Categories
Event Innovation

Join Us at #NFB21 With Our IMAGE Project Partners

Making internet graphics accessible through rich audio and touch

Welcome! This project is carried out by McGill University's Shared Reality Lab (SRL), in strategic partnership with Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd and the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) the largest member-based organization of blind consumers in Canada. The project is funded by Innovation Science Economic Development Canada through the Assistive Technology Program. The motivation for this project is to improve the access to internet graphics for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Join us at the National Federation of the Blind 2021 virtual national convention via the Crowd Compass event platform by:

Once you have logged in and agreed to the code of conduct.

Go to Exhibitors List and scroll to:

Shared Reality Lab McGill University and click on the zoom room link to connect with us on the following dates and times. Note: zoom room / virtual booth is only available during the times listed below:

Tuesday / Wednesday, July 6th, and 7th from:

  • 9:00 AM EDT to 5:00 PM EDT
  • 6:00 AM PDT to 2:00 PM PDT

Thursday, July 8th from:

  • 9:00 AM EDT to Noon EDT
  • 6:00 AM PDT to 9:00 AM PDT

Friday, July 9th from:

  • 9:00 AM EDT to 11:00 AM EDT
  • 6:00 AM PDT to 8:00 AM PDT

Saturday, July 10th from

  • 9:000 AM EDT to Noon EDT
  • 6:00 AM PDT to 9:00 AM PDT

To learn more and try the tools being developed through the IMAGE (interactive multi-modal access to graphic Exploration) Project visit https://image.a11y.mcgill.ca/.

 

With a little help from our friends - spread the word!
Yum
Categories
Internet News Project

Influencing Change Begins with Participation

McGill Shared Reality Lab Is Recruiting Users of the Internet Who Are Blind, Deaf-Blind or Low Vision to Participate in the IMAGE Project

McGill University in Partnership with Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd and the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) is seeking individuals with lived experience to participate in the planning, design, testing and trialing of assistive technology.  This technology is being developed to enable persons who are blind, deaf-blind, or low vision to more independently, quickly, and effortlessly interpret currently inaccessible graphical image content published to the internet.

Through a quarterly consultation process, participants will provide online and possible in-person feedback to the McGill Research Team. There will be a number of consultations starting with initial feedback on the planned R&D to be undertaken and ending with participants trialing the beta versions of the assistive technology developed.  The first two quarterly consultations are expected to require approximately one hour to complete. As the project progresses, and the developed products advance towards commercialization, two to three hours per quarter will be required.

Beyond the requirement that participants have lived experience in the area of using non-visual technology to access the internet, those with all levels of skill and knowledge are encouraged to participate. Participation is on a voluntary basis.

No compensation is being offered for your participation, but all participants will be kept updated on our progress and be able to use the assistive technology software prototypes being developed, with our thanks and acknowledgement of their individual contribution to the success of this project.

At present, we are recruiting only participants aged 18 years and above. Those interested in participating or learning more about the project are invited to take part in our initial questionnaire at the links listed below:

Survey in English

Sondage en français

McGill Image Project Website

For more information on Gateway Navigation’s role in the IMAGE Project or the other projects and services we support. Visit our website at www.gnc3.com or email us at image@gnc3.com

End of Document

With a little help from our friends - spread the word!
Categories
News Project

#NAW: National Accessibility Week and our New Initiatives

Working Together to Remove Barriers

At Gateway Navigation we live and breathe inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability 365 days of the year. National Accessibility Week #NAW. Reminds us to take this moment to share with everyone. The exciting initiatives we are partnering to create a Barrier Free Canada as imagined  by persons who live disability everyday.

McGill IMAGE (Internet Multi-Modal Access to Graphical Exploration) Project

On Wednesday, June 2nd McGill University and Gateway Navigation joined the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB), weekly national Zoom meeting Getting Together with Technology (GTT).

The presentation was an overview of the IMAGE Project. Being led by McGill University’s Shared Reality Lab. In strategic partnership with Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd and the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB). The project, funded by Innovation Science Economic Development Canada through the Assistive Technology Program.

The presentation kicked off the McGill IMAGE project’s outreach to all internet users who are blind, deaf-blind, or low vision. The project is actively recruiting volunteer participants to work with the research team, in developing tools for exploring internet graphical images. The vast majority of which are not accessible to non-visual users.

The project’s objective is to develop multi-modal feedback (audio, touch, and vibration) tools enabling users to gain a deeper understanding that is equal or superior to their sighted peers.

