#AccessibleTechnology

2025-06-05

Aira at the 2025 NYC Blind Travel Foundation Media Weekend!

Aira is proud to sponsor the 2025 Blind Travel Foundation, providing visual interpreting minutes for grant winners' travel projects. We joined grant winners, co-sponsors (Two Blind Brothers & Feeldom), and the BTF team for a weekend of connection and exploration.

A highlight was a tactile tour of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, enhanced by Aira's geofencing for free visual interpreting and AI. The tour brought exhibits to life through visuals, textures, and an amazing guide.

We're excited for our third year partnering with this impactful organization and eager to follow upcoming projects, including an accessible outdoor guide, a blind music education podcast, and a video series on blind history. Learn more: blindtravel.org/

#Inclusion #OnMyTerms #AccessForAll #AccessibleTechnology #Blind #LowVision #AccessibilityForAll

A woman in a brown knit sweater holds up her phone in a bustling museum hall. Onscreen, the Aira call reads “Connected with Agent Julie,” displaying the grand lobby and crowd. Floral arrangements and arches rise behind.An older man in a dark jacket and bone-conduction headset holds his phone, using the Aira app. The screen shows the Aira home page with the button to “Call an Aira Agent.” Stone arches and floral decor rise behind him.Visitors wearing gloves explore a textured marble sculpture of intertwined figures by touch. A man in blue and a woman in a printed dress guide the interaction. Framed artwork and another sculpture are visible in the gallery background.A man in a patterned sweater uses Aira AI at the Temple of Dendur exhibit at the Met. His phone displays the Aira app with a text chat. Evening light filters through the vast glass wall behind the temple.
2025-03-26

Airacast: Return from CSUN 🏆

By now, you’ve likely come across numerous podcasts discussing the 40th annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. The Aira staff gathered to share their experiences in the exhibit hall, during sessions, and in workshops. Join Jenine Stanley as she engages in conversations with Troy Otillio, Everette Bacon, Jill Ratliff, Blake Steinecke, and Dianne Howie. Aira ASL made its debut, and the response far exceeded our expectations.

Discover more insights and learn about the other valuable takeaways from the conference.

Listen here: pnc.st/s/airacast/58b21b37/ret
Or in the podcast app of your choice.
Learn more about Aira Explorer and Aira ASL at www.aira.io.

#AccessAI #OnMyTerms #AccessForAll #AccessibleTechnology #Blind #LowVision #VisuallyImpaired #AccessibilityForAll #UniversalDesign

Two men stand smiling in front of a projector screen with the Aira logo and the word “BARRIERS” visible. One wears a black “aira” shirt and exhibitor badge; the other holds a white cane and wears a blazer with a presenter badge. Inset graphic reads “aira cast with Jenine Stanley” and “Return from CSUN,” featuring a cartoon figure with headphones and a mic on a teal background.
One Communityonecommunity
2024-12-29

Solution-creating solutions like self-replicating 3D printers and robots can revolutionize access to food, energy, and housing. These scalable technologies empower individuals to replicate resources, teach others, and address global challenges, making sustainable living accessible for all.

onecommunityglobal.org/solutio

dr. kiyn 🍄🌻knac@cathode.church
2024-12-19

The final paper from my PhD just got published!

Accessible Soft Electronics with Silver-Gelatin Conductive Hydrogel Composite

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10

#sustainability #accessibletechnology #gelatin

2024-12-10

🏧Aira Access at Chase Banks, Nationwide 🏦

Aira is now available at every Chase Bank branch in the U.S.! Bank customers can connect with a visual interpreter on-demand while in any branch, using Chase Bank ATMs, or when accessing online banking services. All calls are free of charge with the Chase Bank access offer.

"As a Chase customer and Aira user, I'm excited at the added accessibility this offer gives me! I love that I can call in and get the support I need to use the ATM or navigate the store on my own terms." - Aira Explorer

This full roll-out follows a successful pilot at 46 Chase Bank Innovation Lab locations as Chase expands efforts to meet the needs of its blind and low vision members.

