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Willets Hall

Swarthmore College, 420 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA, 19081

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Access Guide

About

  • The venue does not have its own parking facilities.
  • The name of the nearest parking lot is Benjamin West Lot.
  • View information on Swarthmore College Parking Lots (opens new tab) .
  • Student permit parking is available in the Cunningham South Lot. View information on parking on campus
    The nearest parking lot containing visitor parking spaces is Benjamin West Lot. View information on visitor parking.
  • This residence hall is made up of 1 building.
  • There are step-free standard rooms.
  • Willets Hall is a large residence hall with an attached communal area situated around a courtyard.
    The building consists of 4 floors which are signed as 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
    There are no rooms with accessibility features in this accommodation, however each floor has a communal bathroom on each side with accessibility features.
    Some of the standard bedrooms have standard ensuite bathroom facilities.

Getting Inside

  • The approach to Willets Hall is step-free via slopes of varying gradients.
    The approach to the rear of the building from College Avenue is via slope with a gradient of 4.2%.
    The approach to the front of the building from the Benjamin West Lot is via a slope with a gradient of 5.5%.
    The approach from the courtyard is via a slope with a gradient of 1.9%.
  • There is step-free access to all areas of the building internally, however you need to use different entrances to access the bedrooms or the communal facilities in Mephistos Lounge as the elevator does not go to both areas.
  • Willets Hall has 5 entrances, 2 entrances are signed as accessible and provide step-free access via ramp to different areas.
    There is another accessible entrance at the rear of the hall into Mephistos Lounge which provides step-free access, however this is not signed.
  • The entrance to the left of Willets Hall that gives access to stairway 1 is signed as 'Willets Hall South'.
    The entrance to Floor 0 accommodation and laundry room is signed as 'Accessible Entrance'.
    The entrance to the shared communal area is signed as 'Mephistos Lounge' and 'Accessible Entrance'.
    The entrances to the rear of Mephistos Lounge and into stairway 3 are not signed.
  • The accessible entrance to Floor 0 of the accommodation block gives step-free access via ramp to the rooms on Floor 0, the laundry room and the communal lounge and kitchen.
    You can also access the elevator from this entrance to get to other floors.
    The accessible entrance into Mephistos Lounge is step-free via ramp and gives access to the main communal kitchen, living room and restrooms with adaptations.
    There is no step-free access from this entrance into the accommodation block where the rooms are located.
  • The entrance at the rear of Willets Hall into Mephistos Lounge is step-free via slope with 2 sets of double manual doors.
    The gradient of the slope is 1.6%.
    The entrance at the rear of Willets Hall directly into stairway 3 has 2 steps and double manual doors.
    The entrance called 'Willets Hall South' is located off the courtyard at the front of the building and gives direct access to stairway 1.
    There are 6 steps and double manual doors at this entrance.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access via elevator to all floors of the accommodation block apart from Mephistos Lounge where you have to access it via stairway 4 or exit the building and use the accessible entrance which has ramped access.
  • Floor surfaces along all circulation routes are hard and smooth, with some having a shiny finish and some consisting of patterned carpet.
  • There are resting areas in all main lobby areas of each floor.
  • There is limited wayfinding signage available throughout the building.
  • There is not a designated safe or quiet space.
  • There are shared communal lounges and kitchens in the centre of each floor of the accommodation blocks.

