Venue Description

We are the Edinburgh Tool Library: the UK's first lending library of tools, and we offer a range of services across three workshops in Edinburgh, including over 1,700 tools; community classes in woodwork and DIY; open workshop space for members; an employability programme; and opportunities to get involved with community builds. We believe in access over excess, which is why we have levels of membership - concession, standard and pay-it-forward - to include everyone. Our most accessible workshop is in Edinburgh’s idyllic seaside suburb, Portobello. Whether you come for one of our classes, to attend an open workshop session or to take part in one of our community build events, we want to make sure you have a blast. We are accessible for wheelchair users and we endeavour to cater to other specific access requirements. Please get in touch if you require any further information about specific access or need advice on planning your visit. You can contact us by sending an email to hello@edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk

Accessibility

At a glance General: - We have a disabled toilet - Personal Assistants attend classes and open workshops for free - We have one height adjustable workbench for wheelchair users, or those who wish to work seated. The length of the bench is 185cm and the depth is 66.5 cm. - There are seats available in both reception and workshop Level Access: - The pavement outside the workshop is pretty uneven. - There are 3 doors between the road and the workshop which will be propped open for workshop access. - There is step free access throughout. Doorways: - The outer door is 80.5 mm - The middle door is 86.5 mm - The inner door is 86.5 mm - The workshop door is 83.5 mm Hearing: - We do have a hearing loop installed. - Some staff have limited BSL training. - The workshop can be a noisy place, so we encourage everyone to wear ear protectors (provided) when working in the workshop. - There is no background music. Visual: - The walls and the doors have high colour contrast. - We have large print options of all our paperwork - There is good lighting throughout (fluorescent in the entrance and LED in the workshop).

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk/accessibility/

Accessible Performances

In addition to our regular Open Sessions, we run one monthly session specifically for makers with physical disabilities, who may require more support to use our tools safely. An ETL staff member will be on hand to help, as well as two ETL volunteers. Unlike our regular Open Sessions, you do not need to book an induction before signing up for this session, we will work with you to explore which tools you are comfortable using and find replacement tools for those that are not the right fit for you! You can find the date of the next Accessible Open Session on the accessibility page of our website: https://edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk/accessibility/.

Toilets

Unisex Accessible Toliet • There is a public toilet for disabled visitors. • From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. The door from the workshop to the toilet is 82mm wide. The toilet door is 89 mm wide. • There is 121 mm in front of the toilet. The toilet seat is 50.5 mm high. • There are horizontal grab rails located to the left of the toilet, and a fold down U-rail to the right. There is space on the right hand side of the toilet for a wheelchair (78mm) • There is another public toilet on the first floor, with baby changing facilities

Staff

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

We welcome assistance dogs and can provide water bowls for them. Please ask staff for assistance.

Other assistance dog facilities

The nearest toilet area for assistance dogs is located in the garden at the rear of the building