Walmart today officially announced they are offering access to Aira’s on-demand visual interpreting service nation-wide! Aira access is part of Walmart’s efforts to support a more accessible shopping experience for blind and low-vision customers. This roll-out at every location across the US follows a successful November pilot at Walmart locations in Florida, Texas, and California.
Any Walmart shopper, either in-store or online, can open the Aira app and instantly connect to a professional visual interpreter. The visual interpreter can assist with navigation, looking for deals, placing and picking up an online order, locating the shortest line, and enjoying in-store promotions and atmosphere. With the busy holiday shopping season in full-swing, it’s the perfect time to try Aira at Walmart for more independent and engaging shopping.
“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, the head of Walmart’s Accessibility Center of Excellence.
Aira Access is available via a geofence around every store. This means once at a Walmart, a customer can download the app in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. With the tap of a button, they can connect via video call with a visual interpreter who will use their phone’s camera to narrate, navigate, describe, or read aloud. Aira is also available on surrounding sidewalks, buses on the same block, and in the Walmart parking lot, helping shoppers navigate to and from their local store. When using Walmart.com, a customer looking for assistance while online shopping can similarly connect with an interpreter on-demand. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with no advance reservations required. There is no time limit on calls.
“I think the thing shoppers will 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. “That’s a testament to the kind of service Walmart has provided for years and wants to continue to lead on.”
Click here for full details on using Aira at Walmart and how to find a location near you.
Check out Aira in Action at Walmart!
What customers are saying about using Aira at Walmart:
“I just used Aira at the Jacksonville Florida Walmart and was able to navigate the entire store very well. I think that’s the first time in 20 years I have walked through a Walmart completely independently.”
“Christmas shopping just got easier thanks to Walmart and Aira’s new partnership!”
“So excited and proud of the strides that are being made in accessibility!”
“For the first time ever, I was able to go to my local Walmart and pick up an order I had placed independently. Excellent service.”
”I was equal parts proud and humbled to have been able to purchase my Thanksgiving turkey and other items without any in-store assistance within a Walmart superstore this afternoon.”
“The Agent did an excellent job guiding me through Walmart to the prescription counter and back. Thank you for your exceptional navigation skills!”
Prizes & Giveaways for Walmart Shoppers!
Walmart Giveaway
If you use Aira for in-store Walmart shopping, make sure to enter our Giveaway during the month of December! You’ll have a chance to win one of 12 $50 Walmart gift cards. Full giveaway details can be found here.
Feedback Survey
Help Aira understand and improve the Walmart experience—both in-store and online at Walmart.com. We’re exploring awareness of the Walmart offer, any barriers to using it, and your overall shopping experience. The survey is open to all explorers, takes just 5 minutes, and your input is invaluable for our research. Participation is voluntary, and all completed surveys will be entered into a prize drawing. Thank you for your support in improving the Explorer experience! You can access the survey by clicking here.