What is Aira?
Aira is a visual interpreting service that makes visual information accessible for people who are blind or have low vision, or for any person with a disability who may benefit from verbal descriptions of visual information. Visual interpreting conveys vital information through verbal communication. Interpreters audibly describe a person’s visual surroundings via a live professionally-trained agent and the Aira Explorer mobile app.
Syracuse University is proud to join over 100 other higher education institutions and become an Aira Access Partner. SU makes Aira visual interpreting services available to our community of students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and visitors on campus at no cost.
Meet Aira
How Can Aira Assist Me?
Aira visual interpreting services can support people who are blind or have low vision, or anyone with a disability who may benefit from verbal descriptions of visual information in the following ways:
- Navigating campus.
- Locating items in the Campus Store.
- Reading menus, price tags, and product labels.
- Identifying food items in dining halls.
- Navigating crowded spaces.
- Finding a classroom.
- Reading board work or presentations in class.
- Acquiring descriptions of images or videos.
- Requesting a Lyft.
- Obtaining audio descriptions of performances, graduation ceremonies, and sporting events.
How Do I Use Aira?
Step 1: Download the Aira App.
Download the app to your mobile device for iPhone or Android. Sign up, choose a plan, or access Aira for free using an Access Partner such as Syracuse University.
Step 2: Connect With a Professionally Trained Visual Interpreter.
Tap or select “Call an Aira agent” to initiate service from a trained Aira visual interpreter.
Step 3: Get Real-Time Verbal Assistance With Any Task.
Tell the Aira agent how they can help you.
Get Started by Downloading the Aira Explorer App
Where Can I Use Aira at Syracuse University?
The Syracuse University Aira Access areas include main campus locations, North Campus, South Campus, downtown Syracuse properties and affiliated community locations. When connecting using the SU Aira Access service, use of the service is free and will not count towards your individual plan minutes if applicable. Aira is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Terms of Service
Use of Aira is between the end user and Aira Tech Corp. Users must agree to Aira’s Terms of Service (“Terms”) and Privacy Policy. Read the Terms carefully before using Aira. Using Aira indicates that you accept and agree to be bound by the Terms. Do not use Aira if you do not accept the Terms.
Important Safety Information
- Aira is not a safety device and cannot replace your mobility aid.
- If you generally use a mobility aid (white cane, guide dog or sighted guide), it is recommend that you use your mobility aid when traveling with Aira.
- Agents cannot tell you when it’s safe to cross a street, but they can tell you the color of the light, give you a description of the layout and give you pedestrian signal information when the information is available.
- Once you enter the intersection, parking lot or other scenarios where pedestrians and vehicles are nearby, your agent will remain quiet unless you explicitly ask for information. When Agents provide information in these scenarios, they will provide simple and short verbal information so you can focus on using your senses including hearing.
Customer Support
For customer support, the Aira Customer Care team can be reached by phone at 1-800-835-1934, 7 days a week from 6am-6pm Pacific Standard Time (3am-3pm EST). You can also contact them via email at support@aira.io.
For general inquiries about using Aira at Syracuse University, please contact the ITS Digital Accessibility Services team at accessibleIT@syr.edu, or visit our Digital Accessibility Office Hours.