[Colorado-Talk] Lieutenant Governor Primavera Announces New Tool to Assist Blind and Low-Vision Coloradans Navigate State Locations and Digital Services

[Dan Burke]

you know, I like the way Theresa talks about how she uses Aira in her
work life. That makes sense. And even for reading of some signs in the
capitol. Lord knows, it's a complicated layout there, and absolutely
no Braille signage as we were all reminded last week for our day
there. I wonder if it was up and running in beta form and we didn't
know it!

But I just don't see Aira as primarily a travel tool, though it's
always been touted as such by the company.  I don't need Aira to tell
me the elevators are on my left, or that the Lt. Governor is
approaching me. Something about their promotion is just a little off
for me.

Dan

On 2/23/23, Curtis Chong via Colorado-Talk <colorado-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Thursday, February 23, 2023
>
>
>
> DENVER - Today, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera announced the Polis-Primavera
> administration is now offering a digital tool to help people access state
> services in real time.  <https://aira.io/> Aira provides Coloradans who are
> blind or have low vision access to live visual interpreters at no cost for
> up to 30 minutes per session when navigating state-operated locations and
> digital services. The goal of this program is to allow Coloradans to more
> easily access government services independently.
>
> "Creating a Colorado for all means ensuring everyone can access essential
> services comfortably and independently," said Lt. Gov. Primavera. "We're on
> a mission at the state to deliver innovative, flexible options so all
> Coloradans can confidently take advantage of the state's programs and
> benefits."
>
> Aira is a live, human-to-human service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
> week, 365 days a year. Using the camera on a smartphone or computer, secure
> live video is streamed to a professionally-trained agent who visually
> interprets what is shared. Watch Lt. Gov. Primavera explain how Aira can
> help Coloradans access state services in
> <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihJPjAjj6L8> this video.
>
> "In the State of Colorado, we are driven every day to make government easy,
> as laid out in our  <https://oit.colorado.gov/digital-government> Digital
> Government Strategic Plan," said Anthony Neal-Graves, Chief Information
> Officer and Executive Director at the Governor's Office of Information
> Technology (OIT). "The Aira service is another step forward in reducing
> barriers to state services through digital solutions, which brings us
> closer
> to creating a truly equitable, inclusive customer experience for all
> Coloradans."
>
> The new offering is an extension of the state's efforts to be fully
> welcoming and accessible to all. Coloradans will be able to get assistance
> navigating locations and interpreting otherwise inaccessible documentation
> through free calls with Aira agents up to 30 minutes per session at
> locations such as DMV centers, state parks, colleges and state workforce
> centers.
>
> "I have used Aira for six years, both in my personal life and as a state
> employee," said Theresa Montano, Senior Accessibility Solutions Architect
> at
> OIT. "With the help of their agents, I have been able to deliver strategy
> plans and review project plans and progress charts that once were
> impossible
> without the help of a sighted teammate. Knowing Aira is always available
> has
> relieved stress in completing my work and has been invaluable since we
> began
> working remotely. I am thrilled that we will be able to help blind and
> low-vision Coloradans gain that same sense of relief when they interact
> with
> the state, knowing Aira is always there."
>
> Learn more about how to access and use Aira at
> <https://oit.colorado.gov/accessibility/aira>
> oit.colorado.gov/accessibility/aira. Download the app from your mobile
> device via the  <https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aira/id1071584352> Apple
> Store or
> <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.aira.smart&hl=en_US&gl=US>
> Google Play or let your friends and family know about this service.
>
>
>
>
>
> Cordially,
>
>
>
> Curtis Chong
>
>
>
>


-- 
Dan Burke

National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Legislative Co-chair

President, NFB of Denver

"Blindness is not what holds you back.  You can live the life you want!"

My Cell:  406.546.8546
Twitter:  @DallDonal