[Colorado-Talk] Press release for Aira NFB Day at the state Capital

Sat Feb 10 00:52:06 UTC 2024

Hello NFB friends,

Today is a good day! On a personal note, I am finally in my new remodeled
home that I have been designing and strategizing for over 5 years.  It feels
like home but without my beloved 14 ½ year old retired guide Thyme.  Her
soul and ashes are here with me along with 4 other urns with my other 4
guide dog’s ashes.

The other great news is this Press Release  my office, the Governor’s Office
released earlier today.

For Immediate Release

Feb. 9, 2024

Contact: Brandi Wildfang |  <mailto:brandi.wildfang at state.co.us>
brandi.wildfang at state.co.us 

  _____  

Coloradans will receive no-cost access to Aira visual interpreting service
all day on Feb. 12 

DENVER - The Governor’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) is thrilled
to announce Aira’s Colorado Free Access Day on Monday, Feb. 12, a day of
no-cost access to the new Aira Explorer mobile app statewide.
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__oit.colorado.gov_acces
sibility_aira&d=DwMFaQ&c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=RaLE5
ATwHfmltbxLpx6HGYQ4J-VHFu3YyoHIiqVGfQU&m=ayeGHEph_o9WvMz0OBWmRFKg2MCIXZPitdx
aq4w1GzM92QJzbge1vAai0ff6NWzF&s=8vjCFP6QyTv-T2Qf4E7c11R5wK5Iwzj6QDQnnB6utb4&
e=> Aira is a visual interpreting service that provides live, on-demand
access to visual information through human-to-human professional assistance.

Colorado Free Access Day is in conjunction with the National Federation of
the Blind of  Colorado’s Day at the Capitol, where the group will meet with
members of the general assembly to highlight efforts to protect services for
the deaf-blind, raise awareness about challenges faced by people who are
blind or low-vision, and advocate for legislative initiatives that promote a
more inclusive and accessible Colorado for all.

“Colorado is a national leader when it comes to disability advocacy and
rights,” said Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera. “We are committed to
finding more ways to make government more equitable, from physical building
access, web accessibility, and addressing barriers to voting and becoming
elected for public office.”

The State of Colorado partnered with Aira and
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__oit.colorado.gov_press
-2Drelease_lt-2Dgovernor-2Dprimavera-2Dannounces-2Dnew-2Dtool-2Dto-2Dassist-
2Dblind-2Dand-2Dlow-2Dvision-2Dcoloradans&d=DwMFaQ&c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPN
ahmNicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=RaLE5ATwHfmltbxLpx6HGYQ4J-VHFu3YyoHIiqVGfQU&m=ayeGHEp
h_o9WvMz0OBWmRFKg2MCIXZPitdxaq4w1GzM92QJzbge1vAai0ff6NWzF&s=ZwVi9ftriGAqYNzs
bx3pJXota39AuHAsllqFC4dfUEM&e=> launched in February 2023 offering free
30-minute sessions to anyone navigating state-operated locations and
services, both physical and digital. These include state government
buildings, state parks, state colleges and universities, and state-run
websites and web applications (URLs that include
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__colorado.gov&d=DwMFaQ&c
=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=RaLE5ATwHfmltbxLpx6HGYQ4J-VHF
u3YyoHIiqVGfQU&m=ayeGHEph_o9WvMz0OBWmRFKg2MCIXZPitdxaq4w1GzM92QJzbge1vAai0ff
6NWzF&s=MJo_sqQ4by_qPqYuUWpcuql_-ZKP_rPuYkVeqq7Im6Q&e=> colorado.gov and
<http://state.co.us/> state.co.us). Through Aira, a user’s smartphone camera
streams secure, live video to a professionally trained agent who visually
interprets what is shared.

“Accessibility plays a critical role in achieving OIT’s mission to provide
secure digital services that put Coloradans first,” OIT Chief Information
Officer & Executive Director David Edinger explained. “The State of Colorado
is always looking for ways we can leverage technology to increase access and
reduce barriers to receiving government services, and a visual interpreting
service is one of the ways we can accomplish this.”

