My friend who lives with total blindness as a result of childhood eye cancer and I were looking forward to watching a particular film at Fountain Gate’s Village Cinemas. Before the film, my friend and I checked the cinema’s website and confirmed that our session was advertised as having audio description. Upon arrival, the staff member serving us informed us that the website was wrong and that audio description was not available.

 

Without audio description, my friend couldn’t understand many parts of the film. I had no choice but to explain what was happening during scenes with no dialogue. Eventually, another patron became frustrated and shouted at us in front of the whole cinema, and only apologised after discovering my friend was blind. This situation should never have happened.

 

My friend has experienced this more than once. Audio description is often advertised as being available, yet the equipment is not working, is not charged, cannot be found, or staff do not know how to provide or operate it. For blind and low-vision Australians, this means they are often unable to enjoy something many people take for granted.

 

Accessibility is not optional, it is essential.

 

We are calling on cinemas across Australia to:

·      Ensure audio description equipment is available whenever it is advertised.

·      Regularly test and maintain equipment.

·      Train all staff to confidently assist customers using audio description.

·      Have a clear backup plan if equipment fails.

·      Treat accessibility as an essential customer service, not an afterthought.

 

Everyone deserves to enjoy a movie independently with dignity, and without having to

rely on someone whispering descriptions throughout the film.

 

"Just because I can't see, that doesn't mean I should be excluded or denied the same cinema experience as sighted customers. Accessibility is a must when leading the way forward to a more inclusive society. Failing to provide it only holds us back."

 

The cinema later admitted in an email that audio description was in fact available for our session, but the staff member serving us did not have the training to provide it. This shows that the equipment alone is not enough. Staff must be properly trained so blind and vision impaired customers can rely on the access that is advertised.