Accessibility at Silver & Steel Jewellery Studio

Physical Accessibility

We are aware that access will always be person dependant! But the  following information has been suggested by a self propelled wheelchair user who has tested our space.

  • If you are a wheelchair user a member of staff will need to open the door for you as you arrive. Please let us know to expect you! 

    • There is a gentle ramp from the doorway into the venue tested by a self-propelled  wheelchair user who had no issues navigating it solo 

    • We are happy to lower our music for you if you need, but in general we keep it at an ambient level for comfort. 

    • Smooth floor terrain and plenty of space for a wheelchair user to navigate around the  space. 

    • We do not have an official disabled toilet but it is very roomy. There is a small bump to roll over on the way into the back of the venue, it should be easy enough to roll over in a  chair, as it is in a doorway, but we are happy to help you if needed. 

    • Floor plan available on request.

    • Our workshop table heights have been chosen with chair users in mind  • We can offer you a more accessible clamp tool set-up to help you if you have arthritis /  weaker hand strength 

    • We really care abut our venue being accessible to you so if we missed anything please  do get in touch! 

  • Jewellery making and silversmithing is a physical craft and we would like to support you as much as possible in getting the outcome you are hoping for. If you require extra assistance with using tools please let us know in advance and we are happy to prepare and research alternatives if needed.

Accessibility in the broader sense

  • We are incredibly LGBTQIA+ friendly - all welcome please!

  • We offer discounts on workshops where we can based on mutual aid and self-declaration. These are available on our YUUP booking system.

  • We hope to keep platforming designers from backgrounds under-represented in the jewellery industry. If you’re interested in showcasing your work and this applies to you then please get in touch!

Accessible Workshop Testimonial from Alice, self-propelled wheelchair user and Founder of Trylla Accessible Pottery Studio

What I found at Silver & Steel  

“Great ramp into the venue - I could self propel my wheelchair up it no problem. Door  would need to be opened for me by someone else to enter. 

Music was not loud - and can be turned down if needed. Some clanging in the  background, to be expected in a functioning workshop, but it didn’t bother me.  

Great floor terrain for a wheelchair user - smooth to wheel on. 

Toilets - small bump to navigate chair over to get into the back of the venue but its in a  doorway so I was able to pull myself unassisted over it no problem. Slightly narrow  access to get in, but seems like this was just due to things being on the floor so easily  solvable. Toilet was absolutely huge inside and I could wheel my chair around easily. Not  classed as a disabled toilet - but absolutely usable by someone with a chair that has the  ability to stand / manoeuvre themselves independently from the chair itself. No cord but everything within reachable distance. Also no pull up bar but I don't see a way in which  one could be added effectively. 

Floor plan could be made available - to aid with people who have anxiety about visiting  places. However it's a very open space and upon entering I can see pretty much where  everything is instantly other than the toilet. 

Width and space of the entire place was very manoeuvrable with my chair. I could even  turn myself around without bumping into things. Table heights have been chosen that  would suit a person in a wheelchair. Felt comfortable height for working.

Special mention of the availability of a specialised tool clamp tool set-up which facilitates  holding your work easier for someone with arthritis.  

Space is pretty small and so signage isn't really needed to navigate about. Lighting felt  fine on my eyes with regards to light sensitivity.  

Location is really well set up for public transport, parking available at places like Asda (for  free if class is shorter than 2 hours) or smaller parking sites nearby. If someone visiting  has a disabled badge there is a lot of parking in the area. East Street is pedestrianised  other than for taxis and buses - which might mean a short walk from either end to be able  to get there.  

Everyone at the venue is obviously concern with making the place accessible and inclusive  to as many people as possible. Has been set-up with the best possible access in mind.”