On Colorado Free Access Day, Aira is free all day to all people who are
blind or low-vision, for any purpose, from anywhere in the state. The
duration of each call is 30 minutes, but users may call back for another
session immediately. To participate in the promotion, follow these steps:

*  Make sure the Aira Explorer app is downloaded on your smartphone as the
old version of Aira is obsolete. Download via the
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__apps.apple.com_us_app_
aira-2Dexplorer_id1590186766&d=DwMFaQ&c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNicq64TgF1
JwNR0cs&r=RaLE5ATwHfmltbxLpx6HGYQ4J-VHFu3YyoHIiqVGfQU&m=ayeGHEph_o9WvMz0OBWm
RFKg2MCIXZPitdxaq4w1GzM92QJzbge1vAai0ff6NWzF&s=RKNbqTN5EGoUOYcclJEjL1Rg5oNxE
w8AFXMzyL3umVo&e=> Apple App Store or
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__play.google.com_store_
apps_details-3Fid-3Dio.aira.explorer&d=DwMFaQ&c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNi
cq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=RaLE5ATwHfmltbxLpx6HGYQ4J-VHFu3YyoHIiqVGfQU&m=ayeGHEph_o9W
vMz0OBWmRFKg2MCIXZPitdxaq4w1GzM92QJzbge1vAai0ff6NWzF&s=lSBpjZ8aet1z2j9t7DCcY
o_txP__cojFJdkYsibNrRw&e=> Google Play.

*  Register for a free account, if you have not done so already. 

*  Go to Browse Access Offers, then choose Promotions & Partners: Task and
situation based calls.

*  Tap Colorado Free Access Day (promotion will not appear until Monday,
Feb. 12).

Learn more about Aira by
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__youtu.be_ihJPjAjj6L8&d
=DwMFaQ&c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=RaLE5ATwHfmltbxLpx6H
GYQ4J-VHFu3YyoHIiqVGfQU&m=ayeGHEph_o9WvMz0OBWmRFKg2MCIXZPitdxaq4w1GzM92QJzbg
e1vAai0ff6NWzF&s=FMiA1ySFkCzTwQb4t_5vLfE-lDaa0XgXyS7Leq32m7Y&e=> watching
this video featuring Lt. Gov. Primavera and OIT’s Solutions Architect of
Accessibility, Theresa Montano.

###

  _____  

About the Governor’s Office of Information Technology

The Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT) is a dynamic
organization responsible for the operation and delivery of information and
communications technology services and driving innovation across Executive
Branch agencies in the State of Colorado. OIT delivers smart technology
solutions, provides quality customer service, and supports state agencies
whose missions are critical to serving Coloradans. OIT oversees technology
initiatives at the state level and recommends strategies to maximize
efficiencies and offer cost-effective services through the application of
enterprise technology solutions. The Office’s enterprise approach also
enables the agile delivery of new applications to state agencies that
improve the overall customer experience and access to government services
while increasing accountability and transparency.

OIT is home to the Information Security Office,
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__broadband.co.gov_&d=Dw
MFaQ&c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=RaLE5ATwHfmltbxLpx6HGYQ
4J-VHFu3YyoHIiqVGfQU&m=ayeGHEph_o9WvMz0OBWmRFKg2MCIXZPitdxaq4w1GzM92QJzbge1v
Aai0ff6NWzF&s=QIazwjlP4J3Zti98nyE8Xn2Pt5fEvgbp8IZ9aGPk2f4&e=> Colorado
Broadband Office and
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__sites.google.com_state
.co.us_coloradodigitalservice_home&d=DwMFaQ&c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNicq
64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=RaLE5ATwHfmltbxLpx6HGYQ4J-VHFu3YyoHIiqVGfQU&m=ayeGHEph_o9WvM
z0OBWmRFKg2MCIXZPitdxaq4w1GzM92QJzbge1vAai0ff6NWzF&s=ZGzTWum6clNi2T0cqukV49m
3aZY0rw-2-69dn8DfQg8&e=> Colorado Digital Service. OIT also manages
myColorado™, the State of Colorado’s official mobile app™, providing secure
and convenient access to state services anytime, anywhere. The app’s
signature feature, Colorado Digital ID™, enables residents to create an
electronic version of their Colorado driver license or state identification
(ID) card. The Digital ID can be displayed on a smartphone for proof of
identification, age, and address within Colorado. In August 2021, myVaccine
Record was launched to provide residents a contactless way to show proof of
COVID-19 vaccination and aid in Colorado’s pandemic response. The myColorado
app can be downloaded from the
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__itunes.apple.com_us_ap
p_mycolorado_id1447566714-3Fls-3D1-26mt-3D8&d=DwMFaQ&c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3Ahs
PNahmNicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=RaLE5ATwHfmltbxLpx6HGYQ4J-VHFu3YyoHIiqVGfQU&m=ayeGH
Eph_o9WvMz0OBWmRFKg2MCIXZPitdxaq4w1GzM92QJzbge1vAai0ff6NWzF&s=Dv_QEbdzFjtPWf
bQchL6l_y_9ukLNdNUabyj95iF9ac&e=>  Apple App Store or
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__play.google.com_store_
apps_details-3Fid-3Dcom.soc.mycolorado&d=DwMFaQ&c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahm
Nicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=RaLE5ATwHfmltbxLpx6HGYQ4J-VHFu3YyoHIiqVGfQU&m=ayeGHEph_o
9WvMz0OBWmRFKg2MCIXZPitdxaq4w1GzM92QJzbge1vAai0ff6NWzF&s=YHIE194TvHh7PzkHl3E
hubnjVYSSV023vXJ6JT6s9Yg&e=>  Google Play. Visit
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__mycolorado.gov_&d=DwMF
aQ&c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=RaLE5ATwHfmltbxLpx6HGYQ4J
-VHFu3YyoHIiqVGfQU&m=ayeGHEph_o9WvMz0OBWmRFKg2MCIXZPitdxaq4w1GzM92QJzbge1vAa
i0ff6NWzF&s=iIGsJBap7bTW4WOvgF9ggLMmRQIoMUplVU4RuQkElaw&e=>  myColorado.gov
to learn more. 

