Overview

Great accessibility for wheelchair and limited mobility (ramps and lift), friendly helpful staff, viewing area for disabled ticket holders right in front of stage, good size unisex disabled toilets (not changing places though). Low lighting though although is asked, staff would guide partially sighted / blind. Assistance dogs not advised as VERY loud.

Transport & Parking

We drove and parked in well signposted university multistorey car park on ground floor which is free for blue badge holders from I think 6pm (do check) with plenty of room around parking spaces. The venue is about 300m up a slight incline on good fairly level paths with easy road crossing. Buses from Coventry City centre (accessible) run regularly and stop very close to the union.

Access

Ramp up or down into union building, quite steep. Ramps inside very shallow or 3 steps with rails. Lift inside between floors. Signage outside was clear. Didn't notice any braille but wasn't looking, sorry. In the actual venue (we were downstairs but unsure if this was copper rooms 1 or 2) it was quite dark. The bar area was well lit. As a music venue it was VERY loud so personally wouldn't advise guide dogs or assistance dogs but staff were very helpful so could guide you if needed. A separated off area right in front of the stage was available if you wanted and seat were provided for your or carers use. Free carer ticket is allocated if required. To qualify, the student union will send a form for you to complete stating your needs and you may need to provide evidence such as copy of blue badge etc. If you wish, they will keep this on file for a certain period so you just have to buy your ticket them email to request your carer free ticket, no need to redo form. No straws available at bar for drinks. People with sensitivity to bright or flashing lights (epilepsy etc) should be aware this is a live music venue and flashing / moving lights are used in performances.

Toilets

Disabled toilet in main area of union on same floor as venue. Toilet with grab rails, space for wheelchair on right of toilet (when sat on toilet) for transfer. Plenty of space for wheelchair and carer. Sink height good for wheelchair user. Unfortunately no changing places in that toilet area. Pretty clean. Soap dispenser had been broken but looked recent.

Staff

Staff, both by email and in person were very helpful. Take copy of any email correspondence either on phone or paper.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Overall, a good venue with good accessibility and helpful staff. A changing places toilet would be an asset to install. Great view of stage and band. Take earplugs if you can as there is speaker block in front to left of disabled are. There is, on less busy nights, no requirement for disabled or wheelchair users to use disabled area but the view is so good, it is worth it. On busier nights, for your safety, they do ask you to use it if wheelchair user.