Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has announced the launch of a brand-new accessibility partnership with Baltimore-based ReBokehⓇ Vision Technologies.
The partnership will seek to provide all PHX travellers and staff with free, unlimited access to ReBokeh, a mobile app-based assistive technology software that helps people with low vision to adjust the appearance of the world around them in order to fit their specific needs.
With this partnership, which will also include Deer Valley Airport (DVT) and Goodyear Airport (GYR), PHX becomes the first airport in the southwestern United States to offer ReBokeh’s sole-source technology.
Both DVT and GYR are owned and operated by the City of Phoenix.
ReBoken is built to serve the 90% of blind and low-vision individuals that retain some functional sight, and utilises mobile app-based software that takes an ’empowerment-centric’ approach to assistive technology – providing users with a tool that allows those with low-vision to use the vision they possess rather than replacing it with audio or tactile descriptions.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said:This partnership with ReBokeh reflects our dedication to expanding accessibility through innovation, and we’re proud that Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, America’s Friendliest Airport®, is leading the way in creating a more inclusive travel experience for people with low vision.
The City of Phoenix is committed to ensuring that every traveler has the resources they need to navigate our airports with confidence and independence.
Designed by and for the low-vision community; ReBokeh’s technology allows users to leverage live camera feeds from their own mobile devices, which are then overlayed with customised filters that adjust aspects like contract, colour hue, zoom and lighting.
An additional feature, ReBokeh AI also offers users the opportunity for lengthened interactions with ReBokeh’s custom-built AI tool, with users able to ask ReBokeh AI personalised questions like what’s around them and what they’re seeing.
ReBokeh can be used to read navigate signs and gate information, clarify arrival and departure monitors or provide general guidance around the airport.
