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Disability North

The Dene Centre, Castle Farm Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1PH

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include disability services, meeting rooms, conference suite, demonstration areas, mobility shop.
  • Services / facilities within the grounds include the Angela Blenkinsop mobility garden.

Opening Times

  • 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.

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the town or city.
  • This venue is situated in Newcastle upon Tyne.
  • The venue is situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest mainline station is Manors.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located at the front of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 255cm x 500cm (8ft 4in x 16ft 5in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 38m (41yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • A service call for assistance is available from within the car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • There is a bell/buzzer.
  • The height of the bell/buzzer is 128cm (4ft 2in).
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The width of the door opening is 103cm (3ft 5in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 111cm (3ft 8in).

Outside Access (Rear Entrance - First Floor)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • Comments View
    • This is a fire exit, so the door can only be opened from the inside.
    • It can, however, be used to give direct access to the conference room on the first floor if requested.

Level Change (Rear Entrance - First Floor)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 155cm (5ft 1in).

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 14/01/2025.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • The details here are for the stairs on the opposite side of the building to reception.
    • There is a stair lift fitted on this staircase.
    • Please see the relevant lift section for more details.

Other Floors (Rear Stairs)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 14 steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is not a landing.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • The details here are for the stairs next to the platform lift in the far corner of the building from the main entrance.
    • A stair lift is fitted on these stairs.
    • Please see the relevant lift section for more details.
    • There is an identical staircase, also with a stair lift fitted, close to these stairs, except the handrail is on the left hand side going up.

Lift (Stairs)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the stairs opposite reception.
  • The lift is a stair lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Lift (Rear Stairs)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the stairs next to the platform lift.
  • The lift is a stair lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is approximately 60m (65yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar stair lift on the alternative rear stairs which offers transfer space on the right.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the far corner of the building.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is 55m (60yd 5in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 70cm x 115cm (2ft 4in x 3ft 9in).
  • 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 not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Demonstration Room

  • The demonstation room is located towards the rear of the building.
  • There is level access from the main entrance.
  • It is approximately 35 metres from the main entrance.
  • The door is 83cm wide and entry is by staff accompaniment.
  • There are various types of equipment including a bed with overhead hoist, manual hoists, mobility aids, different chairs, large text devices, reading aids, scales, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
  • There are various accessible showers and baths in the rear sections.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Demonstration Room - Bath Section

  • There is an adjoining bathroom section with 2 baths.
  • There is an overhead hoist which covers both baths.
  • There is also a mobile hoist and wet chair.
  • The lower bath is 49cm high and the higher bath is 56cm high.
  • The bathroom section dimensions are 280cm x 370cm.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

Kitchen

  • The accessible kitchen is located towards the rear of the building.
  • There is level access from the main entrance.
  • The kitchen offers a lowered sink and lowered cooker hob.
  • There is also lower worktops and lower drawers and cupboards along with standard height cupboards and worktops.
  • There is clear manouvering space for a wheelchair throughout.

Mobility Garden

  • The mobility garden is located to the left of the building.
  • There are a range of surfaces including paving slabs, concrete, cobbles, grass, gravel and tarmac.
  • There are ramps available with various gradients from easy to steep at the top.
  • There is a handrail to the right on the main slope and on the left through the garden path.
  • There are walkways with shallow or medium steps which offer handrails on both sides.
  • The steps are clearly marked.

Changing Places (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located at the far side of the ground floor right hand side.
    • The facility is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
    • The facility is not located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
    • There is level access to the facility.
    • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the external door and wall .
    • There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from reception or member of staff.
    • There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on one side only.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 200cm (6ft 7in).
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall .
    • There is a high visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a spatula flush.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet has a lid obstructing the back rest/cistern/wall.
    • There is a low visual contrast between the toilet seat and pan.
    • There is not an emergency alarm for the toilet.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head can be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There is not a vertical grab rail for the shower.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is not a soap dispenser.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The wide paper roll dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is not an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • There is a coat hook.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 33m (36yd 3in) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the far side of the ground floor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens by sliding.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 202cm x 200cm (6ft 8in x 6ft 7in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • 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 sanitary, non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 150cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • 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 75cm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can 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 cannot 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 77cm (2ft 6in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in this toilet with adapatations.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 87cm (2ft 10in).

Toilet with Adaptations (Closomat with Hoist - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 39m (42yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the far side of the building.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens by sliding.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 200cm (6ft 7in x 6ft 7in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 110cm (3ft 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 not a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • 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 general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a drop down changing bench available.
    • It is fixed to the wall, 160cm in length and 90cm high when extended.

Toilet with Adaptations (Alternative - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 38m (41yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the venue, to the right of the closomat toilet.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens by sliding.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 190cm (6ft 3in x 6ft 3in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • 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 sanitary, non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 112cm and 147cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the stair lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, outside the conference room.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens by sliding.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 158cm x 181cm (5ft 2in x 5ft 11in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • 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 alarm.
    • 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 general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents are available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.