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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hi, awesome <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>From:</b> CT-NFB <ct-nfb-bounces@nfbnet.org> <b>On Behalf Of </b>Mary Silverberg via CT-NFB<br><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, May 11, 2022 2:39 PM<br><b>To:</b> Lucia Lee (llee@nfbct.org) <llee@nfbct.org>; Maryanne Melley <maryanne.melley@gmail.com>; NFB of Connecticut Mailing List <ct-nfb@nfbnet.org>; Joseph Kolczynski <joesan1215@hotmail.com><br><b>Cc:</b> Mary Silverberg <marysilverfox@gmail.com><br><b>Subject:</b> [CT-NFB] Fwd: Governor Lamont Announces Expansion of Virtual Mobility Assistance Pilot Program to Bradley International Airport<o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal>Great news! AIRA is now available at Bradley Airport<o:p></o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'>Mary Silverberg<o:p></o:p></p><div><div><p class=MsoNormal>---------- Forwarded message ---------<br>From: <strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>Governor Lamont's Office</span></strong> <<a href="mailto:lamont.news@ct.gov">lamont.news@ct.gov</a>><br>Date: Wed, May 11, 2022 at 2:13 PM<br>Subject: Governor Lamont Announces Expansion of Virtual Mobility Assistance Pilot Program to Bradley International Airport<br>To: Mary Silverberg <<a href="mailto:marysilverfox@gmail.com">marysilverfox@gmail.com</a>><o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></p><div><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;background:#ECECEC;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=640 style='width:480.0pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=640 style='width:480.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=640 style='width:480.0pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=640 style='width:480.0pt;background:#3A95D2;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-d/" target="_blank"><span style='text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=85 height=64 style='width:.8854in;height:.6666in' id="_x0000_i1029" src="http://i3.cmail20.com/ti/j/CB/EFA/29C/054946/images/ctgov.png" alt="CT.gov Logo"></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=640 style='width:480.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=right><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=640 style='width:480.0pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:6.0pt'><td width=640 style='width:480.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:6.0pt'></td></tr></table></div><div><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;color:#0A0A0A'><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-e-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-r/" target="_blank"><b><span style='color:#0071BB;text-decoration:none'>Web Version</span></b></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div></td></tr><tr><td width=640 style='width:480.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-h/" target="_blank"><span style='text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=640 height=182 style='width:6.6666in;height:1.8958in' id="_x0000_i1028" src="http://i4.cmail20.com/ti/j/CB/EFA/29C/054946/images/gov-masthead.png" alt="Governor's Masthead"></span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div></td></tr><tr id="m_3446090196453919829simplerss-content-row"><td width=640 style='width:480.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=640 style='width:480.0pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=30 style='width:22.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td width=580 style='width:435.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=580 style='width:435.0pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=580 style='width:435.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=m3446090196453919829article-title style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:13.5pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:18.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-k/" target="_blank" title="Governor Lamont Announces Expansion of Virtual Mobility Assistance Pilot Program to Bradley International Airport"><span style='color:#0A0A0A;text-decoration:none'>Governor Lamont Announces Expansion of Virtual Mobility Assistance Pilot Program to Bradley International Airport </span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=m3446090196453919829article-meta style='margin-top:0in;line-height:15.0pt'><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;color:#999999'>Posted on May 11, 2022 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=right style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=15 style='width:11.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr style='height:3.75pt'><td width=15 style='width:11.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:3.75pt'></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:3.75pt'></td></tr></table><div style='margin-bottom:13.5pt'><h4 style='text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt;line-height:100%!important'><em><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'>Aira Service Now Available at New England’s Second-Largest Airport, Increases Independence for Passengers Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision</span></em><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'><o:p></o:p></span></h4><p style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'>(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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'>The pilot program <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-u/" target="_blank"><b><span style='color:#0071BB;text-decoration:none'>originally began</span></b></a> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'>“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,” <strong><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Governor Lamont said</span></strong>. “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.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'>“We are pleased to be joining this pilot program which will enhance our ability to offer exceptional service to our passengers,” <strong><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Kevin A. Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, said</span></strong>. “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.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'>“We’re excited to have Bradley Airport now included in the pilot program,” <strong><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said</span></strong>. “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.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'>“We are thrilled to see this innovative technology expanding to Bradley,” <strong><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif'>Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Amy Porter said</span></strong>. “This public transportation app enhances ease of travel and greater independence for individuals who are blind or have low vision.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'>For more information on this program and instructions on how to sign up, visit <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-o/" target="_blank"><strong><span style='font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0071BB;text-decoration:none'>ctrides.com/aira-en</span></strong></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:11.25pt;text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:13.5pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#0A0A0A'><br><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-vlrukiy-tuhktkddhi-b/" target="_blank" title="Governor Lamont Announces Expansion of Virtual Mobility Assistance Pilot Program to Bradley International Airport"><b><span style='color:#0071BB;text-decoration:none'>Read on CT.gov</span></b></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p></div></td></tr><tr style='height:7.5pt'><td width=580 style='width:435.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:7.5pt'></td></tr></table></td><td width=30 style='width:22.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr style='height:11.25pt'><td width=640 style='width:480.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:11.25pt'></td></tr><tr><td width=640 style='width:480.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=640 style='width:480.0pt;background:#054266;border-collapse:collapse' id="m_3446090196453919829footer"><tr style='height:22.5pt'><td width=30 style='width:22.5pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 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