What is Aira?
Aira is a service that connects individuals who are blind or have low vision with professionally trained remote agents through a smartphone app. Using the phone's camera, GPS, and mapping technology, agents provide real-time visual assistance to help users navigate and access information independently.
Is Aira available at Ohio State?
Yes. The Ohio State University is an Aira Access location, allowing students, faculty, staff, patients, visitors, and guests to use Aira free of charge within designated Ohio State locations.
Who can use Aira on campus?
Anyone visiting or using Ohio State facilities—including students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors—may use Aira at no cost while within the university's Aira coverage areas.
Where can Aira be used?
Free Aira access is available at:
- The Columbus campus
- Ohio State regional campuses
- The Wexner Medical Center and Wexner Medical Center East
- Ohio State Outpatient Cares
- Ohio State Havener Eye Institute
- The Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center
- Additional participating Ohio State facilities as designated by the university
How can Aira help me on campus?
Aira agents can assist with:
- Navigating campus pathways and buildings
- Finding classrooms, offices, and meeting locations
- Reading building signage and room numbers
- Locating accessible entrances
- Reading bulletin boards and posted notices
- Assisting with wayfinding at medical facilities
- Reading information displayed on whiteboards or presentation screens, when appropriate
Are there any use restrictions?
Yes. Aira should only be used for activities, services, and functions related to Ohio State University business and operations. The service is intended to enhance access and independence while engaging with university programs, facilities, and services. It is not intended to replace accommodations, support services, or other assistance provided through Student Life Disability Services (SLDS), Human Resources’ Integrated Disability (IAMVS), or the ADA Coordinator's Office. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors should continue to work with the appropriate university offices to obtain approved accommodations and accessibility support when needed.
Consistent use averaging more than eight hours per week may be reviewed to determine whether additional or alternative accommodations would be more effective in meeting the individual's accessibility needs.
How do I access Aira?
- Download the Aira app on an iPhone or Android smartphone.
- Create an Aira account or sign up as a guest.
- While on an Ohio State Aira Access site, open the app.
- Press the call button to connect with an Aira agent for assistance.
Do I need to pay for Aira while on campus?
No. Calls made within Ohio State's Aira Access locations are free to users.
Can Ohio State students, faculty, and staff use Aira off campus?
Yes. Ohio State may provide eligible students, faculty, and staff with Aira access outside of the designated campus locations. Individuals interested in extended access should contact the ADA Coordinator's Office to begin the request process.
To help the university evaluate the request, please include:
- The course, job, or university role for which Aira services are needed.
- A brief description of the tasks that require Aira assistance.
- The expected frequency of use.
- The anticipated duration of the need.
Requests can be submitted to the ADA Coordinator's Office at ada-osu@osu.edu.
Do I need special equipment?
No special equipment is required beyond a compatible smartphone with the Aira app installed.