Seeing a movie on the big screen is a special experience, but what options are available in terms of accessible cinemas? It’s a question that able-bodied individuals don’t need to consider but plays a big role in planning a day for someone with a disability.

We’ve taken the guesswork out of planning your next accessible outing with our KompleteCare guide to your local accessible cinemas!

Palace Nova Cinemas

Located in Eastend and Prospect, Palace Nova Cinemas actively welcomes and supports people living with disabilities in the Adelaide community. Their accessible cinemas include disabled access to all cinemas through ramps and elevators, accessible toilets, and free admission for carers with a Companion Card. All of their cinemas have dedicated seats reserved for wheelchair users. In select cinemas and for select films, Palace Nova also offers devices that enhance the soundtrack (such as music and dialogue) for the hearing impaired and describe the action on screen with spoken commentary for the visually impaired. To find out what cinemas and film options are available, simply call or email Palace Nova.

Wallis Cinemas

Following the recent renovation of their Piccadilly location, all Wallis Cinemas are now wheelchair accessible. All cinemas include wheelchair-accessible spaces, companion seating and accessible bathrooms (and lifts at The Piccadilly) to allow access to both levels of the venue. They also offer closed captions, audio descriptions, and hearing assistance services for particular sessions, so look out for the icons below the session times on their website when booking your accessible movie trip.

Event Cinemas

With cinemas in both SA and WA, Event Cinemas have inclusive, accessible features for the hearing, visually, and mobility impaired. Their cinemas (including select gold-class cinemas) are fitted with wheelchair spaces with companion seating for the mobility impaired. For the hearing impaired, they offer sessions with closed captions, infrared transmitters, and hearing aid loops. For the visually impaired, they offer audio descriptions delivered through a personal headset or neck loop. If you need any of these devices, see staff for more details. Event Cinemas also offers sensory-friendly films and sessions for families living with autism and other sensory needs. Visit their website for sensory screening sessions and information.

Luna Palace Cinemas

Luna Palace has locations across Perth in Fremantle, Nedlands, and Leederville (which also has an outdoor cinema during the warmer months), each of which are accessible cinemas. All cinemas at each location are wheelchair accessible, and you can find more information on the best access points and tips on planning your trip on the Access Page on their website. All Luna Palace locations have headphone sets and closed captions for the hearing impaired and audio description devices for the visually impaired. Not all screens have these options for each session, so you can either check the film pages or call the box office to make sure you choose the right session.

Palace Raine Square Cinemas

If you’re after an accessible day out in the CBD, then Palace Raine Square is the cinema for you. The cinema is fully accessible, with accessible seating available and no steps or other barriers from the entrance. These seats and spaces are reserved especially for patrons with mobility needs and can be purchased either in person or over the phone. They also offer audio description devices and closed captions viewing systems for those who need them. These sessions can be found by looking for the AD label for audio descriptions or CC for closed caption on their session times.

The Chaffey Theatre

Situated in Renmark, the Chaffey Theatre is a fully accessible cinema to those with limited mobility. The theatre can accommodate up to five wheelchairs in rows C and D, seats 2-8, and is complete with dedicated accessible bathroom facilities and car parking spaces. They also offer sensory-friendly screenings for select films, during which the lights are dimmed, and movie volume is lowered for sensitive ears. Kids are also free to get up, move around, shout or sing during these sessions, which is great for those who struggle to sit still for a prolonged time or are stimming.

Cameo Cinema

For an old-school cinema experience, look no further than Cameo Cinema in the heart of Murray Bridge. The venue is wheelchair accessible, with a separate ramp to gain access to the entry of the venue. While it appears that the cinema doesn’t offer visual or audio aids, contacting Cameo Cinema via phone may be worthwhile to see if they can make any adjustments to make your movie experience accessible to your needs.

Wallis Cinema (Mount Barker)

If you don’t mind a short drive, Wallis Cinema in Mount Barker is another option for Murray Bridge locals with accessibility needs. A short 30-minute drive down the freeway, the cinema includes wheelchair-accessible spaces and companion seating, accessible bathrooms, and accessible parking. They also offer closed captions, audio description and hearing assist services for particular sessions, so look out for the icons below the session times on their website or ring ahead to find out what sessions are best suited to your needs.

If you’re not sure whether your local cinema has the accessibility requirements for you, don’t be afraid to call ahead and check. Staff are there to help you with any questions you have and can be a great help in planning your day out to the movies.

At KompleteCare, we offer a range of services, including Social Support and Transport Services. We understand that getting from one place to another and maintaining social connections can be increasingly challenging for those who are elderly or living with a disability.

Whatever your circumstances, we are here to ensure you do not need to miss out on activities you might enjoy, including a trip out to one of these accessible cinemas. Ask us how we can help you or your loved one get out and about and accompany you to activities and events you enjoy, like going to the movies. Give our office a call at (08) 8265 5696 in South Australia or (08) 9329 4955 in Western Australia.