Accessibility
At University of Atypical, we are committed to being accessible. We aim to ensure that everyone who visits us has a positive experience.
Our team is trained in first aid, mental health first aid, guiding blind and partially sighted people, audio description, basic British Sign Language, and autism awareness. We are currently undergoing training for Autism NI’s Impact Award.
If we can make your visit more accessible, please let us know. We will try our best to arrange it.
You can email us at administration@universityofatypical.org, or telephone us on 028 9023 9450.
Our Location
University of Atypical is located at 109-113 Royal Avenue. We are in a building called ‘Cathedral Quarter Workspaces’. The main entrance is through a set of large blue double doors. When you go through these doors, you will be in a corridor with a shallow incline, and handrails on both sides.
Once you are in the corridor, the Ledger Studio is on the left, and the Atypical Gallery is on the right. The University of Atypical offices are behind the Atypical Gallery.
Parking and Transport
University of Atypical does not have a car park. You can find on-street parking on Royal Avenue. The closest paid car parks are Handy Park on Winetavern Street and Library Street Car Park. If you have a Blue Badge, you can park outside on Royal Avenue. There are two Blue Badge spaces 30 yards from the front door.
The closest bus stops are outside Belfast Central Library and Craft NI.
The Ledger Studio
The Ledger Studio is the first door on the left of the corridor. You can access it by pressing the blue push pad button on the right side of the door.
The Ledger Studio is on one level. There are no steps at the entrance. The space will usually be set out with chairs and tables. There are two bathrooms along a corridor (on the same level as the venue). One is a large accessible bathroom.
There are sometimes music and sounds, or different light levels, depending on the event. If you have any queries about the sensory experience at an event, please email us at ledgerstudio@universityofatypical.org.
The Atypical Gallery
The Atypical Gallery is the first door on the right. There are no steps at the entrance. The Gallery is on one level. You enter the Gallery by pushing gently the glass door, which will then open automatically.
The Gallery exhibits work by d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists.
The Gallery is free to enter. If you would like to donate to support the Gallery, you can put cash into the red box on the table, or donate with a card at our donation machine.
There is an accessible bathroom in the office behind the Gallery.
You do not have to be quiet in the Gallery. If you have questions about any artwork, you can ask our Gallery Coordinator Zara, or one of our volunteers.
The lighting levels in the Gallery are usually bright. There is not usually any music in the Gallery. There are sometimes videos playing on screens, which we can restart or stop if you would like.
Please do not touch any artwork unless a sign says you can. Some artwork is very fragile and touching it could damage it.
There will be a printed handout near the Gallery door telling you more about the artists exhibiting in the Gallery. If you would like this in another format (like large print or Braille), please email administration@universityofatypical.org or telephone 028 9023 9450.
If you would like to arrange an accessible tour of the Gallery, for example with British or Irish Sign Language or audio description, please email administration@universityofatypical.org or telephone 028 9023 9450.
We have a Social Story that tells you what to expect when you visit the Atypical Gallery. You can download it by tapping the image below.
Additional Information
We have a hearing loop system.
We can provide an outlet for powered wheelchairs (Please let us know in advance). We have a sensory pack available in the gallery.
Assistance dogs are welcome.
We can provide an outlet for powered wheelchairs (please let us know in advance).
We have a quiet space available upon request.
We have a sensory pack with noise-cancelling headphones.
We offer free sanitary products in all our toilet facilities.
Accessibility Information Videos
If you are coming to visit University of Atypical and would like to know what to expect ahead of your visit you can watch our Accessibility Information Videos which include British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language.