Ferry Good
4
4
Date of visit: August 2024
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
I popped along to the terminal specifically to write this accessibility review. Given the age of the structure, I didn’t expect much but I was pleasantly surprised. The member of staff I spoke with was especially helpful, showing me around the grounds and offering me access to a ship for further review if I had the time the next day, sadly I didn’t but this makes clear that they care about accessibility.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
As I said in my introduction, I was surprised with the accessibility at this location. There are concrete ramps on either side of the entrance, which has automatic doors. As you enter, the accessible toilets are on the right. The seating area is on the left, and has plenty of seating, a vending machine and a water dispenser. The reception desk has a lowered section for wheelchair users, and signage at the counter highlights that they recognise the Sunflower Lanyard scheme, which is reassuring. An induction loop is operational, and BSL video interpreter service is available. There is no Braille documentation available, though the conditions of carriage are provided in large print. The staff I spoke with also highlighted that they are registered with the WelcoMe service, for customers who’d like to notify the terminal staff of their arrival or specific accessibility requirements
Parking & Transport
Good
I didn’t drive to the terminal but there is accessible parking for passengers with a Blue Badge at the terminal - though I can’t confirm how many spaces there are. The nearest bus stop is on Market Street 322m away, close to Union Square Shopping Centre, where you'll find Aberdeen Bus Station and Aberdeen Railway Station. There’s also a drop-off point just outside of the ferry terminal. In the car park, there are 6 Type 2 7KW EV charging spaces.
Accessible Toilets
Good
There are two accessible toilets at this location. The first is inside the terminal building, immediately on the right as you enter, the door is operated by a touch sensor and opens outward. There is also a touch sensor on the inside to lock/open the door On the back wall, you’ll find the toilet seat, which has grab rails on either side and a soft backrest. The flush is on the cistern, to your left when seated. There is a low, small sink with a lever-operated mixer-style tap, which has a mirror and single grab rail on the left. A soap dispenser, a paper towel dispenser and a hand dryer are provided. The toilet is small, though it could accommodate an additional person if needed. There’s enough space to turn a manual wheelchair, and I expect most powerchair. The second toilet is in a building outside of the terminal. This toilet has the same features but is larger and has baby change facilities. In both instances, the toilets were clean and the red emergency cord hung to the floor.
Staff
Excellent
The staff were fantastic and knowledgeable on the accessibility features of the terminal. The gentleman I spoke with, whom my memory tells me was named Fergus, was especially helpful, showing me the external toilet facilities and inviting me to review the accessibility of a ferry the next day, which sadly I didn’t have time for.
Additional Information
The location has a hand sanitiser dispenser on entry. Though the roads at the terminal were in good condition, the route I took from Union Square had some uneven pavements.
