Accessibility.
Disabled Policy
RHSU is keen to promote equality of opportunity for people with disabilities and to take the necessary steps to meet their requirements. Since November 2015, RHSU has been working with Attitude is Everything, to improve deaf and disabled people’s access to Students’ Union events taking place within Students’ Union facilities.
Booking Tickets
If you have accessibility requirements and wish to attend an event, contact us before the event and we can provide you with allocated space in the accessible viewing area. We do not sell accessible viewing area tickets, just general admission. If the event is sold out we cannot sell extra tickets.
Personal Assistant Ticketing Scheme
People with accessibility requirements may need to have someone with them. We offer a 2-for-1 Ticket Policy for personal assistants. This arrangement is made through the Trading Services team at the Students’ Union, please contact us via DisabledAccess@su.rhul.ac.uk for more details. Aside from this, we do not offer a reduced rate ticket price. The service we offer is of equal quality to all our customers so a discount is not necessary.
Large Groups
We try and accommodate everyone’s requirements. If someone has accessibility requirements and is with a large group of people we will try and keep the group together, however it may not be in the designated accessible viewing area. Large groups are strongly encouraged to call in advance to make arrangements.
Evacuation Policy
All our security are trained to know how to assist disabled customers in case of emergency. We do not have a specific emergency or refuge point but disabled customers are asked when they enter the building to remain in the accessible viewing area in case of emergency. Every disabled person is allocated a member of security when they arrive who is to go to their assistance if we need to evacuate.
Deaf and Visually Impaired Customers
Visually impaired customers are more than welcome to use the accessible viewing area if they would like to. As well as offering an induction loop (on the wristband collection counter at the Union Helpdesk), deaf or hard-of-hearing customers are also more than welcome to stand at the front of the gig and security is aware of this.
People with Photosensitive Epilepsy
The venues use intelligent lighting to create a multitude of flashing light effects which may have a similarity to strobe effect lighting. We aim to keep this to a minimum wherever possible and operate several events each term with a significantly reduced risk of impact on those with photosensitive epilepsy. If you need further information about this please contact us at DisabledAccess@su.rhul.ac.uk.
Inside the events
We want each event to be one that everyone can enjoy so we try our best to make our facilities as accessible as we can. Although there are smooth walkways through the site, there is also a lot of grass and uneven ground outside which can make conditions difficult if the rain comes.
Just as we prepare for all conditions, we ask that you do too. Please consider the ground conditions and unpredictable British weather when deciding what facilities you may need and what equipment you need to bring.
To use the facilities, make sure you register with our Access team at least five working days in advance of the event you wish to enjoy.
We ask that anyone requiring access to any of the disabled facilities onsite register with us in advance informing us of your needs.
Email: DisabledAccess@su.rhul.ac.uk
Phone: 01784 276700
Please note: the disabled access facilities are for customers with permanent disabilities, so broken legs, recent injuries or pregnant women do not qualify.
Arriving by car / blue badge parking:
If arriving by car, there are dedicated disabled parking spaces on site.
Students’ Union Building
Come in through the main gate, take the first left, and continue down the hill until you reach the Boilerhouse Cafe on the left-hand side.
Medicine
Come in through the main gate, take a left at the first mini-roundabout and continue down the hill until you reach the second mini-roundabout. Turn right and continue down to The Hub. Drive into the parking area directly in front of you, veer right onto the access ramp for Medicine and park in the marked bay at the entrance to the venue.
If required, a parking permit can be issued by advance arrangement.
Services and Facilities:
Accessible Toilets
Accessible toilets are available in all Students’ Union venues; both within general circulation and as exclusive facilities in both Medicine and Tommy’s Kitchen. The toilets are accessed via the National Radar Key scheme, or by requesting access via any member of staff working in the venues.
Accessible Bar
There is a low counter bar available in Tommy’s Kitchen and Medicine.
Viewing area
An accessible viewing platform is available upon request. The platform is located on the first floor of the Students’ Union building, accessible via a lift, and provides a good view of the stage. Once registered via email or phone we will send you information with regards to how to access the viewing area on the night.
Accessable
Our venues have all been mapped by AccessAble to show you the different routes around our buildings and the facilities available.