Full Article: aira.io/aira-at-chase/

#accessibility #disability #DisabilityAwareness #inclusion #AccessibleTechnology

Innosearch AIInnosearchAI
2024-10-28

For the first time, Jerry Waldner can shop independently, thanks to Innosearch AI! It's a game-changer for blind and visually impaired users, offering the freedom to browse and buy without assistance. 🛍️✨

Try it for yourself at innosearch.ai

The image shows a testimonial from Jerry Waldner, an Innosearch AI user, who expresses his positive experience using the platform. The testimonial reads: "I absolutely love Innosearch AI! For the first time, I can do my own online shopping independently, without needing help from anyone. It’s an incredible feeling. This platform has been a game-changer for me. Thanks, Innosearch!" The image also includes the Innosearch AI logo and directs viewers to visit innosearch.ai for more information.
Lowlife's inane ramblings 🦜☠petelawler
2024-09-05
2024-08-30

🎉 Aira's 4 Meta Ray-Ban Winners! 🕶️ 🎉

Thank you to everyone who boosted their chances of winning by taking full advantage of all of Aira’s free access offers! The lucky winners of the brand new Meta Ray Ban smart glasses are...

1️⃣ Dezman Jackson
2️⃣ Stuart Soulek
3️⃣ Mika Pyyhkala
4️⃣ Grace King (International Explorer 🌍)

These lucky explorers maximized their chances by using our 10 Minutes Free Build AI program, Access AI free image descriptions, free Aira access at select Chase Bank locations, RIM Integration on desktop, and by sharing Aira stories on social media! Our team will be in contact soon to coordinate your prize.

If you didn’t win this time, don’t worry—more exciting giveaways are coming soon! Stay tuned for your next opportunity to win big with Aira. 🚀

Want to learn more about the FREE ways you can use Aira? We share it all in our latest blog post: aira.io/explorer-tips-how-to-g

#MetaRayBan #AIInnovation #AccessibleTechnology #Giveaway

2024-08-28

Win Meta Ray-Bans for FREE with Aira! 🎉

Only 2 days left to enter the Meta Ray-Bans giveaway! 🕶️✨ Use Aira for free and enter to win!

1️⃣ Build AI: Get 10 FREE minutes every 30 minutes by opting into our Build AI program. Help shape AI’s future and keep those minutes rolling!

2️⃣ Access AI: Use Aira’s free in-app image description with the option for FREE human verification via Aira Verify!

3️⃣ Chase Bank Access: Enjoy FREE Aira services at 44 Chase Bank locations nationwide!

4️⃣ RIM Integration: Use Aira on desktop with RIM integration. FREE through in conjunction with access offers.

5️⃣ Social Media Boost: Tag friends in our giveaway posts and share your Aira stories for extra entries!

Maximize your chances by participating in all 5 activities! Winners will be announced on August 30th. Full Giveaway details and the many other ways you can use Aira for free are live on our blog!

Read More: aira.io/explorer-tips-how-to-g
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#MetaRayBan #AIInnovation #AccessibleTechnology

2024-08-06

Are your events accessible? Who might be missing out because event planning considerations overlooked their experience? How can we make accessibility-informed decisions that promote inclusivity?

From website design to table height, visual presentation elements to tactile handouts, we have six accessibility topics to consider for your next event planning endeavor!

We are proud to partner with event organizers like Event Solutions who share their insights on accessibility in the event planning space:

“Accessibility is not just a legal obligation; it’s a pathway to inclusivity and engagement. By designing booths that everyone can navigate and enjoy, exhibitors not only meet regulatory standards but also invite a diverse audience to connect deeply with their offerings.” —Denise Galbraith, Senior Event Planner at Event Solutions.
#AccessibleTechnology #Accessibility #InclusiveDesign

#AssistiveTech #TechForGood

Full blog post: aira.io/6-ways-to-make-an-even

"Aira at Events, 6 Ways to make an event more accessible" B&W background shows a crowd gathered for an event.
2024-07-24

Join Build AI, Aira’s biggest Access Offer yet!

Earlier this month, we launched Build AI, an Access Offer that gives explorers free minutes in exchange for supporting the next step in AI innovation for the blind and low-vision community.

