Airport Enhances Services For Vision Impaired Passengers

May 23, 2019
Brent S. Kyzer-McHenry
Airport

Vision impaired passengers will be able to use the service from their phones

MADISON, WI – Today, blind and low vision travelers will have a high-tech, complimentary solution to assist them in their travels through the Dane County Regional Airport with the launch of Aira terminal-wide.
 

"Providing a safe and enjoyable experience to all of those who visit the Dane County Regional Airport is a top priority," said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. "We are excited to begin offering the Aira service so more travelers can navigate our airport with ease."
 

The technology uses smart glasses or a mobile app to easily connect the user to a live, trained human agent that can see the environment around the user in real-time. Those agents also have an artificial intelligence powered dashboard which provides them contextual information about the location where the user is calling from, to significantly improve efficiency. Agents then serve as visual interpreters to accomplish a variety of tasks in the airport — from viewing a flight information display to finding the queue line at a security checkpoint to verifying their luggage at a baggage carousel.
 

Any user can download the free Aira app from www.aira.io/app. As soon as they enter the airport, travelers can immediately call Aira agents completely free of charge to assist with their travel journey.
 

"Travel is an important part of everyone’s life," said Kim Jones, Airport Director. "We are prioritizing the deployment of innovations like Aira to ensure our airport is inclusive and accessible to all residents of Dane County and south central Wisconsin."
 

Aira delivers instant access to visual information at the touch of a button, enhancing everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence.
 

"Providing free access to Aira at airports enhances the independent traveling experience for those who are blind or have low vision," said Greg Stilson, Director of Product Management at Aira and a local Aira user himself. "Connecting to an agent makes navigating and exploring the airport more efficient, especially at times when the crowds and noise can be disorienting."
 

The Dane County Regional Airport provides seamless, low-stress, and affordable options for both leisure and business travelers with more than 100 daily arrivals and departures. The non-stop services to 19 cities provides access to nearly every worldwide destination.
 

About Aira

Aira is a service that connects people who are blind or have low vision to highly trained, remotely-located agents. At the touch of a button, Aira delivers instant access to information, enhancing everyday efficiency, engagement, and independence. Learn more at www.aira.io.