The second in a five-part series: Accessing Visual Information Series.
We are surrounded by visual information, but it’s not always accessible. This month, the Bridges Helpdesk explores tools that put access to that visual information at your fingertips.
In this second installment of the series, we find out about how to get Aira, where it is free, and how to subscribe to the service.
Getting started with Aira
All you need to get started with Aira is a smartphone or tablet with a camera. You can download the Aira app for free in the App Store (for iOS devices) or the Google Play Store (for Android devices). You’ll also need either a mobile phone number or an email to set up a free account. If you need help, call 1-800-835-1934 or go to AIRA’s website to get a link to download the app. Using this method, you will open a Guest account (they are free).
Aira Has Free Options!
Aira is free to all users for one call for up to five minutes every 24 hours. Paid subscribers get five minutes free every four hours. In addition, there are a variety of free promotions that users can enjoy:
Aira Plans
If you do decide that you need more time using Aira, you can elect to purchase one of the following monthly plans. Note that since Aira can help with reading print and other visual tasks, many employers or colleges will pay for Aira for blind and low vision individuals as a reasonable accommodation:
Contact us
Follow the Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page for more transition tips, and please contact the Free Helpdesk for Maryland Blind/Low Vision Transition Students, Families, and Educators anytime using:
- Our Accessible web form
- Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org
- Text: Send to: (410) 305-9199
- Bridges Helpdesk Facebook page or Facebook Messenger
- Voice mail: Call (443) 320-4003, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.
June: Accessing Visual Information Series
Part 2: Accessing Aira
Part 3: Aira in Action
Part 4: Seeing AI
Part 5: KNFB Reader