Find OIT online at <http://oit.state.co.us/>  Colorado.gov/OIT, and on
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_Color
adoOIT&d=DwMFaQ&c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=qNtzPM9cVS6G
aEqbYZfsaqoRjpATZymzXshIlWwaQE0&m=qxbQ7pNwn4nRAioeZ6gKNX5VaqDPaNjGcssvOPt5Db
k&s=kXtvRdUPSYP1yuNhsVUSJBJFHBD7fkQyRrvNHnYp4_I&e=>  Facebook,
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__twitter.com_OITColorad
o&d=DwMFaQ&c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=qNtzPM9cVS6GaEqbY
ZfsaqoRjpATZymzXshIlWwaQE0&m=qxbQ7pNwn4nRAioeZ6gKNX5VaqDPaNjGcssvOPt5Dbk&s=y
S3Yyfa45H89JjSvmax4edXqgZccpkr0tvWj4gYpZ6E&e=>  Twitter, and
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.linkedin.com_compa
ny_state-2Dof-2Dcolorado-2Dgovernor-2527s-2Doffice-2Dof-2Dinformation-2Dtech
nology&d=DwMFaQ&c=sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=qNtzPM9cVS6G
aEqbYZfsaqoRjpATZymzXshIlWwaQE0&m=qxbQ7pNwn4nRAioeZ6gKNX5VaqDPaNjGcssvOPt5Db
k&s=oAve21PpZsD9xz_fMpBCjFGS1Qs_gCKHjMgt7KC89EA&e=>  LinkedIn.

About Aira

<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__aira.io_&d=DwMFaQ&c=sd
nEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=RaLE5ATwHfmltbxLpx6HGYQ4J-VHFu3Y
yoHIiqVGfQU&m=ayeGHEph_o9WvMz0OBWmRFKg2MCIXZPitdxaq4w1GzM92QJzbge1vAai0ff6NW
zF&s=3S8_QYEEWnfmzfW_xzH1QQpuP3HKXTxCRDqrg-n_31Q&e=> Aira’s assistive
technology enhances the independence and accessibility of people who are
blind or low-vision. By providing instant visual information anytime,
anywhere, Aira empowers users to navigate the world confidently.

About NFBCO
The mission of
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__nfbco.org_&d=DwMFaQ&c=
sdnEM9SRGFuMt5z5w3AhsPNahmNicq64TgF1JwNR0cs&r=RaLE5ATwHfmltbxLpx6HGYQ4J-VHFu
3YyoHIiqVGfQU&m=ayeGHEph_o9WvMz0OBWmRFKg2MCIXZPitdxaq4w1GzM92QJzbge1vAai0ff6
NWzF&s=q9SqD_D-vZ9KHilbuNKfg2eitG2rTA_95qDWOLkj_dw&e=> NFBCO is to achieve
widespread emotional acceptance and intellectual understanding that the real
problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight but the misconceptions and
lack of information that exist. The organization brings blind people
together to share successes, to support each other in times of failure, and
to create imaginative solutions.

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