Howick Leisure Centre

• The main entrance and pathway are accessible, offering step-free access to the venue.
• Three designated and clearly-marked mobility parking spaces are available onsite, located within 20 metres of the main entrance.
• Public transport, specifically bus services, can be used to reach the site, with the closest stop within 200 metres of the venue entrance.
• Designated drop-off and pick-up points or loading zones are available to ensure safe and convenient access.
• The car park is well-lit at night, and a safe footpath leads to the entrance.

• Activities are held in environments considered suitable for neurodiverse participants.
• The venue can adjust the temperature of all indoor spaces, allowing for controlled room temperatures.
• However, the venue does not offer a wide range of sensory experiences or stimuli for visitors with sensory modulation needs.
• There is no designated breakout room or quiet space, and participants cannot easily remove themselves from activities if they experience sensory overload or discomfort.

• The venue hosts events or activities that are suitable for participants who are deaf or experience limited hearing, utilising clearly-displayed signs or graphics.
• Activities are also suitable for neurodiverse participants.
• Staff can intervene quickly if audiovisual systems project sound or graphics that may induce seizures or be distressing to visitors.
• However, for events or activities that include video, closed captions, subtitles, or Sign Language interpretation are not available.

• Staff members are aware of accessible features and services within the venue and are able to provide assistance when needed.
• Staff can assist guests who do not communicate verbally.
• While the venue welcomes all visitors, staff have not received formal workplace training on accessibility and inclusion.
• A feedback mechanism is in place for visitors to raise concerns or provide suggestions about accessibility.

Wheelchair & Mobility Scooter Access

• The main entrance and pathway offer step-free access to the venue.
• Ramps are available to navigate areas with steps and can be easily navigated by people using manual wheelchairs or walking frames.
• All ramps have secure handrails and non-slippery surfaces.
• The reception area is easy to navigate for visitors who use wheelchairs or mobility aids.
• However, some entrances, passageways, and doorways do not meet the minimum width of 0.81 metres, and some doors may not accommodate all wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
• Some evacuation routes may be difficult for wheelchair users, though staff are available to provide assistance.

Accessible Parking

• Three designated and clearly-marked mobility parking spaces are available onsite.
• These accessible parking spaces provide sufficient room for transferring to wheelchairs, powerchairs, or mobility scooters.
• The closest accessible parking space is located within 20 metres of the main entrance.
• The car park is well-lit at night.

Accessible Restrooms

• The venue has more than one accessible bathroom stall, including one gender-neutral restroom located upstairs.
• Accessible restrooms are clearly labelled and include grabrails that are easily accessible from the toilet.
• Handwashing and paper towel drying facilities are within easy reach for a person using a wheelchair.
• Restroom doors can be opened, locked, and unlocked using one hand, and can be unlocked by staff in an emergency.
• The restroom interior is accessible to manual wheelchairs or powerchairs, meeting the minimum cubicle dimensions of 2 metres by 1.6 metres.
• However, the bathroom mirror is not at an appropriate height for a person who uses a wheelchair.
• Some downstairs restrooms, while accessible, may not meet specific physical accessibility requirements for all visitors.

Blindness & Low Vision

• A safe footpath leads to the main entrance.
• Tactile ground surface indicators are present on the main entrance and stairs, and at the top of each set of stairs.
• Clear directions, signs, and maps are provided to guide visitors throughout the venue, including to emergency exits.
• However, tactile ground indicators are not available for all other spaces within the venue.

Deafness & Limited Hearing

• Activities are held in environments suitable for participants who are deaf or experience limited hearing, utilising clearly-displayed signs and graphics.
• Evacuation plans take into consideration individuals with deafness or limited hearing.
• All visitors can be notified quickly and clearly in the event of an emergency.
• However, if events or activities include video, closed captions, subtitles, or Sign Language interpretation are not available.
• Information on whether emergency alert systems produce both audio and visual warnings is not provided.

Neurodiverse Support

• Activities are held in environments suitable for participants who are neurodiverse.
• The venue is able to adjust the temperature of all indoor spaces, offering controlled room temperatures.
• However, the venue does not offer a wide range of sensory experiences or stimuli for visitors with sensory modulation needs.
• There is no designated breakout room or quiet space, and participants cannot easily remove themselves from activities if they experience sensory overload or discomfort.

Service Animals

• All service animals are welcome on the premises.
• Service animals can enter all the same spaces in which their owners are welcome.