The Missouri History Museum debuted two new accessibility features, the Aira App and color blindness glasses, on Saturday, April 5th! MindsEye board member Liam McCoy attended the launch and shares his thoughts on the new Aira services, as well as his insights on how to use it, below.
What is the AIRA App and how will it help?
Through the Aira app, visitors can access visual assistance from a live agent using their smartphone camera, enhancing independent navigation and exploration within the museum.
How does it work at the Missouri History Museum?
In general, Aira offers limited free services, as well as various membership plans for more minutes. Some businesses partner with Aira to be an access point, which means unlimited service is provided within a geofence boundary. The Missouri History Museum is now an access point with a geofence that extends across the street to the north side of Lindell Boulevard, around the outer perimeter of Washington Drive, and to the south along Grand Drive, encapsulating the bi-state metro bus stops served by the 90 Hampton route through the park. This makes it possible to get assistance not just inside but also when approaching the building, which is surrounded by a circular road and parking areas. I think this was an amazing idea and shows deep understanding and connection with visually impaired travelers, something not typically seen in access implementation.
A photograph of a presentation for the Aira launch in the Grand Hall of the Missouri History Museum, which features high columns and intricate ceiling designs. In the upper half, a speaker stands at a podium with a large screen beside her, displaying an aerial map of the museum with the new Aira geofence area colored neon green, while the lower portion features the backs of chairs and attendees.
How to use the Aira app when visiting the museum?
To get assistance, once you are inside the boundary, the museum should show up on the main screen of the app under free offers. Aira agents who answer the calls are trained to give good verbal descriptions for effective communication. They can help navigate spaces, describe exhibits, read flyers or other visual signage, and even assist the caller with taking a photo by helping frame and align the subject matter. Ideas for assistance are only limited by your own creativity. Agents have access to a map of the facility to help in wayfinding, and another common use of the service, if you connect your rideshare app, an agent can order your rideshare for you and watch the map until they arrive to help you locate and get in the vehicle more smoothly.
Want to learn more?
Check out additional details on Aira’s website at the following link: We’re Aira, a Visual Interpreting Service.
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