Press Release From NFTA provides more access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community!

 

BUFFALO NIAGARA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EXPANDING ACCESSIBILTY TECHNOLOGY

Installing additional video phone pre-security

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BUFFALO, N.Y. – An accessible and inclusive communication device is making its way to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The Frontier Transit Authority is partnering with People Inc. and Deaf Access Services to add a new state-of- the-art Sorenson videophone, at the airport. The goal is to help meet the growing needs of the Deaf, hard of hearing, hearing loss and non-verbal travelers.

The unit has a high-quality video screen and a high-speed internet connection to make it easier for travelers who need help communicating over the phone. It provides visual communication assistance with another Deaf person, or with a hearing person via an interpreter-assisted Video Relay Service.

“I am thrilled we all came together to provide communication access to meet the needs of all people, who travel through Buffalo, New York. This gives us the opportunity to make Buffalo a more accessible city for travelers,” said David Wantuck, Community Engagement Specialist at Deaf Access Services.

Sorenson, the leading global language services provider of inclusive communication technology for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and diverse people, currently provides Lumina videophones at both the Niagara Falls International Airport and the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. This new device will be near baggage claim providing Deaf travelers with a way to call ride sharing services or family and friends’ pre-security.

"Human connection is more than simply moving people from one place to another,” said Sorenson CEO Jorge Rodriguez. “It’s about ensuring every traveler can communicate seamlessly. Today, we take a significant step toward bridging the communication gap at Buffalo Niagara International Airport through our collaboration with People Inc. and Deaf Access Services to connect beyond words."

 

About the NFTA

The NFTA is a regional multi-modal transportation authority responsible for airport and surface transportation in Erie and Niagara counties. NFTA/NFTM businesses include a bus, rail, and ADA paratransit system, two commercial airports, and transportation centers in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. In 2019, a J.D. Power study ranked the Buffalo Niagara International Airport highest in customer satisfaction for medium sized airports in North America

 

 

 

Tags: Community News 2023

« Back to Newsletter