Restrooms and Changing Facilities Available

  • Single-occupant Restrooms with Accessibility Features View
    • There are 2 single-occupant restrooms with accessibility features.
    • The single-occupant restrooms with accessibility features are located in Mephistos Lounge.
    • All single-occupant restrooms with accessibility features have a left hand transfer space.
    • The signed restroom with accessibility features has a left hand transfer space and the unsigned restroom with accessibility features has no transfer space, but grab bars are available.
  • Multiple-stall Restrooms with Accessibility Features View
    • The multiple-stall restrooms with accessibility features are located within the communal bathrooms on floors 1, 2 and 3 of the accommodation block.
    • The transfer space within the multiple-stall restrooms with accessibility features varies between left hand transfer and right hand transfer.
  • Standard Restrooms View
    • Step-free unisex restrooms are located on floor 0 of the accommodation block, within the communal bathroom facilities.
    • Step-free male and female restrooms are located on floors 1, 2 and 3 of the accommodation block, within the communal bathroom facilities.
  • Shower Facilities View
    • The shower facilities with accessibility features are located on either side of floors 1, 2 and 3 of the accommodation block, within the communal bathrooms.
    • Standard shower facilities are located on either side of each floor of the accommodation block, within the communal bathrooms.

Entrance (Floor 0 - Accommodation Block)

  • This entrance is located to the left as you face Willets Hall, off the courtyard.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a gradient of 1:9.
  • There is a step-free level resting area.
  • The width of the ramp is 4ft 1in (124cm).
  • The ramp has handrails on both sides.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 6 steps.
  • There are handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The height of the handrails is 2ft 11in (89cm).
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail extends horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the highest step is 6in (15cm).
  • The minimum tread depth is 1ft 1in (32cm).
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess that provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 3ft 4in (102cm).
  • There is a key lock at a height of 3ft 4in (102cm).
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance; however, one door is locked.
  • The locked door can be opened on request .
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The doors have lever handles.
  • The width of the opening is 2ft 9in (84cm).
  • There is a squared threshold (more than 1/2in) at the opening.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter the entrance.
  • This entrance gives access to floor 0 of the accommodation block.
    You can access the laundry room, communal kitchen and lounge, floor 0 bedrooms and the elevator to the other floors.

Entrance (Mephistos Lounge - Accessible Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of Willets Hall, off the courtyard.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a gradient of 1:8.
  • There is not a step-free level resting area.
  • The width of the ramp is 3ft 2in (97cm).
  • The ramp has handrails on both sides.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 3 steps.
  • There are handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The height of the handrails is 3ft (92cm).
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the highest step is 6in (15cm).
  • The minimum tread depth is 1ft 1in (32cm).
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess that provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 3ft 8in (111cm).
  • There is a key lock at a height of 3ft 6in (107cm).
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The door requires effort to open.
  • The door has a lever handle.
  • The width of the opening is 2ft 9in (83cm).
  • The door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter the entrance.
  • This entrance gives access to Mephistos Lounge, the main communal kitchen, lounge area and restrooms with accessibility features.

Elevator

  • The elevator is located to the right as you enter the floor 0 accessible entrance.
  • The elevator surveyed is approximately 17yd 1ft (16m) from the floor 0 accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible route to the elevator has step-free level access.
  • The floors which are accessible by this elevator are 0, 1, 2 and 3.
  • The elevator has a turning space of 30in x 48in (760mm x 1220mm) in front of it.
  • The external elevator control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external elevator controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user (between 15in - 48in (380mm - 1220mm)).
  • The weight limit for the elevator is 2500 lb.
  • The elevator door has a high visual contrast.
  • The elevator door opening width is 4ft (122cm).
  • The internal dimensions of the elevator are 6ft 4in width x 4ft 6in depth (193cm x 137cm).
  • The internal elevator control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal elevator controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user (between 15in - 48in (380mm - 1220mm)).
  • Internally the elevator has: a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and railings.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Floor 0 is signed as G within the lift.

Stairway (Stairway 3 - To All Floors)

  • The stairway surveyed is located to the rear of the floor 0 bedroom corridor.
  • There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairway are 0, 1, 2 and 3.
  • There are 16 steps between floors.
  • There are handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are not easy to grip.
  • The height of the handrails is 2ft 9in (84cm).
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the highest step is 7in (18cm).
  • The minimum tread depth is 11in (29cm).
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • There is a similar staircase on the left hand side of Willets Hall called 'Stairway 1' which accesses the same floors.

