Overview

I was invited to the Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre to give a speech on life with muscular dystrophy, the value of lived experience and how you can share your experiences on Euan’s Guide. The venue was chosen with accessibility in mind, as many attendees were wheelchair users. Whilst I was there, I thought I'd gather some information for a short review.

Transport & Parking

There are two small car parks, one with 8 accessible parking spaces and the other with 2 accessible parking spaces. The closest bus stop is just under half a mile away on Edgbaston Park Road, though services are very limited. The nearest train station is Birmingham University Train Station, 1100 metres away. Driving is definitely the best way to get here.

Access

There are automatic sliding doors at the entrance, with the reception desk straight ahead. The reception area includes three round desks, each with a lowered section on the right. Some of these were partially covered by leaflets. I believe there is a hearing loop available but there was no signage to confirm this. Heavy doors are found throughout the venue, though they were propped open during the event. It’s also worth noting that much of the building is carpeted, which I found difficult to push across in my manual wheelchair. The building has level access throughout and a lift to the upper floors. The lift has braille buttons and an induction loop. There are stairs to the right of the entrance with rails on both sides but no tactile markings. The roads and pavements outside are in excellent condition, making the approach smooth and easy to navigate. You'll find a bar and café on the ground floor and a patio area at the back.

Toilets

The accessible toilet I visited is located on the right, just past the bar. The door opens outwards and does not require a RADAR key. Before entering, I noticed that highchairs were stored directly where the door opens, which creates an unnecessary obstacle. There is space for a right-side transfer only. The toilet seat has a soft backrest, with silver grab rails on both sides. The red cord was hooked around the grab rail by the red bangle – this is generally a bad thing, but when you have an event with multiple disabled people present, you'd think a sweep of such facilities would be a priority. The small sink has a lever-style tap and the same silver rails on either side. The toilet is functional for the most part and could accommodate a powerchair user at a push. I understand there’s another accessible toilet upstairs, though I didn’t visit it.

Staff

Photos