The first in a five-part series: Accessing Visual Information Series.
We are surrounded by visual information, but it’s not always accessible. This month, the Bridges Helpdesk explores tools that put access to that visual information at your fingertips.
In this first installment of the series, we find out about Aira, a tool to access visual information.
What is Aira?
Aira is a service where you can call an agent in real time to assist you with tasks in which visual information might be helpful. Agents have undergone rigorous training and have been through various clearances and background checks so that you can feel confident that your information and privacy will be protected throughout all Aira calls.
How Do I Use Aira?
Using the camera on your phone, the agent can provide you with information about your environment or answer visual questions for you at your request.
How Can Aira Help Me in School or on the Job?
Aira has a number of great uses, including but certainly not limited to:
- Being a reader for menus, books, important documents, and written signs in your surroundings
- Providing assistance with navigating or getting information from inaccessible web sites (we recommend downloading Team Viewer to your computer for this purpose)
- Assistance with taking photos, formatting documents, and so much more!
Contact us
Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Free Helpdesk for Maryland Blind/Low Vision Transition Students, Families, and Educators anytime using:
- Our Accessible web form
- Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org
- Text: Send to: (410) 305-9199
- Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page or Facebook Messenger
- Voice mail: Call (443) 320-4003, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.
June: Accessing Visual Information Series
Part 1: About Aira
Part 2: Accessing Aira
Part 3: Aira in Action
Part 4: Seeing AI
Part 5: KNFB Reader