Arriving and entering

Advice

What do people need to do to enter the site, what parking is available and is it wide and large enough to allow people to transfer in and out of wheelchairs, are routes clear, unobstructed on level, firm surfaces?

Is there step free or ramped access around the external areas of the site? Can people easily find the entrance and reception areas?

Site Entry

If you have a barrier or locked gate, a means for calling for assistance can make a difference to access. This could be a call button, or a continually monitored telephone number. Consider whether the call button can be used by people with visual impairments or limited dexterity. Using a phone number that is capable of receiving texts benefits deaf people and people who are hard of hearing. Details can be found in BS 8300-1-2018.

A gate that is self-closing under its own weight is preferable to one with a sprung hinge; if the catch can be operated with a clenched fist it is likely to be accessible to most.

Drop off / set down and Car Parking

Consider the size of vehicles likely to be arriving, the direction they come from to / and plan a clear drop off area, factoring in the need for dropped kerbs and tactile paving. Review the area for safety.

Sport England recommend a minimum of 2 designated wheelchair car parking spaces, or 6% of the total parking provision, whichever is greater. BS 8300-1-2018 details a size of 2400mm x 4800mm, with alternative dimensions for larger / specialist vehicles. Dropped kerbs and tactile paving may be needed, surfaces need to be firm and level offering a safe route to the entrance, with signage above each space as well as pictograms on the ground.

Larger parking spaces or ‘family spaces’ can make a real difference for people who are not yet eligible for a blue badge, but may be experiencing cognitive difficulties (e.g. Dementia).

Route finding

If you have post mounted signage (lettering ideally at least 150mm in height) and directional signs (50-100mm in height) consider the distance people will be viewing it from and how legible they are. Signs must contrast visually with their background and letters must contrast with the sign colour. Ensure capital letters are only used for first letter; typefaces commonly used are Helvetica/Arial/Futura/Avant Garde. Signs must not be reflective and positioned so as to avoid reflection from natural or artificial light.

Any lighting for routes should provide at least 100 lux at ground level.

Ramps and steps

Ramps should come with handrails, have a non-slip surface that contrasts with adjacent paving, have level areas top and bottom and a maximum gradient of 1 in 12. Steps require handrails, highlighted nosings, non-slip treads (250-300mm) and ideally closed risers (150-170mm).

Doors

Entrance doors should offer suitable contrast with their immediate surroundings and the building façade. Contrasting door furniture assists ease of use. Doors should provide a clear opening of 800mm. If you have glass doors, ensure there are warning indicators that contrast under natural and artificial lighting at both standing and seated height. A warning strip on the leading edge increases awareness when open. Door handles should be easy to grip, operate the mechanism and open (again from standing and seated positions) – ideally 19mm diameter, D shaped with an easy return. Thresholds should be level. Automatic doors can improve use of the building for everyone.

If you have an electronic door entry system, the activation point should be located on the latch edge, either on the door face or on the adjacent wall (within 200mm of the door frame / aperture). Proximity type cards may be the easiest to use. Swipe card and insertion type systems require more precise hand control, but if used should be orientated vertically.

Entry phone systems should be sited for use by all users, contrast with the background so they can be seen and ideally have an LED display to enable deaf people and people who are hard of hearing to use them. A means of indicating the call is acknowledged and that the lock has been released should be both audible and visible. If a video system is used, it needs to have a wide enough view to ensure any visitor is in the line of site. The option to include hearing (induction) loops with entry phone panels is desirable. Provision of a phone number capable of receiving text messages can assist visitors with a variety of communication needs.

Reception

Any entrance areas should be friendly and welcoming to put people at ease. Counters should include a lowered section to suit wheelchair users. Additional lighting may be required to ensure the receptionists face is evenly lit to aid lip reading, but avoid pools of bright light or deep shadows. Reception areas should have good colour and tonal contrast and shiny surfaces should be avoided as they produce glare and shadows. Clearly label any glass doors or partitions. A fixed induction loop (BS 7594:2011) should be provided and consideration given to the acoustic environment. Larger entrances or facilities could consider seating in the entrance area, particularly if people are likely to be waiting. Perhaps offer a quiet space for anyone who might be feeling anxious or confused. A few minutes with a supportive person might be all they need to feel comfortable. If you have a sign in system, make sure support is on offer for those that might need it, including those living with dementia.  

Checklist questions

1. What procedures are in place to gain entry to the site?
2. Is the experience of entry friendly and welcoming?
3. Is there a designated dropping off / set down area near to the main entrance for all vehicles?
4. Are there enough wide, marked and reserved car parking spaces on firm ground that include a transfer zone at the rear?
5. If NO to q3. is it possible to create temporary wider parking bays and / or reserve parking bays for blue badge holders?
6. Do you have any larger ‘family spaces’?
7. Have you reviewed the safety issues surrounding parking areas?
8. Where is the nearest blue badge and standard public parking facilities?
9. Are routes from parking to the main entrance unobstructed, step free, wide enough to allow for wheelchairs / mobility aids, and on a firm, level surface that is slip resistant in all weather conditions?
10. Do any steps have handrails, highlighted nosing, non-slip treads and closed risers?
11. Do routes to the main entrance have any of the following to support people finding their way: tactile information, visual clues, clear and logical signage, clear definition to path edges, or illumination?
12. Is the entrance to the building distinguishable and easy to use?
13. Can people easily use any electronic or phone entry system in place? Particularly those with sensory impairments and other communication needs?
14. Does the entrance have a raised threshold?
15. If you have a lobby, are the doors the same width as the front door and can you clear one door before negotiating the second?
16. Can people easily find any reception or meeting point?
17. If you have a reception counter, does it have a lowered section for wheelchair users?
18. Are there any highly reflective surfaces in the reception area - this can be visually difficult for some?
19. Is the reception well lit, in a way that avoids areas of bright light or deep shadows?
20. Do you have / need seating in reception or a quite space for anyone who might feel confused?
21. Is any seating well spaced out so there are no tight spaces to navigate and ample room for wheelchair users and people using a cane?
22. Is a person available to support anyone who may need help signing in?

Accessibility statement

Detail the procedures to follow to gain entry to both the site and the main building along with any assistance that is available.

Provide information about drop off points, designated parking and (if needed) the nearest blue badge and standard parking facilities.

Highlight if you have step free or ramped access from arrival points to entering the main building and be honest about any limitations