PHOENIX — Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport just became the first airport in the southwestern United States to acquire a Baltimore-based company’s technology that helps visually-impaired people, city officials said.
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On June 4, the City of Phoenix announced that Sky Harbor Airport launched an accessibility partnership with Baltimore-based ReBokeh Vision Technologies to offer free access to ReBokeh’s assistive technology software for people with low vision.
Through the partnership, PHX travelers and staff will have free, unlimited access to ReBokeh, a mobile app that helps people adjust their vision.
ReBokeh said they serve 90% of blind and low-vision people.
Deer Valley Airport and Goodyear Airport will also have access to Rebokeh’s technology.
“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,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “The City of Phoenix is committed to ensuring that every traveler has the resources they need to navigate our airports with confidence and independence.”
Rebokeh’s technology allows users to leverage the live camera feed from their mobile devices with customized filters that adjust aspects like contrast, color hue, zoom and lighting to meet the needs of low-vision users, the city said.
The city said there is also a brand-new feature called Rebokeh AI, where you can ask the AI personalized questions like what’s around them and what they’re seeing.
District 3 Councilwoman and City Council Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee Chair Debra Stark said she can relate to the usefulness of ReBokeh’s technology.
“This partnership truly makes travel more independent. As someone with hearing loss, I rely on visual information even more when I travel,” Stark said. “ReBokeh gives our travelers confidence the moment they walk into the airport, which can be empowering to people with disabilities who may fear traveling. I’m grateful our City is taking steps that help people like me travel independently and with less anxiety.”
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How low-vision travelers can utilize ReBokeh at PHX and city-owned airports:
- Reading navigational signs and gate information
- Clarifying arrival and departure monitors
- Finding their favorite restaurant, shop or lounge.
“Traveling with low vision can present unique challenges, particularly when it comes to navigating a busy airport,” said Rebecca Rosenberg, the founder and CEO of ReBokeh. “We’re thrilled that Phoenix Airport is doubling down on its commitment to accessibility by leveraging ReBokeh’s technology to build a more independent and enjoyable experience for travelers with low vision.”
For more information on ReBokeh, click here.
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