To get involved or for more information click on the link below:

https://bach.cim.mcgill.ca/atp/

Public Services Procurement Canada (PSPC) Seminar

On Friday, June 4th we co-presented to Public Services Procurement Canada (PSPC) Office Small Medium Enterprise (OSME) in Pacific Region.

A one-hour seminar focused on the built environment and digital inclusion. Titled Designing Welcoming Communities. A Case Study in Action. Presentation panelists included experts on sustainable architectural design, digital 3D modeling, assistive technology, and venue management.

The workshop covered inclusive audio-based augmented reality and sustainability. Including a case study review and interactive demonstration of the Accessibuild / CF Pacific Centre Mall digital indoor wayfinding app pilot currently being beta tested in downtown Vancouver.

Jim Taggart FRAIC Introductory Remarks to Presentation:

As a former architect who left the profession because of a degenerative eye condition, I have multiple reasons to be interested in the evolution of digital technology that can facilitate interior navigation for those who cannot see.  In my current role, as both a Director of Gateway Navigation and the editor of Sustainable Architecture and Building Magazine, I am in the unique and privileged position to help bridge the gap between the building designers and building users.

Over the past few years, we have seen interior navigation  technology develop from the physical installation of blue tooth beacons with their restricted range of transmission, installation, and maintenance costs; through wi-fi fingerprinting, more flexible in its application but subject to inconsistencies in transmission and reception; to a flexible, economic, unobtrusive, and reliable Lidar scanning system - which we will hear more about in a few minutes.

From an architect’s perspective, Lidar offers maximum flexibility as the data it uses can either be sourced from a virtual 3-D model of the building as it is being designed; or acquired through an in-person scan  of the completed building. While this still leaves us assembling the necessary data one building at a time, both the acquisition process and accessibility for users is simpler and more flexible.

While COVID has certainly heightened the architectural profession’s interest in universal access, this interest has been growing for some time. I believe the profession is looking for guidance on this issue and, in some cases, architectural firms are ahead of the legislative curve. Major firms are seeking certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation for example, even though this is a voluntary standard. In one case, a firm that specializes in the design of community centres and swimming pools has created an open standard for the design of universal change rooms, because no such standard is available elsewhere

I believe all this positions us at a very exciting point in the evolution of building design, with the momentum around universal accessibility growing rapidly as information is shared and new initiatives undertaken.

If you have questions or would like more information on the pilot or workshop please contact us by email at: partners@gnc3.com

An exciting week of announcements and projects dedicated to removing barriers and creating inclusive, accessible, and sustainable solutions.

Visit our website to find out more about us and our services at link: www.gnc3.com/about

End of Document

With a little help from our friends - spread the word!
Categories
Awareness Innovation News

CF Pacific Centre Mall: Inclusive Audio-Based Indoor Navigation Pilot

In 2021, A New Inclusive Shopping Experience is Coming to CF Pacific Centre in Downtown Vancouver

Smartphone users will be able to navigate the interior of Cadillac Fairview’s CF Pacific Centre using an interactive app called Accessibuild. Jeff Godfrey, the app developer, explains, “users will be able to complete journeys in real time or virtually. The app provides directions and instructions from a starting point until the user arrives at their destination. Providing an experience like outdoor GPS but indoors. Unlike other apps that use a purely graphic interface, this one is fully accessible to persons who are blind”.

Lillian Tummonds, General Manager, and her team at CF Pacific Centre have been collaborating with Y4U / Accessibuild and Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd to implement this first of its kind pilot in Canada.

David Brun, Founder of Gateway Navigation a community contribution company in partnership with the Canadian Council of the Blind, describes the recent innovations in creating highly accurate architectural models, “as the game changer in providing accurate wayfinding that delivers a unique augmented reality experience for all users.”

What has happened so far?

Early in December, Kickstart, a local BC company specializing in LiDAR scan technology, worked a night shift compiling one hundred and twenty laser light scans of Cadillac Fairview’s flagship mall in Vancouver, CF Pacific Centre. The mall stretches three city blocks, starting at Robson Street to the south and extending to Pender Street at the north, including the large food court connecting the Mall to the Heritage Hudson Bay Building.

This location has long been considered the epicentre of downtown Vancouver. The adjacent Canada Line SkyTrain Station bears the name City Centre. A fitting starting point for creating accessible and inclusive indoor wayfinding for all downtown Vancouver’s shoppers and visitors.

