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A Guide to our Accessibility Symbols

AccessAble uses 39 Accessibility Symbols

These symbols have been designed in consultation with people with disabilities. They represent important information that we’ve been told would be good to find out at a glance in order to help assess whether somewhere will work well for you.

All the venues which our experienced team survey are given Accessibility Symbols. You can use these to narrow your search by filtering your results.

You can find details of what each Accessibility Symbol means below, as well as some of the common terms we use to describe accessibility to and around a venue.

Accessibility Symbols Guide

Step-Free Level Access

Step-Free Level Access


Access to and at the entrance is level (this may include gradients up to 1:20 or 5%, and/or the use of lifts). Minimum width of entrance opening is at least 32”.

Step-Free Access Via Ramp or Slope

Step-Free Access Via Ramp or Slope


Access to and at the entrance is step-free. There may be ramps/slopes with a slight gradient (between 1:20 and 1:12, or 5% and 8.33%). Minimum width of ramp and entrance opening is at least 32”.

Minimal Steps

Minimal Steps


Access to and at the entrance has 1 to 3 steps.

Step-Free Access via a Long or Steep Ramp or Slope

Step-Free Access via a Long or Steep Ramp or Slope


Access to and at the entrance includes a steep (greater than 1:12 or 8.33%) or long ramp/slope without resting areas. Minimum width of ramp and entrance opening is at least 32”.

Automatic or No Doors at the Entrance

Automatic or No Doors at the Entrance


The entrance has either automatic doors or no doors with an opening width of at least 32”. When applied to a service or space within a building this relates to the entrance at that service or space e.g. the door into a teaching room within a building.

Step-Free Level Internal Circulation

Step-Free Level Internal Circulation


The majority of the principal circulation within a building is level (this may include gradients up to 1:20 or 5%, and/or the use of lifts).

Automatic or No Internal Doors

Automatic or No Internal Doors


The majority of the principal circulation within a building has no manual doors. May include doors which were held open at the time of the survey.

Step-Free Access to Room or Area

Step-Free Access to Room or Area


There is a step-free route to the room or area and step-free access into the room or area and a minimum width of entrance opening of 32". The room or area has a turning space of at least 60”x 60” and there is step-free access to an area of seating where this is required. This symbol would apply to areas such as teaching spaces, lecture theatres, cafes and libraries within a building.

On-Site Parking

On-Site Parking


The venue has its own or shared parking lot or parking garage.

Off-Site Parking

Off-Site Parking


Public parking lot, parking garage, or on street parking within 200yds

Designated Car Parking Spaces For People with Disabilities

Designated Car Parking Spaces For People with Disabilities


Signed or marked designated car parking spaces within the parking lot, parking garage, or on-street (these may need to be requested or booked in advance). Full description in the Detailed Access Guide.

Designated Van Parking Spaces For People with Disabilities

Designated Van Parking Spaces For People with Disabilities


Signed or marked designated van parking spaces within the parking lot, parking garage, or on-street (these may need to be requested or booked in advance). Full description in the Detailed Access Guide.

Designated Passenger Loading Zone

Designated Passenger Loading Zone


Designated passenger loading zone within 200yds.

Restroom with Adaptations

Restroom with Adaptations


Restroom with step-free access and a stall at least 60" (152.5cm) wide and at least 56" (142cm) deep. The stall has grab bars behind and on the side-wall closest to the toilet, and a door opening width of at least 32" (81.5cm). Full description in the Detailed Access Guide.

Accessible Locker Room

Accessible Locker Room


There is an accessible locker room and changing area with step-free access, a wheelchair-height bench, lockers available in the lowest row, and sufficient clear space to access the bench and the lockers. The accessible locker room may also include accessible restrooms and showers. Full description in the Detailed Access Guide.

Step-Free Restroom with Grab Bars

Step-Free Restroom with Grab Bars


Restroom with step-free access and side-wall grab bars on both sides. Full description in the Detailed Access Guide.

