Aira, service that connects blind and low vision users to sighted agents via smart glasses, is now available in Houston airports
My position on the advisory board of Aira has given me the opportunity to speak at the most recent NFB convention, take part in the AT&T Experience More campaign, and contribute to the expansion of Aira’s services.Earlier this month, we were proud to announce Aira’s partnership with the Houston Airport System to bring the Aira service to both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Blind and low vision passengers can now use Aira minutes free of charge while on site so long as they already have an Aira membership.The subscription model for Aira is based on a monthly fee in exchange for either unlimited or a set number of minutes of access to a sighted agent via smart glasses or a smart phone. Using the camera on such devices, agents on the other end of the app receive a live video feed of what’s happening in real time around the low-vision user, and the highly trained agent can then assist the user with tasks that typically require sight, such as reading airport terminals, checking in at electronic kiosks, dropping baggage, getting through security checkpoint, locating restrooms and other amenities, and finding one’s gate. For a demo of Aira, check out my YouTube video on How Aira is helping the Blind navigate life with more independence.Houston is the third city in the U.S. To roll out such a partnership with Aira, after Memphis and Minneapolis. I believe it’s important to make independence and dignity available to all traveling passengers, including blind ones, and that’s exactly what Aira does.Thank you to Aira and the Houston Airport System for offering assistance in getting us blind folk through airports and on to our respective journeys.For more news on Houston airports’ involvement with Aira, check out the following links:
- AT&T, City team up to help the blind "see" in Houston's airports(The Houston Chronicle)
- Aira technology for blind and low vision offered at Houston airports (Houston Airport System press release)
- Visually stunning: Aira smart glasses help the blind see airport gates (CW)
To learn more about Aira and how it works, visit the Aira website.