How do you join? How do you choose which calls you do and don’t want to share? How will this impact your experience as an explorer? These questions and many more are answered in our FAQ blog post!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to be a part of something transformative. Check out our FAQ for details and stay tuned for a HUGE giveaway! 🎁

🔗 aira.io/build-ai-faq/
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#AIInnovation #AssistiveTechnology #AccessibleTechnology

"Explorer News Your Build AI Questions Answered! Aira's Biggest Access Offer Yet" B&W image of a person holding a phone open to the Aira logo pointed at a printed menu. White and teal stripes cross the image diagonally.
2024-07-23

Aira Access on Jacksonvile Transit Authority!

“The JTA is proud to offer free access to on-demand visual interpreters to our patrons through our partnership with Aira,” said JTA CEO Nat Ford. “The JTA is committed to providing dignified mobility services that restore independence for all transit users in the communities we serve.”

With transit being pivotal for access to school, employment, and beyond, we're thrilled to see the Jacksonville Transit Authority ensuring #AccessForAll. They launched Aira just in time for the recent American Council of the Blind annual conference in Jacksonville, enhancing mobility and independence for everyone.

Read the full article: floridapolitics.com/archives/6
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#AccessibleTravel #AccessibleTechnology #AccessMatters

2024-07-16

Access Announcement: Aira at the Albany International Airport 🛫

We are excited to announce our newest airport partner, the Albany International Airport, who just launched Aira in celebration of Disability Pride Month! As the first U.S. airport to achieve Level 3 Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation from Airports Council International, Albany International is a leader in accessibility. We are proud to support their accessibility efforts and make visual interpreting available to their blind and low vision visitors.

Read the full article: news10.com/news/visual-interpr
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#AccessibleTravel #AccessibleTechnology #AccessMatters

2024-07-15

Aira Access Events, Offering Visual Interpreting at Disability:IN

We are thrilled to launch Aira Access Events at the 2024 Disability:IN Global Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, offering visual interpreting free during plenary sessions and at the host hotel. Through the Aira app, participants can access on-demand visual interpreting, whether individually or in group sessions.

Attending events as someone who is blind or low vision can mean difficulty identifying booths in chaotic expo halls, struggling to find the correct conference room, or missing the speaker’s facial expression that made everyone else laugh. Our world is visual and access to the full event experience should be available to everyone.

Interested in offering Aira at your event? Contact our team! For full details and a list of Disability:IN sessions with visual interpreting, check out our blog post.

aira.io/aira-access-events-lau

#Accessibility #VisualInterpreting #AccessibleTechnology

2024-07-13

Comparing AI-Powered Accessibility Tools: PiccyBot, Be My AI, and Aira's Access AI

Introduction
AI-powered tools like PiccyBot, Be My AI, and Aira's Access AI are making significant strides in enhancing accessibility for visually impaired individuals. This article explores and compares the capabilities of these three tools, highlighting their unique features and benefits.

PiccyBot: Comprehensive Image and Video Descriptions
PiccyBot is an AI-driven application that describes images and videos. It provides detailed spoken descriptions, allowing users to understand visual content through audio feedback.
Key Features:
• Photo to Voice: Converts photos into detailed spoken descriptions.
• Voice-Activated Queries: Users can ask questions about the images using their microphone.
• Video Descriptions: Offers descriptions for videos up to 30 seconds long, enhancing accessibility for visual media.

PiccyBot stands out for its ability to describe both static and moving images, providing users with a comprehensive understanding of visual content through interactive and detailed descriptions.

Be My AI: Enhanced Visual Interpretation with GPT-4 Vision
Be My AI is a feature within the Be My Eyes app, utilizing OpenAI’s GPT-4 Vision model to deliver detailed descriptions of images and graphics. This AI tool complements the live assistance provided by sighted volunteers.
Key Features:
• AI-Powered Descriptions: Provides comprehensive descriptions of photos, screenshots, and on-screen content.
• Interactive Chatbot: Allows users to ask follow-up questions for more detailed information.
• Cross-Platform Availability: Accessible on both mobile devices and Windows PCs.

Be My AI excels in offering detailed, immediate visual descriptions that enhance users' understanding of digital content. The interactive chatbot feature allows for deeper engagement and a more nuanced understanding of the described material.

Access AI by Aira: Real-Time and Verified Visual Assistance
Access AI is a new feature within the Aira app, providing AI-driven image descriptions along with the option to verify these descriptions through trained visual interpreters.
Key Features:
• AI Image Chat: Users can take or upload photos to receive detailed image descriptions.
• Human Verification: Visual interpreters can verify and correct AI-generated descriptions, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
• Integration with Aira Services: Combines AI capabilities with Aira’s established visual interpreting service for comprehensive support.

