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

Fri May 13 12:35:23 UTC 2022

Excellent

On Thu, May 12, 2022 at 8:50 PM Esther Levegnale via CT-NFB <
ct-nfb at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> wow, that is awesome news! Absolutely wonderful! Esther
>
> Sent From Esther's Amazing and Awesome iPhone 13 Pro Max!
>
> On May 12, 2022, at 2:00 PM, Elizabeth Rival via CT-NFB <ct-nfb at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
>
> 
>
> Hi, awesome
>
>
>
> *From:* CT-NFB <ct-nfb-bounces at nfbnet.org> *On Behalf Of *Mary Silverberg
> via CT-NFB
> *Sent:* Wednesday, May 11, 2022 2:39 PM
> *To:* Lucia Lee (llee at nfbct.org) <llee at nfbct.org>; Maryanne Melley <
> maryanne.melley at gmail.com>; NFB of Connecticut Mailing List <
> ct-nfb at nfbnet.org>; Joseph Kolczynski <joesan1215 at hotmail.com>
> *Cc:* Mary Silverberg <marysilverfox at gmail.com>
> *Subject:* [CT-NFB] Fwd: Governor Lamont Announces Expansion of Virtual
> Mobility Assistance Pilot Program to Bradley International Airport
>
>
>
> 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
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/210+Capitol+Avenue+Hartford,+CT+06106?entry=gmail&source=g>
> Hartford, CT 06106
> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/210+Capitol+Avenue+Hartford,+CT+06106?entry=gmail&source=g>
>
> *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/>
>
> _______________________________________________
> CT-NFB mailing list
> CT-NFB at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/ct-nfb_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> CT-NFB:
>
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/ct-nfb_nfbnet.org/elevegnale%40sbcglobal.net
>
> _______________________________________________
> CT-NFB mailing list
> CT-NFB at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/ct-nfb_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> CT-NFB:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/ct-nfb_nfbnet.org/kdockendorff%40gmail.com
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/ct-nfb_nfbnet.org/attachments/20220513/74803ab2/attachment.html>