Accessibility at Skainos

Our offices, and most of our classes are based out of the second floor of the Skainos building on the Newtownards Road.

We want to make sure our physical locations are accessible for all our learners, staff, volunteers, and visitors. We know that we must continue to make our space accessible.

Where possible, we can make reasonable adjustments so that visitors feel comfortable and welcome when visiting Skainos, either to take a class, or visiting our library or offices.

Visitor facilities at Skainos

There are two entrances to Skainos. Via the car-park at the rear of the building and via the Newtownards Road entrance. If arriving by the Newtownards Road entrance, there are accessibility push-pad devices available.

If you arrive and the door is locked, please contact our phone number, found in the footer of the website.

There is step-free access from the road into the building.

There is lift which accommodates most sizes of wheelchair from the ground floor to the second floor.

Accessible bathrooms on our floor.

Learners or visitors with special requirements or needs

If you are unsure that your special requirement or need may be met, please contact us in advance of your visit. Either by the contact details below, or by emailing accessibility@turasbelfast.com

Dogs

Dogs (except registered assistance dogs) are not allowed inside our rooms.

Accessibility in our classrooms

The configuration of our classrooms will differ depending on the size of the class and the planned activities of the lesson. Generally speaking through;

• You will be seated with a shared desk, arranged in small groups
• Teachers will make use of large interactive whiteboards
• Audio will be shared from the whiteboards

If you have a specific requirement around accessibility, please let your teacher know so they can make their best effort to accommodate. If you are unsure who to ask, please email accessibility@turasbelfast.com with some details about the class you attend.

Accessibility of our website

Our website is a work in progress and at present is not as accessible as we want it to be. When we create a new website (2027) we will produce a full accessibility audit and plan to have full WCAG 2.2 compliance.