The Edmonton International Airport has introduced a new app to help passengers with vision disabilities safely navigate their way through the airport.
EIA has teamed up with Aira, an online service that provides live, real-time assistance to people with visual disabilities. EIA is now part of the Aira Airport Network and a designated facility within the Aira online app for users. When a passenger who is blind or low vision arrives at EIA they can use this app to call up a live agent who will guide them through the airport by using the camera in a smartphone.
The agent can assist in reading information for passengers as well as navigation through the airport and even support safety by encouraging physical distancing from other people where possible.
The agent and Aira now have detailed information and maps of EIA, including the ability to determine where a user is inside the airport to help guide them. According to the Canadian Council for the Blind and its 2021 report, there are approximately 124,000 Albertans who have mild to severe vision loss.
“Air travel is a necessity not a luxury in our community and using technology to support travel for everyone is something we’re committed to. With Aira, from curb to gate, our travelers who have visual impairments can now have a memorable airport experience, confidently and independently. We’re glad to partner with Aira and have this service available.” said Steve Maybee, Vice President, Operations and Infrastructure, Edmonton International Airport
“Thank you EIA for making the airport a free Aira access location. I will be flying this spring and as I am blind, I will be delighted to use Aira to help me find things in the airport while I wait for flights. Airline staff are always helpful, but once I make it through security to the gate, I never want to bother anyone to help me find a washroom, or something to eat. This service will help me be more independent and have a better experience.” said Wendy Edey, Edmonton resident and Aira user
For more information, go to flyeia.com/services/accessibility.
