Miami International Airport (MIA) has become the first airport in the world to provide access to a new mobile app designed specifically for travellers with low vision.
Developed by Baltimore-based ReBokeh
The technology allows users to apply customised filters to their mobile device’s live camera feed, adjusting contrast, colour hue, zoom, and lighting to meet individual visual needs. The app also includes a new tool that enables users to ask questions about their surroundings and receive visual context, with support for multiple languages based on the phone’s settings.
Low-vision travellers can use the app at MIA to read signs, navigate to gates, interpret flight monitors, or locate shops and restaurants more easily. The platform is tailored for the 90 percent of people with vision impairment who retain some usable sight.
“I am thrilled that MIA is now the first airport in the world to provide ReBokeh’s groundbreaking innovation to our travellers with vision challenges,” said Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County. “Improving accessibility across Miami-Dade County is one of my highest priorities, which is why I am proud to introduce the Rebokeh app to our millions of visitors from around the world. Navigating MIA just got easier for our low-vision community.”
Rebecca Rosenberg, founder and CEO at ReBokeh Vision Technologies, and a person who lives with low vision and travels frequently, knows what a difference leveraging her own sight through the airport makes.
“We’re incredibly excited that Miami International Airport will be a leader in airport accessibility–leveraging ReBokeh’s technology to provide a more independent experience for travellers with low vision,” she said.
ReBokeh is the latest addition to MIA’s MyMIAccess programme
Designed by and for the low-vision community, ReBokeh aims to enhance the use of residual vision rather than replace it with audio or tactile alternatives.
Image: ReBokeh Vision Technologies