Step-Free Restroom

Step-Free Restroom


Restroom available with step-free access.

Gender Inclusive Restroom

Gender Inclusive Restroom


An all gender restroom is designated. Access may not be step-free, please check the Detailed Access Guide.

Ostomy Friendly Toilet

Ostomy Friendly Toilet


An Ostomy Friendly toilet available. This includes a hook for hanging clothing and belongings, a shelf, a mirror, and a disposal bin within the stall. Full description in the Detailed Access Guide.

Adult Changing Station

Adult Changing Station


Adult Changing Station available with step-free access. This includes an adult-sized changing table with dimensions of at least 70" x 30" that is either height-adjustable or between 19"-23" from the floor, and may have a side rail and/or a hoist. The changing station is in a separate room or partitioned area with door opening widths a minimum of 32", ample clearance and turning space, and a sink and toilet. Full description in the Detailed Access Guide.

Baby Changing Facility

Baby Changing Facility


A baby changing facility is available. Access may not be step-free, please check the Detailed Access Guide.

Fitting Room or Locker Room with Adaptations

Fitting Room or Locker Room with Adaptations


Fitting room or Locker Room available with step-free access. This includes a minimum turning space of 60”, a bench or seat between 17”-20” from floor level, and door opening widths a minimum of 32”.

Lodging Rooms with Adaptations

Lodging Rooms with Adaptations


Lodging room available with step-free access. This includes a minimum turning space of 60” in both the room and the ensuite, and clear doors opening widths a minimum of 32”. There is a minimum of 30”x 48” of clear floor space on each side of the bed or between two beds. An en-suite bathroom including a toilet with grab bars on the back and side wall, and a roll-in or transfer type shower with seat or bathtub with seat. Full description in the Detailed Access Guide.

Hoist/Overhead Lift

Hoist/Overhead Lift


Fixed or mobile hoist or overhead lift (this may need to be requested). Full description in the Detailed Access Guide.

Shower with Adaptations

Shower with Adaptations


Showers will be of a transfer type with minimum dimensions of 36” x 36” or roll-in with minimum dimensions of 30”x60”, with handheld shower head, fixed grab bars. Transfer type shower compartments have a folding or permanent seat, roll-in showers have a folding seat.

Seating Available

Seating Available


Seating is available (this may need to be requested).

Sign Language

Sign Language


We have been told a member of staff trained in sign language is generally available. (Please note we are unable to verify the level of sign language provided).

Assistive Listening

Assistive Listening


Assistive listening system available. Please check the Detailed Access Guide. (Please note we cannot guarantee whether this equipment is fully functioning).

Audio Description

Audio Description


Audio description is readily available. Full description in the Detailed Access Guide.

Closed Captioning

Closed Captioning


Closed captioning is readily available. Full description in the Detailed Access Guide.

Audio Format Information

Audio Format Information


Information in audio format is readily available.

Large Print

Large Print


Information in Large Print (font size 16+) is readily available.

Braille

Braille


Information in Braille is readily available.

Disability Awareness/Equality Training

Disability Awareness/Equality Training


Evidence of disability awareness and/or equality staff training has been provided. (Please note the level of training may vary).

Home Visit

Home Visit


The venue offers an 'at home' service. Please check with the venue for details.

Quiet or Reflection Space

Quiet or Reflection Space


Quiet or Reflection Space available. Access to these facilities will vary. Please check the Detailed Access Guide.

Dementia Friendly

Dementia Friendly


Evidence of a Dementia Friendly initiative has been provided. (Please note the level of training may vary).

Companion/Caregiver Discount

Companion/Caregiver Discount


Discount available for companions/caregivers. Please check with the venue for details.

Facilities for Service Animals

Facilities for Service Animals


Facilities for service animals are available (may need to be requested). Please check the Detailed Access Guide.

Need more help?

If you have further questions, please take a look at our help page or alternatively please feel free to contact us directly at [email protected].