Accessibility

Event: Equip Witchcliffe Launch

General information

Travel instructions

We recommend carpooling with friends and neighbours if possible.

Entry instructions

Margaret River HEART is located between the Shire of Augusta Margaret River Offices and Recreation Centre. Enter via the main door to Margaret River HEART on the eastern side of the building.

After entry instructions

Margaret River Heart Foyer and later, the Studio

Hazards

- Most doors are easy to open, theatre doors will be open already or can be propped open on request. - All doorways are wide enough to get a wheelchair or pram through. - All counters and information are within reach of a person using a wheelchair or similar device. - Surfaces are even, spacious, and easy to navigate in a wheelchair or similar device. - There are tactile paving strips around the staircase leading from the Foyer to the Mezzanine level.

Toilet location

Toilets are clearly marked with signage. Unisex / Accessible toilets have tactile and Braille signage showing left or right-handed suitability, and all signs use standard symbols. Baby changing facilities and Unisex / Accessible shower / changing facilities are available. There is one Ambulant toilet in each public access bathroom. All toilets are easy to navigate.

Accessible parking

- Margaret River HEART has seven clearly marked ACROD parking bays nearby. These are in the Recreation Centre parking lot, the parking lot between the HEART and Gloucester Park Oval, and the parking area between the Shire Offices and the Youth Precinct (skate park) - Paths from parking areas to all entries of the venue are continuous, maintained, wide, and clear of obstacles. - Paths to raised areas are all accessible by ramp. - The path from the Recreation Centre parking to the venue’s main entrance is about 150m long and is on a slight slope. The path from Gloucester Oval parking lot is shorter and flatter. - Outside stairs and paths connected to parking bays and roads have tactile strips along the edges.

Prams and Strollers

Unfortunately, we can’t allow prams/strollers in the Studio Theatre. They can block accessways which could be very dangerous in a dimly lit theatre or in the event of an emergency evacuation. Please feel welcome to call the Arts Margaret River Box Office ahead of time on (08) 9780 5294 to check, or to discuss storage options for a pram/stroller during an event. Aside from the Studio Theatres, the rest of the venue is completely pram and stroller accessible, and families of all kinds are welcomed.

Guide Dogs and Assistance Animals:

Margaret River HEART is a Guide Dog friendly venue and welcomes any registered Assistance Animals into all areas. Other than Assistance Animals any animal coming on site must have prior consent from the venue and must be expertly cared for.

Hearing impairments

When made aware of a person’s hearing impairment, all staff will speak clearly and naturally facing the person, and can communicate through writing if requested to.Other than Assistance Animals any animal coming on site must have prior consent from the venue and must be expertly cared for.

Dementia & cognitive/processing impairments

Communication: There are some background noises and distractions we can’t always control. Background music played in the Foyer can be turned down on request, but other factors can be hard to change. Our team will try to accommodate requests. Staff are patient and understanding and try to communicate simply and understandably. Signage: There is lots of wayfinding signage around, including exit signs. All signs are non-glaring, have clear contrast, use universal symbols, and only show essential information. Signs are placed high so they’re visible over a crowd, but not so high that they’re unreadable. Tapware: Tapware is intuitive, easy to use and has temperature marked with words and/or with red and blue. Most taps have a handle attached to tap. To dispense water, lift handle away from tap then move it towards side of fixture with desired temperature label to change temperature. Push handle back to starting position to shut off water. Lighting: Lighting can vary depending on event, weather, and time of day. Many events involve sitting in dim/dark lighting. Some performance lighting and special effects may be disorienting, please call us ahead of time on (08) 9780 5294 to check. Other: Carpet pattern in the Main Theatre, on the staircase in the Foyer, and on the Mezzanine level may be confusing or disorienting.