--- title: Is the space wheelchair accessible? last_updated: 2026-05-17T19:55:06Z --- # Is the space wheelchair accessible? Wheelchair accessibility in a shared workshop is a nuanced topic but the sections below should give you an indication of how accessible the space will be with your specific access requirements. If you have any questions or concerns on this topic please reach out for a chat. ### All * Some equipment in our workshop needs to be maneuvered into place and set up before it is used. Some tools are stored on shelves that are not within reach of most chairs. Our volunteers are unable to guarantee that we are able to provide support with these specific barriers and we strongly suggest that you attend with someone who is able to support you if you're using the equipment/tools in question. * In some circumstances we may be able to change equipment positioning and tool storage to increase the accessibility of the workshop * Our toilets have tight corners, very limited circulation space, and narrow doorways * Some events and infrastructure projects may temporarily reduce circulation space * We are unable to make modifications to the building itself (e.g. toilets, thresholds, doorways) * If the carpark is full there is still space to unload but your car will need to be moved afterwards * Anywhere in this document where we've said we'll "work with you" also extends to working with your occupational therapist or other formal supports ### Ambulant * Workshop areas will be largely accessible to you * Our trainers will work with you to develop safe working procedures for seated operation of most tools. This excludes tools where seated operation presents a risk to you that cannot be reasonably mitigated (e.g. foundry work) * In some circumstances equipment operation may require you to transfer into alternate seating to facilitate reach or to protect your chair etc ### Self/Attendant Propelled * Workshop areas will be largely accessible to you * Our trainers will work with you to develop safe working procedures for seated operation of some tools. This excludes tools where seated operation presents a risk to you or your chair that we cannot mitigate (e.g. foundry work, horizontal plasma cutting) * It is unlikely that our toilets will be accessible though this will depend on your individual circumstances * Only some parts of our courtyard have a surface that will be suitable for your chair * The front and rear building entrance thresholds are not level but it is likely that most attendees will be able to navigate them ### Powered * Some areas of the space may not be accessible depending on wheelchair footprint and manoeuvrability * Our trainers will work with you to develop safe working procedures for some tools. In many circumstances chair footprint and attendee strength will present significant/blocking challenges to safe power tool operation. * Our toilets will not be accessible * Most surfaces in the courtyard will not be suitable for your chair * The front and rear building entrance thresholds are not level but it is likely that most chair users will be able to navigate them with limited assistance ### Powered (standing) *Please also read the **Powered** section above* * Some tools that are inaccessible to other powered chairs will be accessible to you if the safe operating limitation was purely based on equipment height. * There is an increased likelihood that chair footprint plays a role in accessing some areas ### Powered (tilt in place) *Please also read the **Powered** section above* * Many areas of the space will not be accessible due to wheelchair footprint and maneuverability * Our trainers will work with you to develop safe working procedures for some tools. In most circumstances chair footprint, attendee strength, and chair angle will present significant/blocking challenges to safe power tool operation.