In September 2020 Y4U / Accessibuild and Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd. joined a conversation with Cadillac Fairview that had been initiated by David Martin, a tenant in 701 West Georgia Street, an office tower connected to the Mall. Due to David’s own personal experience of growing up with his mother, Maureen, blind from the advancement of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), he recognized the potential impact of accessible audio-based indoor navigation for the users of such an important community space in Vancouver. He appreciates the benefits his mother and other family members with vision impairment would get from being more independent and confident in navigating their trips to local shops and venues at CF Pacific Centre.

Hence, a single letter initiated a conversation, that in turn identified a common vision, and has now transformed into a pilot project that will provide greater access and inclusion for everyone.

What are the next steps?

In February 2021, Y4U will have converted the data point cloud gathered by the LiDAR scans into a digital 3D architectural map of the main level of CF Pacific Centre. They will then download the essential elements of that map to their Accessibuild platform, following the voluntary standards set out by the Computer Technology Association (as included in the recommendations of the CTA inclusive indoor and outdoor audio-based navigation system for all persons).

Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd. personnel, who have overseen the collaboration from inception, will then engage with Cadillac Fairview, local community stakeholders, accessibility consultants and orientation mobility professionals to beta test the Accessibuild app and platform. Feedback from that engagement will result in recommendations to enhance the audio-based augmented reality experience delivered to users.

As we progress through the pilot, we look forward to providing updates leading up to the launch of the Accessibuild app in the Spring of 2021.

Many thanks to the exceptional team at Cadillac Fairview for their commitment and willingness to partner with us on this community project. Thanks also to David Martin who took the time to write the letter to introduce Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd. to the Cadillac Fairview team.

Please feel free to contact us by e-mail at: partners@gnc3.com with any questions, feedback or leads for future projects.

David Brun, Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd.

With a little help from our friends - spread the word!
Categories
New Product 2020 IABN News

Goodmaps: Inclusive Audio-Based Navigation Platform and App

Goodmaps Explorer: Evolving Outdoor / Indoor Navigation for Everyone

Like the mythical guide creatures in Pokémon.  Nearby explorer, an industry leading audio-based navigation app developed by the American Printing House for the Blind - APH. Has spawn the evolution of a new company, Goodmaps and an innovative app. Meet, Goodmaps Explorer, a seamless indoor and outdoor navigation app.  Combining robust and dynamic outdoor wayfinding capabilities with a revolutionary indoor camera positioning technology.

First, great news for users, the app is free to download. However, be aware that as with other GPS apps it does have an appetite for battery and data. So, keep a check on your smartphone data plan usage and have an extra charge for your battery, if out exploring for a while. Also take advantage of any Wi-Fi free zones to save on data costs.

Second, lots of great features. Quick and easy to understand tutorials to get you out and exploring. Ability to set a virtual location to do look around of nearby points of interest. Setting of filters has been replace with the use of generic keywords in the search field and an option if needing a little help to connect via your smartphone’s camera with a remote volunteer at Be My Eyes. Lots of great features to make getting around easier and safer.

Finally, although the indoor navigation positioning technology sounds exciting and looking forward to exploring a venue with the app’s camera vision technology. Reality right now is that there are likely few venues in your local community that support the technology like Goodmaps yet. The important word here is yet. Apple, Google, Goodmaps, other app developers including Accessibuild / Waymap and Gateway Navigation are working hard to promote the availability of venues that support indoor navigation. For more information on these efforts click on the blog posts below:

Article 3D Digital Mapping Interior Spaces:

https://gnc3.com/lidar-3d-indoor-mapping-inclusive-audio-based-navigation-systems/

Article Sharing Venue Mapping Data

https://gnc3.com/open-geospatial-consortium-ogc-inclusive-indoor-navigation-systems/

The Goodmaps Explorer app is currently only available for download as an IOS version. But understand an Android version should be out soon. For iPhone or iPad users, click on the following link to download:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goodmaps-explore/id1524698552.

Enjoy exploring your world with your new guide.

Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd is dedicated to the acceleration and availability of inclusive indoor and outdoor navigation systems for all persons. Please contact us at the following email with any questions or comments you would like to share: partners@gnc3.com

With a little help from our friends - spread the word!
Categories
Awareness Innovation Service

Gateway Navigation: Inclusive Audio-Based Navigation Systems

Who We Are and What We Do

Gateway Navigation CCC Limited is a unique social enterprise based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Bringing together social innovation and for-profit sustainability. Founded in 2017 by individuals and organizations that share a lived experience in disability and a passion to make a difference in their community. Our social and business objective is to create a more accessible and inclusive world through applying human centred design in the use of accessible ABN networks in interior and exterior spaces.

Gateway Navigation applies a multifaceted approach in working with venues, suppliers, and stakeholders. This includes upholding principles of universal design, expertise in available assistive technology, stakeholder co-design, testing proof of concept, inoperability of technology and facilitating ongoing feedback by the venue's accessibility team, stakeholders, and users.

Gateway Navigation creates an accessible wayfinding assessment.  Mapping the venue's architectural elements, including auditory, tactile, high contrast and environmental features. Supporting inclusive wayfinding systems and universal design concepts. Starting at public transit or drop-off pick up points to the desired arrival point of a journey.  This assessment becomes the basis for potential audio-based navigation network solutions.

The desired outcome of reliable, consistent and impactful projects is achieved by viewing them through a holistic lens, That Integrates best practices and principles to create an orientation story that guides users with reliable and consistent information as set out in both the ITU and CTA standards for inclusive audio-based indoor and outdoor navigation systems for all persons.

Learn More About Our Services
With a little help from our friends - spread the word!
Categories
Advocacy Awareness workshop

Sinclair Centre: Inclusive Audio-Based Indoor Navigation for all Persons

Sinclair Centre Plays Virtual Host to Audio-Based Navigation Scavenger Hunt

Editors note: At the end of the post is a link to the Accessibuild app for IOS and Android users to download the free app. Then participate in the scavenger hunt. Using a virtual map of Sinclair Centre and recover the clues used in the June 4th National Accessibility Awareness Week event.
As part of National Accessibility Awareness Week. Public Services Procurement Canada partnered with Gateway Navigation and Accessibuild. In a one-hour Zoom session focused on universal design, accessibility as a social justice issue and a virtual scavenger map walk through at Sinclair Centre.
The session titled “Enhancing Accessibility One Building at a Time”, is based on an educational / awareness series developed by Jim Taggart FRAIC in collaboration with Gateway Navigation and the Canadian Council of the Blind. Added to this edition was an interactive virtual audio-based indoor navigation experience created by Jeff Godfrey, Lead App Developer, Accessibuild. With the support of Sinclair Centre, home of Services Canada and Passport Canada Offices in downtown Vancouver.
David Brun, Director and Founder, Gateway Navigation stated, “We are extremely fortunate to have the confidence and support of the leadership of PSPC in British Columbia to get our perspective and solutions to potential users and decision makers within the Federal Government. Specifically, I would like to express my deep appreciation to Tara Hartley, Regional Director and Annie Desgagné, Regional Director General of PSPC. And their teams for making our efforts possible. When trying to change attitudes and empower ability in contrast to decades if not centuries of engrained bias. The need for Champions is vital and we are extremely fortunate to have Annie and Tara working with us”
Jim Taggart in his presentation explains, “There are no special needs only the needs for people to work, go to school or access services”. Further elaborating that the lack of universal design contributes far more to a person being disable than any limitation they may have in sight, hearing, mobility, etc.”. Concluding that with 22% of the population currently identifying as having a disability and compounding this reality with an aging population. Creating accessible and inclusive public spaces is not only important it is essential for the economic and social health of society.
Jeff Godfrey from Accessibuild then set the stage for the interactive experience of Sinclair Centre, saying, “Normally, for a full service app a highly accurate scan would be done of the interior space, that would then be rendered into a map data file for download to the app. However, for the purpose of this event a data file was created from existing architectural drawings and due to the current social distancing restrictions, the on-site accessibility assessment and trialing by stakeholders was not possible. For that reason, the purpose of the map developed is as a virtual map experience to demonstrate the functionality of the app and is not to used for actual navigation purposes”.
Brian Bibeault, a member of the Canadian Council of the Blind and the Get Together with Tech GTT Program. Then demonstrated the app and the pre-set route through Sinclair Centre. Brian described the features of the app and his experience in testing. Adding, “Using the app to navigate the beta test site in North Bay, I consistently arrive within a step of my destination. The app provides me with direction, distance, and relevant information at each decision-making point. While I apply my orientation and mobility skills as a white cane user to navigate independently.
During question and answer an audience member asked, how would a deaf person access the app for navigation purposes. Panelist, Albert Ruel, Coordinator CC B Get Together with Tech Program, replied, “The map data is digital, not graphical as you would find using Apple or Google maps. So, this information can be delivered through the means most accessible to the user. For example, a braille user could use a refreshable braille device connected to their smartphone. A deaf or visually impaired user may just used screen text that is enhanced by contrast or font size. Or as in my case, by audio feed.”
In concluding, Brun summarized, “we are at the cusp of great change in relation to inclusive audio-based navigation systems. The cost effectiveness and accuracy available through advances in LiDAR mapping. Combined with Apple’s Indoor Mapping Data Format – IMDF as a shareable open source database. Puts venues, app developers and users on a path to greater accessibility and inclusion for everyone”.
Please contact us at partners@gnc3.com if you or your organization would like to find out more about our educational / awareness series, “Enhancing Accessibility One Building at a Time” or for any questions or quotes to make your venue more accessible using inclusive audio-based navigation systems that benefit everyone.
Accessibuild free app links:
Android: coming soon. Check the Accessibuild homepage for availability: https://www.accessibuild.ca/
IOS: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/accessibuild/id1487709203

