Colorado: Bustang Adds On-Demand Visual and ASL Interpreting for Blind, Low Vision, Deaf, and Hard of Hearing Riders

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DENVER ~ Denver, CO - In a move to increase accessibility for passengers with disabilities, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), and the Office of Information Technology (OIT) have partnered with Bustang and Aira to introduce new features for blind/low vision (BLV) or deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) passengers. The announcement was made today at a press conference.

The new features, available through the Aira app, include live navigation through state facilities using Aira Explorer and on-demand American Sign Language interpreting using Aira ASL. These services connect users to live, professionally trained interpreters for travel information through their phones.

According to Lt. Governor Primavera, "Bustang has been a game changer in terms of transportation for Coloradans with disabilities since its inception, and the addition of Aira access further increases accessibility to every Bustang line." She also stated that this added service reflects the work being done across the administration to make Colorado the best state for people with disabilities to live.

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Aira ASL and Aira Explorer are digital tools available through a free app. Users can use Aira Explorer to connect to a visual interpreter who facilitates navigation using their phone's camera and audio. They can also use Aira ASL to connect to a sign language interpreter for on-demand communication support. These services will be available at state facilities along Bustang routes, stops, onboard, and at transfer locations. Additional locations will be added soon.

This launch comes as Aira celebrates more than four years of partnership with OIT in their efforts to remove barriers to state services and create a more inclusive Colorado for all. Previous implementations have connected Coloradans to services at various locations such as the History Colorado Center, State Capitol Complex, and Colorado State Fair.

CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew expressed her pride in participating in this program and stated, "This service is truly an innovative way for us to make Bustang more inclusive, so that even more Coloradans and visitors can make full use of great travel options."

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Theresa Montano, Senior Solutions Architect of Accessibility for the Office of Information Technology and a skier who is blind, shared her excitement about the accessibility of Bustang routes to mountain resorts. She said, "With ASL on Demand and Aira Explorer on all Bustang routes, Deaf, blind, and low-vision riders can travel to the slopes with confidence. This is true inclusion in motion, making the mountains accessible to all this winter and year-round."

Henri Grau, Aira's Director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Engagement, also praised the partnership between Bustang and Aira. He stated that the Deaf community has been vocal about the need for on-demand ASL access from day one and commended Bustang for launching both Aira Explorer and Aira ASL as core parts of their partnership.

However, it should be noted that a solid cellular connection is required to fully take advantage of Aira services in more secluded areas. With Bustang traveling through many remote locations across the state and with Aira ASL relying on streaming video, users are advised to ensure their devices are fully charged and consider bringing a backup power source.

To learn more about how to access and use Aira ASL, visit OIT's website or download the app from a mobile device. For information on riding Bustang including route schedules, fares, and ticket purchases, visit www.ridebustang.com.

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