[Ohio-talk] CVG launches video-assisted service

[Lisa Hall]

Hi everyone,

Here is a link to the story you have been waiting for since March 8, 2019.

www.cvgairport.com/about/news/2019/03/22/cvg-launches-video-assisted-service

Sorry about the long link.

The text is below.

Sincerely,

Lisa Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio
Aira Explorer


----------

CVG launches video-assisted service


Erlanger, Ky. (March 22, 2019) – The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky 
International Airport (CVG) is rolling out an app-based, video-assisted 
service to enable blind and low-vision travelers to self-navigate the airport.

CVG’s partnership with tech firm, Aira, connects blind and low-vision 
travelers with highly trained, remotely-located agents. Through the 
smartphone app, or a pair of Horizon Smart Glasses, travelers get 
instant access to visual information at the touch of a button – 
enhancing navigation, efficiency and independence.

HOW IT WORKS: Travelers can access the Aira service for free, as soon 
as they enter the airport. Aira is available on any iPhone or Android 
smartphone, and can also be accessed by an individual’s Aira Horizon 
smart glasses, which come equipped with an embedded camera. Aira’s 
trained, professional agents can see the user’s surroundings via the 
camera stream from the phone or glasses, as well as geolocation 
information, airport maps, flight information, and more, to provide 
on-demand assistance to travelers who are blind or low vision.

LINK to photos and video of demonstration with Lisa, an Aira Explorer, 
who subscribes to the Aira service. Lisa called an Aira agent once she 
entered CVG Airport to navigate to the Starbucks on the Ticketing 
level. The Aira agent read the menu to her to order a coffee and guided 
her back to the airline ticket counters.

Airports have become one of the most popular places to use the service, 
which is now also available in El Paso, Texas; Houston and London’s 
Heathrow Airport, among others.

“At CVG Airport, we’re deeply committed to accessibility; providing 
independence and the opportunity to travel by air to all,” said Candace 
McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “This tool is innovative and 
necessary for many travelers. We’re happy to provide the service for 
our passengers to elevate their experience while at CVG.”

“Aira believes that greater access to visual information leads to more 
independence for individuals who are blind or low vision,” said Suman 
Kanuganti, chief executive officer, Aira. “We are really excited to see 
this philosophy embraced by airports like CVG, expanding access and 
enhancing the travel experience for those who are blind.”