Read More About Gateway's Services
With a little help from our friends - spread the word!
Categories
Awareness News Standard

Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC): Inclusive Indoor Navigation Systems

Working Together for the Common Good: Standardizing IMDF

OGC members, including Google, are supporting Apple’s, Indoor Mapping Data Format (IMDF) to be recognized as the industry’s standard for open indoor digital map information. Other Consortium Members including Autodesk, Esri, New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DOITT), Ordnance Survey Limited, and Safe Software also supported the submission
IMDF enables mobile-compatible and user-friendly information for any indoor space, providing a basis for orientation, navigation, and the augmenting of an individual’s understanding of their surroundings.
Agreeing to an industry standard enables venues to share and/or register their location information to a multitude of navigation / wayfinding app developers. Essentially, marketing the venue and services it offers to the widest audience possible.
Apple IMDF Overview
“Indoor Mapping Data Format provides a generalized, yet comprehensive model for any indoor location, providing a basis for orientation, navigation and discovery. In the current release there are also detailed instructions for modeling the spaces of an airport, a shopping mall, and a train station.
Developers can access both text and visual examples of all features, along with clear explanations of all terms. IMDF conforms to RFC 7946, ensuring compatibility and transferability of the data. IMDF is lightweight, mobile friendly, and can be rendered on any device, OS, or browser.
For GIS and BIM specialists, there is support for IMDF in many of your favorite tools.
IMDF maps integrated with indoor positioning can establish the foundation for a wide range of consumer and enterprise location-based apps and websites.” (excerpt apple website)
Building owners and managers implementing the development of the digital mapping data, IMDF Standard for their venue. Along with the ITU and CTA international standards for creating inclusive audio-based indoor and outdoor navigation systems for all persons. Are not only addressing the spirit and regulatory requirements under the Accessible Canada Act. They are welcoming the 22% of working age Canadians with a disability to work, learn and enjoy the services and products supported at their location.For more information on the use and importance of standards for building welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environments for everyone. Contact Gateway Navigation at email partners@gnc3.com.
End of Document

Learn More About Gateway Services
With a little help from our friends - spread the word!
Categories
Innovation New Product 2020 IABN Service

LiDAR 3D Indoor Mapping: Inclusive Audio-Based Navigation Systems

3D Indoor Mapping the Evolution of Inclusive Augmented Reality

No matter whether you are a manager or customer at a venue. Being able to have people efficiently and safely reach a destination represents an economic and service value. Providing the opportunity to inform people about their surroundings and the choices available. The power of the digital marketplace to provide easily accessible information; is a service the built environment needs to duplicate to be competitive and relevant.
Twenty-two percent of people who are working age have a limitation. In which an inclusively designed environment. Provides accommodations that enable people to access and utilize the venue for employment, education, services or recreation. All generating an economic and service value for both venue owners and customers.
Although, inclusive indoor mapping will not change the physical accessibility features of interior spaces. It does maximize the availability and benefit of these features to users.
Until recently the use of 3D architectural modeling using LiDAR represented a substantial cost. But like many technical innovations the price of these scans and conversion to an opens source map data format. Now represent a cost-effective method to map and identify an interior space for accessible audio-based augmented reality apps.
LiDAR scan data is collected from site and processed via computer and converted into accurate, scaled, 3D models reflecting all physical entities/conditions. Any physical, visible object on site is recreated and included within the model (walls, doors, windows, stairs, furniture, etc.). In this format, the app developer can measure and quantify any set of points in the model with ease, and more importantly, provide accuracy for the end app user.
Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd is collaborating with Accessibuild to map interior spaces, working with O&M professionals and persons with lived experience, to create an open source map data file supporting a free inclusive audio-based indoor navigation system for all end users to efficiently, safely and independently navigate a venue and augment their understanding of the environment around them.
Contact us at partners@gnc3.com with your questions or for a quote to have your venue mapped and supported by the Accessibuild App.

