{"id":43182,"date":"2019-11-18T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-11-18T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/marketplace\/accessibility-tools-for-low-vision-travelers-at-sea\/"},"modified":"2019-11-18T06:00:00","modified_gmt":"2019-11-18T14:00:00","slug":"accessibility-tools-for-low-vision-travelers-at-sea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kentreporter.com\/marketplace\/accessibility-tools-for-low-vision-travelers-at-sea\/","title":{"rendered":"Accessibility tools for low-vision travelers at SEA"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all have tools that help us get through our every day lives more efficiently and easily. Like grocery shopping lists on your phone and step-by-step GPS directions. We get so used to them, we wonder how we ever managed without them.<\/p>\n

For people with vision impairment, important tools could be a cane or an assistive dog. One frequent traveler, Larry Watkinson, added a system called Aira to his toolkit to help him navigate Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) from the curb, through the terminal, to his gate. Watkinson has a vision impairment and works with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to manage ADA compliance at WSDOT facilities and on the website.<\/p>\n

On the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we tagged along with Larry, his wife Kathy who has low vision but can navigate the airport without assistive devices, and his service dog Huey to get their perspectives on the experience of navigating the airport.<\/p>\n

Free Aira Zone at SEA<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Port of Seattle launched the use of assistive technology Aira at the airport in March 2018. On our walk, Larry demonstrated the use of Aira and how it helps him navigate the airport.<\/p>\n

To use the service, passengers only need a smartphone with a camera and the free Aira app. Once connected via SEA’s free Wi-Fi, Aira connects a person with vision impairment to a professionally trained agent who looks at the environment through the phone’s camera and provides live narration as someone moves throughout the terminal. The Aira agent can provide rich visuals descriptions whether navigating, reading menus, or locating luggage.<\/p>\n

Generally, using Aira minutes costs users about $1 per minute. However, the use of Aira minutes at SEA are paid by the Port of Seattle, so users pay no costs when using the system from the garage to the main terminal, and within all concourses and satellites. Aira users should bring their own camera-enabled cell phone and download the app for use at the airport.<\/p>\n

Larry’s Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n

Holding the system in his hands so we can see the screen, Larry connects to a live agent who can view what’s in front of him through the phone’s forward-facing camera. Typically, he uses a cell phone chest harness and earbuds so his hands are free to navigate and he can hear the agent better within the terminal. As he walks, the trained agent provides detailed instructions on what’s ahead and how to get to the gate.<\/p>\n

Watkinson stops in front of the flight information board and holds the phone so the operator can read the departures board and determine which gate to go to. Huey is a big help when Larry gets to his destination, but hasn’t quite learned how to read the departures board. They walk quickly through the crowded terminal, sidestepping other travelers who stop suddenly in front of him and navigating around obstacles like garbage cans and pillars. When Larry gets to his destination, the Aira agent can also provide other services like ordering a rideshare vehicle and riding along to make sure he gets where he needs to go.<\/p>\n

Larry emphasizes that every traveler has a different experience and that his journey is not representative of all travelers with vision impairment. With that in mind, here are a few of his tips and tricks for navigating SEA and other airports:<\/p>\n

Larry Watkinson demonstrates the use of Aira and how it helps him navigate the airport.<\/p>\n

General Travel Tips<\/em><\/p>\n

1. Research the layout of the airport in advance.<\/p>\n