NextStepNZ
Accessible to visitors who:
- The main entrance and pathways provide step-free access.
- All entrances, passageways, and doorways have a minimum width of 0.81 metres, accommodating mobility aids.
- Ramps or lifts are available where steps are present, and all flooring, including ramps, has non-slippery surfaces.
- More than one clearly labelled accessible, gender-neutral restroom is available.
- Restroom interiors are spacious, meeting recommended dimensions for wheelchair users, with easily accessible grabrails.
- Handwashing facilities and mirrors are at appropriate heights, and doors are easily operable with one hand and can be unlocked by staff in an emergency.
- Designated and clearly-marked accessible parking spaces are available within 20 metres of the main entrance.
- These spaces provide sufficient room for transferring to wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
- Designated drop-off and pick-up points are also available.
- Staff are available to assist visitors with blindness or low vision if needed.
- Activity environments are suitable, featuring even, non-slip flooring and unobstructed pathways.
- However, the site currently lacks a safe footpath and tactile ground surface indicators leading to the main entrance.
- Activity environments include clearly-displayed signs or graphics suitable for participants with deafness or limited hearing.
- Evacuation plans specifically consider individuals with deafness or limited hearing, and emergency alerts provide both audio and visual warnings.
- The venue does not use audiovisual equipment for events, making captions or sign language interpretation non-applicable.
- Activities are held in environments suitable for neurodiverse participants, with considerations for sensory modulation needs.
- A designated breakout room or quiet space is available for visitors who require it.
- Staff are trained and available to assist visitors with intellectual disabilities or acquired brain injuries if needed.
- All service animals are welcome on the premises.
- Service animals are permitted in all the same spaces in which their owners are welcome.
Venue accessibility summary
NextStepNZ offers a highly accessible experience for a recreation centre or gym, particularly for visitors using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, with step-free access, well-located accessible parking, and spacious facilities. The venue prioritises a welcoming and supportive environment for neurodiverse individuals and ensures staff are comprehensively trained to assist all visitors.
Visitor experience
- NextStepNZ cannot be reached using public transport.
- Designated drop-off and pick-up points or loading zones are available to ensure safe and convenient access.
- Designated and clearly-marked accessible parking spaces are available within 20 metres of the main entrance.
- The car park is well-lit at night, with sufficient room for wheelchair or mobility scooter transfers at the parking spaces.
- The main entrance and pathway provide step-free access for people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or walking aids.
- The reception area is easy to navigate, and a reception, help desk, or service counter is available at an appropriate height and width for visitors using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
- A safe footpath and tactile ground surface indicators are not available on the pathway leading to the main entrance for visitors with blindness or low vision.
- Activities offer a wide range of sensory experiences and stimuli for visitors with sensory modulation needs.
- Participants can easily remove themselves from activities if they experience sensory overload or discomfort.
- A designated breakout room or quiet space is available for visitors who require it.
- All indoor venues can have their temperature adjusted, and the venue can create temperature-controlled spaces in the event of sudden bad weather.
- A sheltered space is available for visitors to use in the event of sudden bad weather.
- NextStepNZ hosts events and activities.
- Activities are held in environments suitable for participants with blindness or low vision, deafness or limited hearing, and neurodiverse individuals.
- The venue does not use audiovisual equipment for its events or activities.
- A secure locker or space is available for visitors to store their possessions.
- The venue is not an aquatic facility, ski field, or beach location, and does not offer related activities.
- NextStepNZ is a staffed venue.
- All staff have received workplace education and training on accessibility and inclusion for visitors.
- Staff are aware of the accessible features and services available within the venue and are able to provide assistance when needed.
- Staff are available to assist visitors with blindness or low vision, intellectual disabilities, or acquired brain injuries if needed.
- A feedback mechanism is in place for visitors to raise concerns about accessibility or to provide suggestions.
Wheelchair & Mobility Scooter Access
- The main entrance and pathway to NextStepNZ offer step-free access for people who use wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or walking aids.
- The reception area is easy to navigate for visitors using mobility aids.
- The venue contains steps, but ramps or lifts are also available for access.
- All flooring, including ramps and accessible footpaths, has non-slippery surfaces to prevent accidents and falls.
- All entrances, passageways, and doorways have a minimum width of 0.81 metres and are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, powerchairs, or mobility scooters.
- Doors are easy to open by people who may not use both hands or arms.
- Kitchen facilities and onsite cafes/dining areas are easily accessible, spacious, and generally available to visitors.
Accessible Parking
- NextStepNZ has designated and clearly-marked accessible parking spaces.
- The closest accessible parking space is located within 20 metres of the main entrance or meeting point.
- There is sufficient room for people to transfer to their wheelchairs, powerchairs, or mobility scooters by both the driver and passenger car doors.
- The car park is well-lit at night.
- Designated drop-off and pick-up points or loading zones are available for safe and convenient access.
Accessible Restrooms
- The venue has a clearly labelled, gender-neutral accessible restroom.
- More than one accessible bathroom stall is available.
- The restroom interior is accessible to people who use manual wheelchairs or powerchairs, meeting minimum dimensions of 2 metres x 1.6 metres.
- Grabrails are easily accessible to a person seated on the toilet.
- Restroom handwashing and drying facilities, including a hand dryer, are within easy reach of a person who uses a wheelchair.
- The bathroom mirror is at an appropriate height for a person who uses a wheelchair.
- The restroom door can be opened, locked, and unlocked using one hand, and can be unlocked by staff in the event of an emergency.
Blindness & Low Vision
- Staff are available to assist visitors with blindness or low vision if needed.
- Activities are held in environments that are suitable for participants who are blind or experience low vision, featuring even, non-slip flooring and unobstructed pathways.
- Clear directions, signs, or maps are available to guide visitors through the venue, including to emergency exits.
- Emergency alert systems produce both audio and visual warnings.
- The site does not have a safe footpath leading to the entrance, nor does the pathway leading to the main entrance have tactile ground surface indicators.
Deafness & Limited Hearing
- Activities are held in environments that are suitable for participants who are deaf or experience limited hearing, with clearly-displayed signs or graphics.
- Evacuation plans take into consideration individuals with deafness or limited hearing.
- Emergency alert systems produce both audio and visual warnings.
- As the venue's activities do not use audiovisual equipment, closed captions, subtitles, or Sign Language interpretation are not applicable.
Neurodiverse Support
- Activities are held in environments suitable for participants who are neurodiverse, including those who experience epilepsy, dyspraxia, Down Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, or autism.
- The venue offers a wide range of sensory experiences and stimuli for visitors with sensory modulation needs.
- Participants can easily remove themselves from activities if they experience sensory overload or discomfort.
- A designated breakout room or quiet space is available for visitors who require it.
- Staff are available to assist visitors with intellectual disabilities or acquired brain injuries if needed.
- The venue can adjust the temperature of all indoor venues and create temperature-controlled spaces for visitors who require controlled room temperatures or in the event of sudden weather shifts.
Service Animals
- All service animals are welcome on the premises.
- Service animals can enter all of the same spaces in which their owners are welcome.