LiDAR Scans: Learn More
With a little help from our friends - spread the word!
Categories
New Product 2020 IABN Service Transportation

Remote Sighted Assistant: Inclusive Audio-Based Navigation Systems

Be My Eyes and Aira Remote Sighted Assistant

Acts of kindness with global impact. Was the genesis behind the launch of “Be My Eyes” in 2015, The app connects people who are blind or visually impaired with one of the over two million sighted volunteers worldwide via the user’s smartphone and camera.  The user can connect with a volunteer to receive assistance ranging from matching sock colour to a description of their surroundings. The global make up of the volunteer pool offers connections in over one hundred languages.

In 2018, Be My Eyes, partnered with Microsoft Accessibility Group to offer expert connections for app users requiring technology support. This program is expanding with additional technology companies.

This tech for good model has also had significant financial investment in 2019 / 2020. The quality of this service continues to expand and develop.

To get started with Be My Eyes or to find out more information click on the following link: https://www.bemyeyes.com/get-started

Aira also a remote sighted assistant service is viewed by many as the gold standard in this market segment. Rather than enlisting sighted volunteers. Aira, hires and trains agents to assist explorers (app user) in tasks ranging from reviewing written correspondence to navigating unfamiliar or complex environments. The app also utilizes the user’s smartphone sensors enabling the agent to more accurately and confidently provide wayfinding information to the app user.

The main wayfinding limitation with Aira and any remote sighted app. Is that the agents navigate interior spaces by reading signs using the smartphone or smart glass’s camera. A process that can be challenging for both user and agent. Presumably, as the technology advances and more venues provide inclusive audio-based navigation systems. Either the live agent or developing artificial intelligence will utilize digital mapping pinpointing the user’s location. Enabling greater indoor and outdoor wayfinding with a high degree of accuracy and reliability.

Currently, exterior GPS under perfect conditions offers accuracy within five metres but common signal interference within cities can reduce accuracy to only fifty metres or no signal at all. Interior systems that rely on radio frequencies, such as Wi-Fi, beacons and G5, also have limitations to accuracy due to interference variables. Good news is that recent innovations utilizing body movement is improving accuracy and consistency in digitally mapping users in interior and exterior spaces.

That being said, Using Aira to navigate situations such as queuing up for check in, security or baggage pick up; an Aira agent’s assistance at an airport can be very helpful. In addition, if your travelling companion is over editing their descriptions of your surroundings or seem exasperated with your questions. Aira’s agents are paid, trained and delighted to provide descriptions or answer your questions. A very useful feature and marital aid.

Aira is a fee-based service and even with recent promotions can be financially out of reach. Aira and partners to address this barrier of access have developed Aira Free Zones. Where persons attending a venue, can download the app to their smartphone and access the service free of charge within a geofenced area.

In Canada and Internationally, Aira Free Zones are made available free of charge at a number of airports including YVR Vancouver and YYZ Pearson Toronto; internationally, LHR London Heathrow and a number of US Airports.

Download the Aira App directly on your mobile phone from Google Play or the Apple App Store. After downloading the app, you can register as a user with your phone and email address, and you will be asked to agree to Aira’s Terms of Service. Aira will then send you a four-digit code to verify your mobile number. Upon verification you are ready to connect with an Aira agent.

You do not need to subscribe to an Aira plan to access promotions or free zones.

Both, Be My Eyes and Aira, do not replace the need for blind or visually impaired users to have good orientation and mobility training. The services are an accessibility tool and have limitations.

For more information on how remote sighted assistance can support a venues accessibility and inclusion objectives. Contact us at Gateway Navigation via email partners@gnc3.com

Go to Gateway Services
With a little help from our friends - spread the word!