Wayfinder app BindiMaps enhancing cinema for low-vision moviegoers

A growing demand from Australians with a vision impairment for more inclusive theatre experiences has resulted in Sydney-based digital accessible wayfinding startup BindiMaps launching its navigation app and platform for attendees of the Westpac OpenAir cinema in a bid to help movie lovers find their way around.

By delivering real-time navigation information via audio, text or map cues and audio directions optimised for people with vision impairment, the inclusive wayfinding mobile app enables people with a disability to navigate complex and unfamiliar indoor spaces like hospitals, multi-level office buildings, universities and shopping centres, or events like the Australian Open.

Co-founder and CEO Dr Anna Wright came up with the idea for BindiMaps to change the lives of people with disabilities and vision impairment after undergoing years of major surgery to save her own eyesight.

Dr Wright launched BindiMaps alongside CCO Mladen Jovanovic and CPO Tony Burrett in 2017 with the aim to help people of all abilities navigate unfamiliar indoor locations and point them in the right direction with 10-20 times more accuracy than Google Maps.

The “BindiWeb” platform is an interactive online map that allows moviegoers to toggle wheelchair accessible routes and get directions within the cinema from the comfort of their home or on their way, helping them choose the best drop-off point or transport stop.

Westpac will also be offering other tailored amenities for the cinema season, including more accessible seating, tactile and braille signage, companion cards for those with assistance and guide dogs, and increased availability of movies with subtitles.

BindiMaps will also be featured prominently during the premiere of TOUCH, Australia’s first feature-length film created by and for people with low vision and those who are blind, which will screen from Tuesday, February 13 with all proceeds going to Blind Citizens Australia.

In October 2023, SmartCompany reported that Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) with its 1.62 million annual passengers had become the first Australian airport to install inclusive wayfinding app BindiMaps in a bid to become one of the country’s most accessible airports.

Dr Wright said BindiMaps was excited to partner with Westpac to make their famous and much-attended OpenAir Cinema accessible to everyone.

“Our BindiMaps navigation app and BindiWeb platform empower individuals with disabilities to navigate the sometimes challenging cinema environment with confidence and ease, ensuring they can enjoy the magic of the movies just like everyone else,” Dr Wright said.

“We implore other event organisers and venues to follow suit, opening up Australia’s vibrant arts and cultural scene to all Australians.”

Westpac’s Head of Access and Inclusion Majella Knobel said they wanted to make sure that the needs of as many individuals as possible were considered as part of the end-to-end cinema experience.

“The OpenAir Cinema is in such an iconic location on the Sydney Harbour; we want everyone to have the opportunity to experience the special atmosphere,” Knobel said.

“We hope that this year’s OpenAir cinema sets a new standard for accessibility and inclusion that others in the industry will strive to follow.”