Platform Lift Assists Less Able Students

Young adults with mobility problems are entitled to expect the same freedom of access at school, at work and in college as their peers. West Suffolk College, Bury St Edmunds works hard to ensure that all its courses are accessible to all eligible students, regardless of disability.

The College recently contracted specialist lift supplier movemanSKG to install a three stop Prestige platform lift. Located in The Milburn Centre, West Suffolk College’s Construction and Building Services training centre, it allows wheelchair users to reach classrooms, workshops and toilets on the first and second floors.

West Suffolk College is actively committed to ensuring that courses are accessible to all, regardless of disability, gender or ethnic background. The Equality Act specifies that all public buildings must be accessible to the less able.

Julia Moore, Project Coordinator at West Suffolk College, said: "West Suffolk College aims to provide education in an environment which enables effective learning. To achieve this we make all reasonable adjustments to enable access for all regardless of ability. This may mean putting in a ramp to replace a flight of steps, or improving access to toilet facilities."

movemanSKG’s Sales Engineer Carl Bartlam said: "A platform lift was the most appropriate solution for The Milburn Centre. We recommended the Prestige lift because, with its customisable appearance, it is perfect for public venues such as schools."

Carl provided professional advice and assisted at every stage of the project, ensuring the lift went in on time and that the College was happy once the lift was in use. movemanSKG is renowned for its level of service.

Wheelchair users enter and exit the Prestige by means of a shallow ramp, eliminating the requirement for a pit. This minimised the need for building work, which was completed smoothly, quickly and efficiently in just a few days. The unit operates perfectly, allowing wheelchair users to travel independently between levels using the conveniently-mounted push button controls.

Prestige is a popular leading model. It has a range of safety devices, making it perfect for environments such as schools, and comes with three inclusive service visits in the first year of ownership.