A new online Access Map is opening up Hobart for people with disability, helping everyone move around the city with greater confidence.
The Map will make it easier than ever to find accessible facilities, plan trips and navigate the city with confidence.
Access Map
For Disability Voices Tasmania EO and City of Hobart Access Advisory Committee member Vaughn Bennison, the map represents a major step forward in independence and inclusion.
"This map system, whether it's an app or a website, gives you the opportunity to select the access components that you would like to see and find out details about them," Mr Bennison said.
"It enables you to know where those features are in regard to not only where you are currently, but where they are in regard to the city of Hobart."
Screenshot of the Access Map
He said the map had the potential to transform how people plan their daily activities.
"If I decide that I want to have something for dinner or go to the toilet on the way back to the taxi, I might choose to use another taxi rank because I can call into my favourite restaurant or a useful public toilet facility," he said.
Importantly, the new Access Map has been built with accessibility in mind from the start — something Mr Bennison said was missing from previous versions.
"The previous access map wasn't accessible to blind and vision-impaired people at all," he said.
"One of the ways that I use the map is via my computer with a screen reader, and of course all of the elements need to be properly labelled so that I can navigate through and make the selections of things that I want."
He said the technology would also support families and visitors with different needs.
"If I have friends and family coming to visit, I can actually generate access maps for them so they can take advantage of the accessible facilities they need – whether that's car parking, toilets or seating."
Mr Bennison said the map also had a broader purpose: "No doubt this map will show us where things are more accessible, but I dare say it'll also highlight where we could really improve things."
Access Advisory Committee member Lynda Hanlon at the Access Map launch.
Access Advisory Committee member Lynda Hanlon, representing the MS community described the new map as an "absolute game changer for a huge part of the Hobart community".
"The map is breaking down barriers, particularly for those living with, or supporting someone with disability," she said.
"This map provides an equal experience for everyone, enhancing quality of life."
Bruno Pisano, founder and CEO of Elafent the company behind the technology, said collaboration was key to success.
"What was different with the City of Hobart was their passion and a real desire to get something that really worked for everyone in the community," he said.
"By working with the Access Advisory Committee, we made sure the lived experience guided every part of the design."
Access Map