Chicago City Wire

Passengers at O’Hare and Midway International Airports who are blind or have low vision can now receive assistance through the Aira app, available at both airports. The app, developed by visual interpreting company Aira, is free for users within the airports, with costs covered by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA).

“The Aira app is an invaluable tool that ensures passengers with disabilities feel welcome and comfortable navigating one of the world’s busiest airport systems,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “The CDA is proud to become an Aira Access Partner to help passengers who need visual assistance achieve more confidence during their travels through O’Hare and Midway.”

Users can access the Aira app on a smartphone or other device and connect with a trained visual interpreter. The user receives assistance from information conveyed by surroundings either from a camera view or what is shared on a screen. The official Aira “Interpreter” then sends directions back to a user — or “Explorer” — enabling them to check in for a flight, go through security checkpoints, or locate concessions.

Aira’s services are available at O’Hare and Midway 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

"Providing the Aira app is yet another example of the exemplary services that O'Hare and Midway airports provide to travelers with disabilities, including individuals who are blind or low vision,” said Commissioner Rachel Arfa of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD). “MOPD is proud to partner with CDA to get closer to our vision of making the City of Chicago the most accessible and inclusive city in the world."

"The Chicago Department of Airports is dedicated to building an accessible and inclusive airport experience for all of their travelers, and we’re thrilled Aira is now a vital part of those efforts,” said Troy Otillio, CEO of Aira. “Through accessing critical visual information with Aira, people who are blind and low vision will be able to have an improved airport experience and navigate both MDW and ORD on their terms.”

The Aira app is available in five countries including the U.S. In addition to airports, Aira is used in sectors such as finance, technology, retail, and higher education. More than 50 airports and transportation systems have employed Aira since 2019; it is also utilized by corporations like Starbucks, Amazon, Bank of America, Target as well as by states like Colorado and Alabama.