Last updated on December 10th, 2024
Walmart has begun a partnership with Aira, a mobile application that connects members of the blind and low vision community with sighted interpreters, who communicate visual information. Using remote access to a phone camera or piece of wearable technology, Aira interpreters act as eyes inside the store.
Walmart is offering the way-finding service free to customers.
“I think the thing they’re going to gain the most from our partnership is this demonstration to the world that Walmart and Aira really do think about the customers they serve,” said Everette Bacon, chief of blindness initiatives at Aira, who is blind himself. “That’s a testament to the kind of service Walmart has provided for years and wants to continue to lead on.”
Doing something new
For customer Paula Margeson, who has been blind for more than 30 years, one promise of using a visual interpreter lies in reclaiming the element of surprise.
“Every year when I want to go Christmas shopping for my husband, I have to ask someone to take me. I always felt like I was imposing on my friends or family,” Margeson said. “I am really excited to shop for my husband’s Christmas present this year – all by myself – for the very first time.”
The professional visual interpreters Aira employs are trained to offer objective feedback, leaving users in control of their own choices. There’s no time limit on users as they ask questions to understand what message might be printed on a birthday card, or if the blue tie they are holding is closer to teal or cerulean.
“Not having to depend on someone, and take them away from their job duties, or ask a friend or family member, just to do this on my own time and on my own terms – it’s very freeing,” Bacon said.
A more accessible store for all
From the launch of sensory-friendly shopping hours and expanding its adaptive product lines to the introduction of Caroline’s Carts, Walmart is placing the needs of its customers with disabilities at the forefront.
“The reality is, we have tons of shoppers with disabilities who we want to make sure are having as good, if not better, of a shopping experience with us as someone who doesn’t have a disability,” said Gayatri Agnew, head of Walmart’s Accessibility Center of Excellence.
[RELATED: Walmart Utilizing AI To Transform Holiday Shopping Experiences]