Stairway (Stairway 4 - Floor 0 to Floor 1)

  • The stairway surveyed is located to the right as you enter the sloor 0 accessible entrance.
  • There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairway are 0 and 1.
  • There are 16 steps between floors.
  • There are handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are not easy to grip.
  • The height of the handrails is 2ft 9in (85cm).
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the highest step is 7in (18cm).
  • The minimum tread depth is 11in (29cm).
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • These stairs are located in the middle of the accommodation block and go from floor 0 to floor 1 and Mephistos Lounge.
    There is a similar set of stairs called 'Stairway 2' which continues from floor 1 to floor 3.

Kitchen (Mephistos Lounge)

  • The kitchen is located ahead and to the right as you enter via the Mephistos Lounge accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible route to the kitchen has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to maneuver.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The work surface is at a height of 2ft 10in (86cm).
  • A lowered work surface is not available.
  • Under counter cupboards are available.
  • The cooktop is at a height of 3ft (92cm).
  • A lowered cooktop is not available.
  • The cooktop controls are located at the front.
  • The stove controls and door opening handle are within 15in - 48in (380mm - 1220mm) from the floor.
  • The stove controls are located at the front.
  • The sink is at a height of 2ft 10in (86cm).
  • A lowered sink is not available.
  • The sink faucet type is lever-style mixer.
  • Facilities within the kitchen include a refrigerator with a freezer compartment.
  • The following machines are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user (between 15in - 48in (380mm - 1220mm) from the floor): the refrigerator and the freezer.
  • There are high stools in the kitchen.
  • There are dining tables in the kitchen.
  • All tables are suitable for wheelchair users (between 28in and 34in - 710mm and 860mm from the floor).
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Lounge (Mephistos Lounge)

  • The room surveyed is located to the right as you enter via the Mephistos Lounge accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There are double manual doors to enter the room.
  • The doors has a high visual contrast.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The doors are easy to open.
  • The door has a pull handle.
  • The width of the opening is 5ft 6in (168cm).
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There is space for a wheelchair user to maneuver (60in x 60in - 1525mm x 1525mm).
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • There is a low visual contrast between the walls and floor.
  • There are chairs without armrests, couches and high stools in this room.
  • There are coffee tables, tables and high tables in this room.
  • There are some tables suitable for wheelchair users (between 28in and 34in - 710mm and 860mm from the floor).
  • Additional facilities/services include: a flashing fire alarm, a television with subtitles and a water dispenser.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Laundry Room (Floor 0 - Accommodation Block)

