Travel is a gateway to exploration, but for individuals who are blind or have low vision, it can present unique challenges. However, Martin County is pioneering a groundbreaking solution to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all travelers. The Discover Martin team has proudly announced its brand-new collaboration with Aira, an innovative accessibility technology, marking a significant milestone as the first tourism office in Florida to embrace Aira’s services.
Embracing Innovation for Enhanced Travel Experiences
Aira, a cutting-edge technology designed to assist individuals who are blind or have low vision, offers a transformative experience for travelers. Through the free Aira app, visitors gain access to trained Visual Interpreters who provide remote trip planning assistance. This service empowers travelers to efficiently plan their trips, including booking accommodations and exploring Martin County even before arrival.
During their visit, tourists can utilize Aira to navigate public buildings, attractions, restaurants, hotels, and so much more. Referred to as “Explorers,” users of Aira experience a new level of independence by accessing visual information at the touch of a button. This collaboration aims to enhance efficiency, engagement, and the overall travel experience for individuals with visual impairments.
Empowering Independence and Inclusivity
Troy Otillio, CEO of Aira, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the commitment of the Martin County Office of Tourism to promote accessibility and inclusivity. “Offering access to Aira for trip planning and support for anyone is a clear demonstration of their commitment to enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for all. Through this partnership, they are breaking barriers and empowering travelers who may be blind or have low vision to navigate and experience Martin County with independence.”
Nerissa Okiye, Martin County Tourism Director, echoed this sentiment. “We believe that travel should be an enriching experience for everyone,” said Okiye. “Our office is committed to continually improving our accessibility offerings to ensure that all travelers can explore, enjoy, and make unforgettable memories in our destination. We are delighted to be the first tourism destination in Florida to offer this innovate service for our visitors.”
Accessible Travel Made Possible
For travelers interested in experiencing Martin County’s accessibility offerings, the Aira app serves as a gateway to enhanced exploration. This initiative underscores the commitment of the Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing to continually improve accessibility options, ensuring that all visitors can immerse themselves in the destination’s beauty and charm.
To discover more about accessibility and inclusion efforts in Martin County, click here.
About Aira
Aira stands as a live, human-to-human professional assistance service tailored for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Through the powerful combination of a smartphone camera and the Aira app, trained agents offer visual interpretations of surroundings, aiding with descriptions, readings, explanations, and navigation. Operating 24/7 in five countries, Aira’s free app is a free to download, available on iOS in the AppStore and Android from the Google Play Store.
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This article courtesy of our friends at Discover Martin County Florida you can find the original article in it's entirety here:
https://discovermartin.com/breaking-barriers-martin-county-teams-up-with-aira-to-enhance-accessibility-for-visually-impaired-travelers/
