PORTLAND, Ore. — Just in time for the holiday season, the Port of Portland is expanding, through we’re not talking about the mass timber roof and all that construction that has been taking place. This time, they’re expanding an app they launched earlier this year to help travelers with a range of disabilities navigate the airport with ease.
The program started as a pilot program in January and has proven to be such a success that they're expanding it ahead of the busy travel season.
Trying to get around the airport can be a daunting task, from checking-in to making sure you’re heading in the right direction for your gate. Now imagine trying to do that when you’re blind or deaf.
For almost a year now, the Portland International Airport has been using an app called GoodMaps to help passengers who need assistance get around the airport. One of those passengers who has been testing the app has been Pete DeVasto, who’s blind and also on the PDX’s Accessibility Committee.
“Technology is advancing so quickly, and it’s amazing how much is happening,; it's continually evolving,” said DeVasto.
Here’s how it works: GoodMaps uses your cell phone camera to help you get around. You can type in your destination on the app, or talk into it and it’ll give you turn by turn directions.
For DeVasto, this app means everything for him to be able to get around on his own.
“I think this is a game changer because it gives people independence, so you don’t have to wait around for someone to help you,” DeVasto said.
Now, the app is going to be available for travelers to use in all four concourses at the airport.
“During the high traffic season of the holidays, there’s a lot of anxiety when traveling. Our app allows people to do pre-routes so they can check out the airport before they venture in,” said Kelly Lovett with Good Maps.
The Portland International Airport currently is the only airport on the West Coast that uses this app to help travelers.