  • The laundry room is located ahead and to the left as you enter via the floor 0 accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible route to the laundry room has step-free level access.
  • There is a single manual door to enter the laundry room.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The door requires effort to open.
  • The door has a lever handle.
  • The width of the opening is 2ft 9in (83cm).
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There is space for a wheelchair user to maneuver (60in x 60in - 1525mm x 1525mm).
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • Facilities within the laundry room include a washer and a dryer.
  • The following machines are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user (between 15in - 48in (380mm - 1220mm) from the floor): the washer and the dryer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Restroom with Accessibility Features (Mephistos Lounge - Shared - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The restroom surveyed is a single-occupant restroom.
    • The restroom surveyed is located to the left as you enter Mephistos Lounge.
    • The restroom surveyed is approximately 9yd 2ft (9m) from the Mephistos Lounge accessible entrance.
    • The most accessible route to the restroom has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the restroom.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the restroom door.
    • The door into the restroom opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The door has a lever handle.
    • The width of the restroom door opening is 2ft 9in (83cm).
    • The door has a push button lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The overall dimensions are 5ft 3in x 12ft 10in (160cm x 392cm).
    • The turning space dimensions are 4ft 1in x 10ft 9in (125cm x 328cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left of the toilet as you look at it.
    • The lateral transfer space is 3ft 4in (101cm) (from the side of the toilet bowl to the wall).
    • There is a push button flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab bar on the rear wall and on the side wall.
    • The horizontal grab bars have a high visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
    • There is a vertical grab bar on the side wall.
    • The vertical grab bar has a high visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
    • The toilet seat is 1ft 7in (48cm) from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall-mounted toilet paper dispenser that can be easily reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet paper dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet paper dispenser is 1ft 8in (52cm) from the floor.
    • The sink is 2ft 9in (85cm) from the floor.
    • The area underneath the sink is unobstructed .
    • The sink faucet type is lever-style mixer.
    • There is a wall-mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 3ft 6in (107cm) from the floor.
    • There is a wall-mounted paper towel dispenser.
    • The paper towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The paper towel dispenser is 3ft 3in (100cm) from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a mirror above the sink/counter top with its bottom edge within 40in (1000mm) maximum from the finish floor.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The stall has a wastebasket.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Communal Bathroom with Accessibility Features (Floor 1 - Male - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bathroom surveyed is located along the floor 1 male room corridor and to the left.
    • The bathroom surveyed is approximately 7yd 1ft (7m) from the elevator.
    • The most accessible route to the bathroom has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the bathroom.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the bathroom door.
    • The door into the bathroom opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The door has no handle.
    • The width of the door opening is 2ft 9in (83cm).
  • Toilet with Accessibility Features View
    • There is 1 toilet stall with accessibility features.
    • The door into the stall surveyed opens outwards and has a low visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door has a pull handle.
    • The width of the stall door opening is 2ft 9in (85cm).
    • The door has a sliding bolt lock.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • The overall dimensions are 5ft 9in x 5ft (175cm x 153cm).
    • The turning space dimensions are 3ft 7in x 2ft 9in (109cm x 83cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left of the toilet as you look at it.
    • The lateral transfer space is 3ft 6in (107cm) (from the side of the toilet bowl to the wall).
    • There is a push button flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab bar on the rear wall and on the side wall.
    • The horizontal grab bars have varying visual contrasts with the surrounding walls.
    • There is a vertical grab bar on the side wall.
    • The vertical grab bar has a low visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
    • The toilet seat is 1ft 7in (49cm) from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall-mounted toilet paper dispenser that can be easily reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet paper dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet paper dispenser is 1ft 8in (51cm) from the floor.
    • There are two coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 3ft 7in and 3ft 9in (110cm and 115cm) from the floor.
    • The stall has no disposal facilities.
    • There is a pull handle to exit the bathroom door.
  • Bathroom Features and Facilities View
    • The sink is 2ft 10in (87cm) from the floor.
    • The area underneath the sink is unobstructed .
    • The sink faucet type is lever-style mixer.
    • There is a wall-mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 3ft 7in (110cm) from the floor.
    • There is a wall-mounted paper towel dispenser.
    • The paper towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The paper towel dispenser is 3ft 9in (115cm) from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • Vanity counter top space is not provided.
    • There is a mirror above the sink/counter top with its bottom edge within 40in (1000mm) maximum from the finish floor.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf is at a recommended height (within 48in - 1220mm from the floor).
    • The bathroom has a wastebasket.
    • There is a medium visual contrast between the walls and floor.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Shower Facilities View
    • The bathroom has shower stalls.
    • There is 1 shower stall with accessibility features.
    • The shower has a curtain.
    • The width of the shower opening is 2ft 11in (88cm).
    • The shower is a roll-in shower and has a turning space of at least 30in x 60in (760mm x 1525mm).
    • There is a height adjustable and detachable shower spray.
    • The shower faucet type is lever-style mixer.
    • There is a fold-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 1ft 7in (49cm) from the floor.
    • The shower controls/faucets are reachable when seated.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left of the shower seat as you look at it.
    • The lateral transfer space is 5ft 3in (160cm) (from the side of the shower seat to the wall).
    • The shower has a horizontal grab bar and a vertical grab bar.
    • The horizontal grab bar has a high visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
    • The vertical grab bar has a high visual contrast with the surrounding walls.
    • The height of the coat hooks are between 3ft 11in and 4ft 0in (119cm and 121cm).