Apps with built-in accessibility considerations can open up more of the world to the blind and visually impaired. Also, tech companies using artificial intelligence are working to open more doors for these communities.
I have been studying how people who need visual aid can get the support they can navigate their lives. A visual interpreting service, Aira Explorer is designed to help individuals with visual or poor visual acuity, and connects them with trained professionals who provide real-time visual information via smartphone cameras.
What is Aira Explorer? Also, how do you use AI?
Aira was founded in 2015 by Suman Kanuganti and Michael Hingson. He aimed to create services that provided immediate access to visual information and that allowed people with disabilities to navigate the world more independently.
Some support platforms are volunteered, but Aira's selling point is 24/7 care and support.
In 2023, Aira introduced Acres AI. AI has integrated features with Aia-equipped features into the Aira Explorer app. Take photos and upload them, and receive instant detailed AI-generated responses.
One of the key features of this app is called Aira Verify, which allows a human visual interpreter to see or clarify the AI response. This can be useful when AI is doing something wrong, but I think humans need to double check the AI response. But hopefully, technology will move forward and make sure that checks are not needed.
AI features in Aira Explorer, including Aira Verify, are free regardless of your subscription model.
Aira also has an ASL app designed for on-demand interpreters to support the hearing impaired community, but it is not available anywhere yet.
How to get real-time assistance with Eila
The Aira Explorer app is available on iOS and Android, so you will need a phone.
- Create an account and choose a subscription plan, or continue with your free Aira trial. You will also need to set up a profile and enter your personal preferences and accessibility needs. Next, select your preferred language and notification settings before you begin.
- At the bottom of the screen, look for the Access AI button. You can upload photos and ask questions about the AI tool you want to answer. If you use AIRA validation, a response is sent to a human agent for verification. (Note: If you try to make a call while using any of these services, you will be charged for the time being. We will provide more details on the prices below.)
- If you want to talk to a human, start a live video call with your AIRA agent to Navigate connect. Using your smartphone camera to share your surroundings, your agents guide you through tasks that appear in your environment. AI also analyses scenes or objects within the screen to help support agents.
Once finished, either end the call and check your session or log on again to talk to someone. With 24/7 ability, you can get help anytime. Make sure your internet connection is stable and create a smooth interaction between you and your agent.
Do I need to use Aira Explorer?
It's great that Aira Explorer provides people with 24/7 care and uses technology as a medium for this. Giving individuals the tools to navigate the world more independently while blending AI and human support can be a strategic lifeline.
However, technology has several surveillance, particularly data and privacy considerations. If you're in a great internet or emergency-free space, Aira should not be (and cannot) the first option to resort to for support. You should also be aware that you will be sharing your personal information during the session. Another potential deterrent is cost.
The starting price is $26/month for 20 minutes and can be used on your first (and likely only) call. However, one customer noted that the pricing is a bargain compared to weekday support workers.
Many agencies and organizations partner with AIRA to serve their members, so if individual costs are too high, it's worth asking if they can access them through one of them.
Price aside, Aira's on-demand assistance is important for 24/7 support for those who navigate unfamiliar environments, read printed materials, identify objects, and access digital content. I hope this will help AI to further advance and prove that Good technology can truly support and care for others.
