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Here you will find information on how rokko is striving to make our space more accessible. We are aware that accessibility is a work-in-progress and are constantly working to make our space safe(r) and more welcoming. If you have needs that are not currently addressed, please speak to us at the bar or contact us at [email protected].
Our doorway is wide enough for the passage of a wheelchair. There is a ramp on the pavement to overcome the threshold. Inside, there are no thresholds. Passages to bar, toilet, book shelves and tables are wide enough. The bar is 90.5 cm high, tables are 74 to 75 cm high, the book shelves vary in height between 62 and 187 cm. We have sturdy wooden chairs with backs without armrests and a sofa for 2 people. We have stools that can be used as side tables or to sit on. We have a terrace that is wheelchair accessible.
Unfortunately, the toilet does not meet the requirements to be fully accessible. The doorway is wide enough, but the toilet bowl is too close to the sink. Handles are provided and the first door to the toilet can be locked so the wheelchair can be left in the corridor with the toilet door open. We realise that this is not an ideal situation and we are looking with the FASFC whether the door to the toilet can be opened completely. The legislation does not allow this at the moment. A fully wheelchair-accessible toilet is available 300 metres from rokko at the following address: Ottogracht 14, 9000 Ghent .
There is 1 parking for people with disabilities at 170 metres from rokko in Bibliotheekstraat and 1 at Koning Willem I-kaai at 220 metres from rokko. More information on parking for people with disabilities in Ghent can be found here.
In the morning rokko is usually more quiet than in the afternoon. Sounds are typical of a coffee bar: talking people, background music, a coffee machine, sometimes an event with speakers (this is communicated in advance). We do not use heavy, chemical-scented cleaning products. The toilet is checked and cleaned regularly. The designated smoking area is outside. To smokers: please think of the lungs of your loved ones and friends and stand a bit away from the entrance :) We make our own soup and use the oven regularly, this smell may linger throughout the shop. There may be dust. There is a wall carpet in the space, but the entire floor is tiles. The floor is swept or vacuumed and/or mopped every evening.
There is no air conditioning and we can only ventilate through the front door. As a result, it can sometimes get very hot in rokko. We have a floor fan that we use on hot days. There is central heating to keep the temperature pleasant in winter. There is soft lighting everywhere, which is always on during the day and which we can dim during certain events.
We do not have a sign language interpreter available. There will be background noise typical of a bar: chatting people, background music, a coffee machine. Feel free to speak to one of us if you experience difficulties.
We do not have an audio menu. Your guide dog is welcome in our space. Feel free to speak to one of us if you experience difficulties.
We try to keep our events free of charge by seeking other income. We serve food in rokko and therefore ask not to bring your own food. Free tap water is available. All other drinks range between €2.20 - €5.00. Food ranges between €3.50 - €6.00. At events, we sometimes provide specials such as cocktails which can be slightly more expensive. To make rokko more accessible, we use 2 price categories. You fully choose whether you want to pay A or B and we don't expect any accountability. In rokko, you can pay with cash or card.
We work together with Enchanté vzw so everyone can come and have a drink/snack in rokko, even without paying for it. Anyone can buy a deferred drink/soup and hang it on the notice board. Feel free to take a note from this notice board if you like to use this.
We have sanitary pads, tampons and hand soap available for free.
Everything on our menu is plant-based. You can have a decaf option for any coffee at no extra cost. We always have a sugar-free option of soft drinks. We do not yet have a sugar-free option of pastries. We do not always have a gluten-free option of pastries/breads. However, our soup can always be served gluten-free and is sugar-free as standard. Feel free to ask about allergens when ordering.
We do not have a play corner in our space for now. We do have a basket of read-aloud books. The other children's books are for sale. There is a changing pad available that you can take to your table or to a quiet corner. You will find the cushion in the corridor between the shop and the toilet.
Animals are welcome in the space as long as they do not harm people or the shop. Keep in mind that some people may be allergic and/or afraid of (your) animals. You can also ask for free water for animals.
A working member of the rokko team is always available. We are behind the bar or doing other work in the shop ourselves and are a point of contact if you need info, help or support. Ask at the bar if you want to know who the working associate is. The working associate will intervene if anyone receives unwanted attention and will ask people to leave if they endanger this queer-feminist safe(er) space.
If you want to talk to a working associate of rokko before coming to our space, contact us at [email protected].
Our coffee bar and bookstore is located at Steendam 42, Ghent.
Bike: There are bike racks opposite the entrance across the street.
Train: You can take the train to Gent-Dampoort. Then you can take the bus or walk 900 m (13 minutes).
Bus: Bus stops nearby are Gent Sint-Jorisbrug and Gent Sint-Jacobs.
Car: There are parking spaces in the Steendam and surrounding streets. The closest parking for people with disabilities is in Bibliotheekstraat and Koning Willem I-kaai.
These guidelines were created thanks to Mothers & Daughters who in turn refer to Phoebe Tickner, Sins Invalid, Autism Central, Transemble, and many other (disability justice) activists, who generously share their knowledge and expertise with a wider audience.
And as a reminder, let us know if your needs are not addressed. You can speak to us at the bar or contact us at [email protected]
