[Travelandtourism] Clear Channel Airports partners with Meridian for ADA-compliant airport digital signage kiosks

[Hai Nguyen Ly]

http://www.digitalsignagetoday.com/article/198999/Clear-Channel-Airports-partners-with-Meridian-for-ADA-compliant-airport-digital-signage-kiosks

Clear Channel Airports partners with Meridian for ADA-compliant airport digital signage kiosks

Working with Clear Channel Airports, full-service kiosk solutions provider Meridian has launched an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant turnkey system for interactive digital signage and advertising for installation at airports across the U.S. and Canada, according to an announcement from Meridian.

Under the ADA, U.S. airports fall under a special zone for compliance that must address physical reach and height regulations and, at the discretion of the airport, accessibility to the hearing impaired and the visually impaired for information transaction machines such as wayfinding kiosks. The  self-service solution allows CCA to sell advertising for local amenities such as hotels, transportation, entertainment and restaurants as it offers wayfinding and phone services for greater accessibility to their advertisers.

The interactive signage solution, designed and manufactured by Meridian, is powered by Meridian's proprietary software, Meridian Application Platform. Clear Channel Airport's ADA-compliant solution utilizes VoIP for telephone handset, phone pad and on-screen prompts; SMS messaging and QR codes are incorporated as well.

Clear Channel Aiports sales manager Scott Appnel said in the announcement that "the Meridian solution helps us connect advertisers to all travelers especially those with accessibility challenges."

In order to accommodate the ADA physical requirements, Meridian lowered the content on the 42-inch screen within ADA guidelines. Content out of reach of the user can be pulled down into the compliance area using buttons near the bottom of the screen. Meridian streamlined the design of the self-service solution for greater accessibility, whether using a wheelchair or standing.

The Meridian Application Platform provides accessibility and interactivity for the visually impaired. MAP provides an all-software solution without the need for special equipment. Interactive Voice Response technology allows the user to interact with the kiosk through the use of voice prompts and DTMF tones. Users are able to utilize the solution's handset to navigate entirely.

"As ADA regulations are constantly changing, Meridian created a unique solution for Clear Channel Airports that addresses the needs of all users," said Chris Gilder, Meridian founder and CEO. "Meridian's MAP platform provides the foundation to stay ahead of changing requirements."

In addition to accessibility features, Meridian's MAP platform also provides Clear Channel Airports with a dynamic and extensible multi-language support for displaying content in ten languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Arabic. MAP provides a foundation for CCA to create interactive experiences with digital signage that is measurable, manageable and accessible.

Read more about digital signage wayfinding and wayfinding kiosks.