Pacific Werribee shopping centre is now more accessible for people with low vision or blindness following the installation of new wayfinding beacon technology, BindiMaps.
Guide Dogs Victoria has joined forces with BindiMaps, supported by Wyndham council, to install new navigation technology at Pacific Werribee, working to ensure the community is more accessible for people with a disability.
The installation was made possible by a Community Strengthening Grant from Wyndham council, which is dedicated to making public spaces easier and more efficient for locals to navigate.
BindiMaps is a smartphone app that uses wayfinding beacon technology to enable people with low vision or blindness to navigate complicated indoor spaces with confidence.
It uses a simple language audio system to describe where users are and what’s around them, and the best way to get to their chosen destination.
BindiMaps is the biggest provider of accessible wayfinding for people with low vision and blindness in over 40 indoor locations in Australia.
It aims to provide inclusive, accessible, indoor wayfinding that helps everyone find their way through indoor spaces.
Guide Dogs Victoria chief executive Karen Hayes said that increased access to public spaces, such as at shopping centres, is extremely beneficial for the independence and wellbeing of people with low vision or blindness.
“We are so excited for Pacific Werribee to be a place that provides safe and independent access, and hope to see this technology rolled out across many more community sites across the state,” she said.
Founder and chief executive of BindiMaps, Dr Anna Wright, said: “While BindiMaps can enhance the shopping experience for any customer, it completely changes the way people with low vision or blindness can safely and independently access indoor spaces.
“Before BindiMaps, a person with low vision or blindness would need significant help from others to be able to do something most of us take for granted, such as accessing our local shopping centre.
“Our mission is to make every indoor space 100 per cent accessible to everyone.”
Pacific Werribee general manager, Ryan Ling, said the shopping centre was excited to offer the new service to the Wyndham community.
“Pacific Werribee is proud to be working with our community partners to deliver such innovative technology, further providing greater accessibility for our community,” Mr Ling said.
Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich said: “This is a fantastic initiative for our residents who have low vision or blindness and will assist them to live a full and independent life.
“Wyndham city is proud to support this initiative which uses new technology.
“We’re always looking for new ways to assist residents and visitors to maximise their experience in Wyndham.”
For further information, contact Guide Dogs Victoria or go to the BindiMaps website: bindimaps.com/
