W5 is committed and proactive in ensuring services are accessible for all visitors.
Essential Aid/Carer Tickets
Essential aid/carer tickets are for customers who would otherwise be unable to attend W5. We ask that you inform a staff member if you meet this criterion upon arrival or select the carer option when booking online. Visitors will be asked to provide evidence such as front page of Disability Living Allowance (no specific rate required), front page of Attendance Allowance letter (no specific rate required), front page of Personal Independence Payments (no specific rate required), a Nimbus Access Card or Registration Card for charitable organisation which supports disability.
Accessible Parking
Disabled parking bays are available in the main Odyssey site car park and in the small car park to the rear (closest car park to W5 entrance). The car parks operate on a first come first served basis for all parking spaces. Blue Badge holders must display their blue badges at all times whilst parked.
Gaining access to W5
Entry into the Odyssey Pavilion (and W5) is at street level and lifts are available to provide access to all levels within W5. There is a low-level counter at the Ticket Desk. Vertical access through the building is provided principally by two lifts, located in the centre of the building.
Toilets
There are 7 unisex, wheelchair accessible toilets throughout public areas within W5 (Ground floor opposite Gift Shop, Level 1 beside Coffee Shop, Level 2 concourse, Level 3 concourse, Level 4 concourse, Level 5 beside Lecture Theatre and Level 5 beside the Seminar rooms). “Not every disability is visible” signage is in place on all accessible toilets.
In the Ground Floor accessible toilet (located outside the Gift Shop) there is an adult sized changing facility and hoist. Please note that W5 does not provide slings for use with the ceiling hoist for hygiene reasons - customers are required to bring their own sling.
There are 2 all gender toilets located on Level 3 concourse and Level 5 beside the seminar rooms.
Quiet Room
W5's Quiet Room is for visitors who need some quieter time, including children and adults with sensory needs or individuals on the autism spectrum, to take a break from the main exhibition spaces, crowds, noise and excitement of W5. The Quiet Room is designed for one user group at a time to take a break (we suggest 5, 10 or 15 minutes) to relax in a comfortable setting, with adjustable lights and sounds. The Quiet Room is located on the 2nd floor beside the Climbit exhibition.
Quiet Sessions
W5 runs a Quiet Session every 4 to 6 weeks. Dates are organised to coincide with seasonal events/offerings. Visitors who book in advance will be sent a social story via email to help mentally prepare for the visit. During the Quiet Sessions W5 limits admissions to ensure a calm atmosphere, lowers the volume on exhibits where possible and highlights exhibits which may be a little loud but have no volume control. The Lost Planet soft activity zone is available at no extra cost, without timed sessions and adults are permitted on Climbit and The Lost Planet (in a caring capacity).
Sensory Equipment/Aids
W5 has Sensory Cards available to assist those with communication challenges expressing their needs whilst in W5. W5 has a number of Sensory Bags available to borrow during your visit. They include sunglasses, ear defenders, a variety of fidget toys and a Sensory card. Ear defenders are available on a first-come first-serve basis upon request at the Ticket Desk and are also located in the Quiet Room. W5 has a visual coffee menu in our Coffee Shop on the first floor – this allows the ordering of coffees without verbal communication.
Customers with Medical Requirements
W5 welcomes visitors who need to bring medicines, food or drink or medical equipment to manage a medical condition. If you have any concerns about managing a medical condition when in W5, please contact us in advance of your visit. There is a First Aid Room on the ground floor in W5. In the event of a medical emergency, please contact a member of staff who will radio for First Aid (2 Defibrillators on site on the Ground floor and level 3).
Access to Lecture Theatre Performances
A hearing loop system is operational in the Lecture Theatre upon request. There are a number of removable seats and wheelchair spaces. The main entrance to the Lecture Theatre is located on level 5; however those with mobility problems can access the Lecture Theatre through level 4 (escorted by a member of staff) to avoid having to use the stairs.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome and we can provide water for dogs as required.
Strobe Lighting
A small number of exhibits in W5 have strobe lighting. Visitors who are affected by strobe lighting should inform staff upon arrival at the Ticket Desk who can arrange to have these exhibits switched off for the duration of the visit, as a precaution.
JAM Card
W5 is a JAM Card friendly site. JAM Card lets people with a learning difficulty, Autism or Aspergers tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily.
Other Information
A small number of exhibits in W5 contain strong magnets. Visitors who are affected by strong magnets should inform staff at the Ticket Desk who can arrange to have these exhibits switched off for the duration of the visit, as a precaution.
Contact Us
At W5, we welcome feedback regarding all aspects of accessibility. You can get in contact with our team today via our Contact Us form here.
Alternatively, you can contact us by post: W5 at the Odyssey, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast, BT3 9QQ