Blind and low vision travelers offered free access to Aira app
Oakland, Calif. – October 15, 2024: San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) today announced it will offer visual interpretation on-demand to blind and low-vision travelers with the Aira app. OAK travelers can use Aira for assistance with a range of tasks, including: locating bag drop, ordering food, navigating to their terminal, and finding rideshare or transit stops. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, with no advance reservations required.
“San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport is pleased to offer this additional accessibility tool to enhance inclusion for all travelers,” says Port of Oakland Director of Aviation Craig Simon. “We want all airport users to feel welcome at our facilities and know the benefits and conveniences available to them when they Fly the East Bay Way!”
Aira instantly connects blind and low vision people to professional visual interpreters. Aira will be available on-demand to anyone traveling through OAK. Travelers can simply download the app for Android or iPhone, open it, tap a button, and are connected to a visual interpreter, who can access a video stream from the caller’s camera. The visual interpreter can then explain the caller’s surroundings, describe, narrate, navigate, or read out loud.
“Blind and low-vision travelers face unique challenges at airports, where navigating a busy, constantly changing environment and accessing critical information is essential for a smooth experience. Without timely information and efficient navigation, the consequences can be significant.” said Troy Otillio, CEO of Aira. “We’re pleased to partner with San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to enhance the accessibility and inclusiveness of their facility, and support more independent travel.”
About Aira
Aira was founded on the belief that access to information is a human right. In this spirit, the Aira app provides on-demand, remote visual interpretation for the blind and low vision community. People can download Aira, press a button, and their phone camera will stream a live video to a highly skilled visual interpreter. The Aira visual interpreter can then assist by explaining the caller’s surroundings, describing, narrating, navigating, or reading. Aira visual interpreters draw on their extensive training and experience to assist with a vast range of daily tasks and enhance callers’ independence and efficiency. Aira is offered by Aira Access Partners including leading software companies, financial firms, airports, universities, and major retailers. Aira’s technology has been extensively covered in the media, including by Time, Vogue, The New York Times, USA Today, NBC, and the LA Times. Aira is free to download app available on iOS and Android from the PlayStore and AppStore.
About San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport
San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) is the main airport for the greater East Bay, the most populated area in the metropolitan San Francisco Bay area. It is the closest airport to most Bay Area employers. By roadway and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) air-rail, OAK enables excellent access to all the region’s business, entertainment, and tourism venues. The vision of San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport is to be the airport of choice for San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by the Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of East Bay waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 98,000 jobs in the region with more than a $174 billion economic impact.
Updates about current departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details about on-airport parking, shopping and dining and more, can be found at www.iflyoak.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
Kaley Skantz
OAK Airport Spokesperson
San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport
(510) 563-6500
Contact Kaley