Stanley Marketplace Enhances Accessibility for Visually Impaired Individuals
- Friday marks the 34-year anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, significantly impacting the lives of millions with disabilities.
- In Arapahoe County, over 20,000 individuals live with vision-related disabilities, and new innovations are enhancing their shopping independence.
- These advancements highlight the ongoing effort to improve accessibility and foster independence among visually-impaired residents.
Stanley Marketplace, a vibrant community hub, is making strides in inclusivity for individuals with special needs, particularly those who are visually impaired. Andre Jackson, a 24-year-old blind man, shared his experiences navigating the marketplace with the help of Aira, a technology that connects users with live interpreters through their smartphones. Although Jackson has never seen the venue, he describes it as "beautiful," highlighting the importance of technology in fostering independence for people like him. Aira's services have been instrumental in transforming the lives of visually impaired individuals, allowing them to engage more fully in their surroundings. During a recent visit, an Aira interpreter guided Jackson through the marketplace, providing real-time assistance and enhancing his experience. "If you go to your right, there are some more tables that way," the interpreter advised, showcasing the app's practical benefits. In a commitment to further support the visually impaired community, Stanley Marketplace is covering the costs of Aira's services for guests on-site. Users simply need to inform the operator that they are at the marketplace, making the service accessible at no charge. Fredeen, a representative of Stanley Marketplace, emphasized the significance of adopting Aira's visual interpretation service, calling it a "game changer" for the venue. To foster ongoing dialogue about accessibility, Fredeen is launching a table talk series at Stanley Marketplace. This initiative aims to discuss blindness, accessibility apps, and the role of technology in improving the lives of visually impaired individuals, reinforcing the marketplace's dedication to inclusivity.