About the pilot

What AccessAI is, and why it exists

AccessAI is a collaborative pilot exploring how on-demand visual interpreting can support people who are blind or have low vision while navigating public transportation. The goal is practical: make everyday trips feel more predictable, more independent, and less stressful.

The project focuses on real station-to-street moments—finding entrances, reading signage, confirming platform direction, locating bus stops, and handling the small visual tasks that can become big barriers when time is tight.

What the service helps with

Visual interpreting can assist with quick checks that keep a trip moving. That includes reading posted service notices, confirming numbers and colors, identifying doors and elevator buttons, and double-checking landmarks when routes change.

  • Wayfinding Help locating entrances, platforms, gates, bus bays, and accessible routes.
  • Information access Support reading signs, maps, schedules, and on-the-spot details when plans shift.
  • Confidence on busy days A calm second set of eyes during crowding, detours, and unfamiliar connections.

How the pilot stays grounded

Accessibility tools work best when they reflect real routines. Training sessions are designed to feel practical, and focus groups capture what works and what doesn’t—so improvements can be prioritized in a transparent way.

  • Co-designed sessions Guidance built around rider experience, not only product features.
  • Feedback loop Structured input on clarity, reliability, and the moments where support matters most.
  • Shared learning Updates and resources published so participants can revisit them anytime.

How to follow along

Participation options

If you are new to Aira, start with the Training Sessions page for a guided introduction. If you want to shape what comes next, Focus Groups are the best place to share detailed feedback, including edge cases like crowded platforms, temporary detours, and complex transfers.

The FAQ is updated as questions come in, and the Blog is used for short, plain-language updates, recap notes, and practical tips. Together, those pages are meant to keep the pilot understandable even if you only check in occasionally.