IDRPP Welcomes Visual Interpretation Service to the USU Logan Campus
The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice is delighted to announce we are now an Aira Access Partner! Thanks to a pilot program funded by IDRPP, anyone on the Utah State University campus can open the Aira app on their phone and connect, free of charge, with a professional visual interpreter.
Utah State University is the first university in Utah to offer the service. The pilot program began this month and will continue for one year, while IDRPP gathers data on its use.
“Interestingly, every year for a National Science Foundation project, I have to gather data on the students here on campus,” said IDRPP Executive Director Matthew Wappett. “There's been a huge increase just over the past year of students who are blind or visually impaired. I think in 2023 we had like seven or eight, and this year we have 52.” That number does not include faculty or staff members who are blind or visually impaired.
Wappett is not sure why the numbers this year are so different—if it’s an actual change or a change in reporting. In any case, it’s important for them to know about this resource.
Aira works like this: The visual interpreter will access the caller’s phone camera and describe, narrate, navigate and read aloud to assist. Aira is available 24/7/365, and no advance reservations are required.
Download the App
You can find the Aira app for Google Play, iOS, or use the web app and begin accessing on-demand visual interpreting today!
What is Aira?
Aira is an app that provides on-demand, remote visual interpreting for the blind and low vision community to enhance their independence and efficiency. People can download the Aira app and then press a button, and their phone's camera will stream a live video to one of Aira’s highly skilled visual interpreters. The visual interpreter can then describe in detail the caller’s surroundings, narrate, navigate, or read aloud. Aira’s visual interpreters draw on their extensive training and experience to assist with a vast range of daily tasks.
What is visual interpreting?
Visual interpreting is the process by which a trained, sighted individual describes visual information for a person who is blind or has low vision. Aira’s visual interpreters undergo rigorous training on orientation and mobility, and use detailed descriptions to assist callers in accessing more information about their surroundings. Visual interpreting is collaborative, with the interpreter and explorer working together to accomplish tasks.
What tasks can visual interpreting assist with?
Anytime you face a barrier because you are unable to access visual information, an interpreter can help. Some popular tasks include navigating around work, school, or public transit, getting descriptions at concerts and live events, and reading printed materials. Because IDRPP is an Aira Access Partner, the visual interpreters will have a map of the Utah State University campus, and can quickly assist with navigation.
Does Aira include any AI tools?
Aira includes Access AI, an innovative image chat tool. Simply upload or take a photo, and the tool will automatically generate an AI description. Then, you can use your phone’s spoken text feature to listen to the description, or magnify it. Want verification that the AI response was accurate? Simply use Aira Verify to connect instantly with a human visual interpreter who can confirm it. Use Access AI to get descriptions of a vast range of images, like menus, signs, printed materials, outfits, or price tags, just to name a few.
You can find out more on the Aira website.