position.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • Electric sockets are between 40cm and 100cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • The window control type(s) for the room is a/are standard lever(s).
    • The window controls are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is an emergency alarm in the room.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
    • The type of flooring is carpet.
    • The visual contrast between the room walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels in the room are moderate to good.
  • Bathroom Facilities View
    • This information relates to the ensuite.
    • The visual contrast between the external bathroom door and wall is high.
    • The bathroom door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the door into the bathroom is 87cm.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The visual contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is high.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 274cm x 246cm.
    • The bathroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The bathroom has a non-slip floor.
    • The visual contrast between the bathroom walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm within the bathroom.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the bathroom.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf immediately next to or behind the toilet.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 77cm.
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps do not have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The lighting levels in the bathroom are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is low.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 205cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
  • Shower Details View
    • The ensuite has a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head height is fixed.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • Shower controls have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 52cm (1ft 8in).
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available for the shower.
    • Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • There is a single vertical grab rail to assist standing users.
    • The visual contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • The visual contrast between the shower dropdown rail(s) and wall is/are high.

Kitchen/Dining Area (B Straight)

  • The kitchen/dining area is accessed by a single door with an opening width of over 75cm.
  • Lowered work surfaces are not available.
  • The kitchen does have an unobstructed floor space of at least 150cm × 150cm.
  • There is a knee recess under a work surface.
  • A knee recess is provided adjacent to the refrigerator, the freezer, the sink and the hob.
  • Knee recesses are at least 80cm wide.
  • There are not any low level cupboards.
  • There is a breakfast bar 93cm to the surface.
  • There are similar kitchens on A Straight and C Straight but with low level cupboards and no knee recesses.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level B - Shared - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor (level B) in the B Straight corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The visual contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 235cm x 278cm (7ft 9in x 9ft 1in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 167cm (5ft 6in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 143cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 51cm (1ft 8in).
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is low.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
    • 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 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The visual contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.

Standard Toilet(s) (Level B - Male and Female)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located on the ground floor (level B), at the end of the B Straight corridor.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 35m from the main entrance.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 87cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The horizontal handrails are set at a 25 degree angle.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located on the ground floor (level B), in the B Straight corridor.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 40m from the main entrance.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 91cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The horizontal handrails are set at a 25 degree angle.