[CT-NFB] Be my eyes or Aira

Mon Aug 2 00:48:42 UTC 2021

Hi all,

I agree with what Jim said, especially with the way that Aira agents can look up a map of a place, such as an airport, and tell you where to go. It's hard to think back in time to the point where I did things pre-pandemic. I used to just ask people near me which gate we were in front of, and I would get directions if I needed them. I don't personally like using an Aira agent versus just talking to ordinary people because I'm just a social butterfly like that, but it is useful for that if that's what you want to do. 

I will add a note of caution about thinking that you can use Aira agents to know when to cross streets. Some people like to do that, but I am pretty sure that the agents have been instructed not to do it anymore. It's not safe because they can tell you when a light is green, but that doesn't mean that some car isn't going to disobey the lights and come up and hit you. Aira may work well like a human interpreter for a GPS, but please don't use it to cross streets.

Aloha,

Justin

Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury
he/him/his

Phone: 808.797.8606
Email: President at Alumni.ECU.edu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury  
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury 

“Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.”

Cesar Chavez

-----Original Message-----
From: CT-NFB <ct-nfb-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Jim McCollum via CT-NFB
Sent: Sunday, August 01, 2021 6:42 PM
To: NFB of Connecticut Mailing List <ct-nfb at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jim McCollum <j.mccollum64 at comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [CT-NFB] Be my eyes or Aira

I subscribe to Aira, and I prefer it to BeMyEyes. Aira agents are paid, while BeMyEyes uses volunteers. The Aira agents are trained better. Also, they have access to GPS, and can be much more helpful with navigation. They can use an app calledTeamViewer, to remotely access your computer if you’re doing something that’s not accessible with a screen reader. 

BeMyEyes can be useful, though, and it’s free, if an Aira subscription is too expensive. 

Jim Y. McCollum
Board Member and Legislative Coordinator National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut
860-581-0430
j.mccollum64 at comcast.net
Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 1, 2021, at 6:18 PM, Joyce via CT-NFB <ct-nfb at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I use AIRA totally at this time.  I did tested out Be My Eyes, but did not care for the service.
> 
> AIRA has trained their staff well and very professional in their presentation.
> 
> I use AIRA for personal tasks and for technical assistance with my embroidery business.  They have help me accomplished designs and worked me to do other things on my embroidery machine I could never do without their sighted help.  The very best thing is time used on my business is covered free.  As a member of NFB I also get more time added to my monthly allotment.
> 
> 
> Joyce Kane
> Kane Kids Shop
> https://www.etsy.com/shop/KaneKidsShop?ref=shop_sugg
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: CT-NFB <ct-nfb-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Deb Reed via 
> CT-NFB
> Sent: Sunday, August 1, 2021 5:47 PM
> To: ct-nfb at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Deb Reed <deb.reed57 at gmail.com>
> Subject: [CT-NFB] Be my eyes or Aira
> 
> Dear Connecticut affiliate members,
> I was wondering if anyone who has used both of the above mentioned companies to help navigate? If so do you have a preference on which service has been better for you? I value your feedback, thank you.
> 
> 
> Deborah J. Reed
> Central Chapter President
> NFB of CT
> Deb.reed57 at gmail.com
> 860-378-5370
> “Live the life you want, blindness is not what holds you back.” 
> National Federation Of The Blind
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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