[CT-NFB] Fwd: Governor Lamont Announces Expansion of Virtual Mobility Assistance Pilot Program to Bradley International Airport

Wed May 11 18:38:43 UTC 2022

Great news!   AIRA is  now  available at Bradley Airport
Mary Silverberg

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Governor Lamont's Office <lamont.news at ct.gov>
Date: Wed, May 11, 2022 at 2:13 PM
Subject: Governor Lamont Announces Expansion of Virtual Mobility Assistance
Pilot Program to Bradley International Airport
To: Mary Silverberg <marysilverfox at gmail.com>

[image: CT.gov Logo]
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-d/>

Web Version
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-e-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-r/>
[image: Governor's Masthead]
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-h/>

Governor Lamont Announces Expansion of Virtual Mobility Assistance Pilot
Program to Bradley International Airport
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-k/>

Posted on May 11, 2022
*Aira Service Now Available at New England’s Second-Largest Airport,
Increases Independence for Passengers Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision*

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the State of
Connecticut’s 18-month pilot program offering Aira at no cost for
individuals who are blind or have low vision has been expanded to now
include Bradley International Airport.

Aira is a virtual interpreting service that uses a smartphone’s camera to
stream live video to an agent who uses the live video to narrate and
interpret what they see, giving users instant access to visual information
about their surroundings.

The pilot program originally began
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-u/> on
October 15, 2021, and covered bus and train public transportation systems
in Connecticut. Additionally, Aira can be used for essential tasks, such as
grocery shopping or a health care visit. Since its launch, users have made
nearly 900 calls and logged more than 10,000 minutes through Aira. Starting
today, the no-cost service is available at Bradley International Airport.
Users can use the Aira app as soon as they arrive to the airport.

While visual interpretation is available at some private sector
establishments, Connecticut is the first state in the nation to provide
this type of service to members of the public for free.

“Whether it’s accessing a ticket vending machine or navigating one of our
busy train stations, over the last several months this pilot program has
made a difference in people’s lives,” *Governor Lamont said*. “By
leveraging new technology, we can help travelers access vital services in
our state. As one of the region’s premier airports and with more people
traveling, it’s great news that Bradley International Airport is joining us
in this innovative pilot program.”

The Aira service allows users to stream live video to an Aira agent who
will in turn provide navigational or other support. At the airport, this
may be particularly useful for navigating the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) security checkpoint and screening process, interacting
with ticket and gate personnel, exploring retail and dining options, and
general terminal navigation.

“We are pleased to be joining this pilot program which will enhance our
ability to offer exceptional service to our passengers,” *Kevin A. Dillon,
executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, said*. “At Bradley
Airport, we strive to make travel easy and convenient for everyone and it
is our hope that with the introduction of Aira we will provide a more
seamless experience and independence for those traveling who are blind or
have low vision.”

The Aira pilot program is a collaboration between the Connecticut
Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the
Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services. The pilot is being
administered by the Connecticut Transportation Institute at the University
of Connecticut and is being funded through federal research dollars, making
it possible to offer an 18-month subscription at no cost to the user.

“We’re excited to have Bradley Airport now included in the pilot
program,” *Connecticut
Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said*.
“Expanding the use of the Aira app increases access, safety, and
independence for those with visual impairments. No matter how someone
travels in Connecticut, we want them to reach their destination safely.”

“We are thrilled to see this innovative technology expanding to
Bradley,” *Connecticut
Department of Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Amy Porter said*.
“This public transportation app enhances ease of travel and greater
independence for individuals who are blind or have low vision.”

The goal of the pilot program is to evaluate the Aira service and its
effectiveness in providing travel assistance when using public
transportation in Connecticut, as well as access to essential services. A
complete report and evaluation of the service will be available at the end
of the pilot program, continuing through March 15, 2023.

For more information on this program and instructions on how to sign up,
visit *ctrides.com/aira-en*
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-o/>.

Read on CT.gov
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-b/>

State Capitol
210 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106

Facebook
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-q/> |
Twitter
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-a/> |
Instagram
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-f/> |
YouTube
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-z/>

[image: Facebook Like Button]
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-fb-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-y/> [image:
Tweet Button]
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-tw-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-j/>

You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from
the Office of the Governor.

Edit your subscription
<https://officeofthegovernor.updatemyprofile.com/j-vlrukiy-AD9EE3F9-tuhktkddhi-t>
Unsubscribe instantly
<https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-u-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-i/>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/ct-nfb_nfbnet.org/attachments/20220511/8eb5378e/attachment.html>