Access AI combines the strengths of AI and human intelligence, offering detailed image descriptions with the added benefit of human verification. This ensures higher accuracy and trust in the AI-generated information, making it a reliable tool for various visual tasks.

Interactivity and Detail:
• PiccyBot provides interactive and detailed descriptions of both images and videos, with the ability to zoom in and ask specific questions.
• Be My AI offers comprehensive and interactive descriptions with an AI chatbot that allows for follow-up questions.
• Access AI provides detailed descriptions verified by human interpreters, combining AI efficiency with human accuracy.

Platform and Availability:
• PiccyBot and Be My AI are available on mobile devices, with Be My AI also accessible on Windows PCs.
• Access AI is integrated within the Aira app, available on both iOS and Android, and offers additional human verification for AI responses.

Subscription and Cost:
• PiccyBot offers both free and premium versions with in-app purchases for enhanced features.
• Be My AI is a free feature within the Be My Eyes app.
• Access AI provides free initial access with options for extended use through Aira’s subscription plans.

Conclusion
PiccyBot, Be My AI, and Access AI each offer unique advantages for visually impaired users. PiccyBot and Be My AI leverage advanced AI to provide detailed and interactive visual descriptions, enhancing digital accessibility. Access AI combines AI with human verification, ensuring accurate and reliable information. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each tool, blind or visually impaired users can choose the best option to meet their specific needs and enhance their independence and quality of life.

#AI #Accessibility #PiccyBot #BeMyAI #AiraAccessAI #VisualImpairment #Blind #TechForGood #AssistiveTechnology #InclusiveTech #AIForAccessibility #TechComparison #AIInnovation #EmpowermentThroughTech #DigitalAccessibility #AIInclusion #TechReviews #AccessibleTechnology

The image depicts an artistic representation of an eye formed by circuitry and digital components, symbolizing artificial intelligence or machine vision. The eye is rendered in striking shades of pink and teal, with circuit board patterns forming the iris and pupil. The title "The Blind AI Blog" appears below, creating an intriguing contrast between vision and blindness. The image conveys themes of technology, perception, and the intersection of human and artificial intelligence in a visually striking and thought-provoking manner.
2024-06-28

Something is being brewed by GOSH community at Tetem!🦾

The Gathering for Open Science Hardware (GOSH) Community is organizing a one-day gathering at Tetem on July 19th. During the meeting you will learn more about GOSH and the OScH: Open Science Hardware movement in Europe.

Did we catch your attention?👀 Head to the link to learn more!
tetem.nl/event/goshtetem/
#GOSHcommunity #osCh #digitalculture #hardware #openaccess #enschedeevent #accessibletechnology #tech

A meeting of 5 people sitting around a table discussing topics relevant to the GOSH community.
2024-04-17

In Case You Missed It: Clemson University signs on as Aira’s most recent on-campus Access Partner!
Read the full article: news.clemson.edu/aira-visual-i

#AccessibleCampus #AccessForAll #OnYourTerms #AccessibleTechnology

The Accessibility Guytheaccessibilityguy
2023-12-04
Sir thalon :klingon:thalon@embassy.social
2023-12-03

In celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let me emphasize the critical role of inclusivity and accessibility in business. Highlighting the mission of 'Bridge the Gap,' a social entrepreneurship venture co-founded with Björn, the post discusses how they guide companies in making their products, services, and business processes more inclusive for people with disabilities. It underscores the importance of viewing inclusivity not as a compliance checkbox but as a journey towards embracing diversity. The post calls for action from businesses to integrate accessibility into their core strategies, marking this day as not just one of awareness but of proactive commitment to inclusivity.

#InclusivityInBusiness #BridgeTheGap #Accessibility #InternationalDayOfPersonsWithDisabilities #SocialEntrepreneurship #DiversityAndInclusion #Empowerment #AccessibleTechnology #InclusiveDesign #BusinessForAll

linkedin.com/pulse/celebrating

Client Info

Server: https://mastodon.social
Version: 2025.04
Repository: https://github.com/cyevgeniy/lmst