WAIFIND

Our mission is to connect each person's customized, individual wireless device to every facility,

using a standardized interface to local radio networks

coupled with open-access to cloud-based resources,

that enables universal accessibility to information

that enhances personal experience, safety and navigation,

in traditionally difficult locations such as aircraft, airports, train stations.

 

WAIFIND.org

A not-for-profit, independent entity with representatives from disability rights organizations and industry

We aim to enable each individual, to utilize a device customized to their abilities, 
that attaches to each venue seamlessly, securely, and automatically;
offering access to relevant announcements and information,
messaging with facility attendants, and assistance in finding their way.

Elevate the unique abilities of each person with universal, equitable access to their locality

 

Wireless Accessibility Interface (WAI)

A set of network protocols
to permit exchange between an individual network device and a facility
for authentication and for access to local and cloud-based resources

Wireless Accessibility Interface (WAI)

Wireless technology offers the ability to interact with individuals as they move about a facility, such as an airport or airplane.  

Blind passengers may not be able to locate overhead flight-attendant call button or know if the Fasten Seat Belt light is extinguished.   Device interactions may be presented differently when unable to see the display.

Deaf individuals miss out on public address announcements.  This can become confusing when boarding groups are called or if a gate gets changed at an airport.  Airline pilot briefings to the passengers are not be heard, nor announcements from the flight attendants.   

Information can be exchanged between the facility and the individual, and directed to one or all of those present.  WAI offers a two-way messaging service permits text-equivalent access to announcements, configuration, and information relating to the facility itself, and for messaging between the individual and local attendants.

Indoor way-finding presents not just the shortest path, but also can account for issues relating to congestion, or offer alternatives to long walks or stairways.   A sometimes daunting task such as finding the nearest restroom can become trivial.  WAI offers basic way-finding that includes a pathway to exit, to restroom, to a designated destination; and for locating the individual device itself to the facility if requesting assistance. 

WAI offers a path through commercial barriers that may require signing up with more than one service provider or being bombarded by requests to agree to illegible terms and conditions when moving between different facilities.

WAI offers a path around unfamiliarity barriers when required to use a specific application from each facility, where each application may have different features and convey information differently through unfamiliar user interfaces.

WAI offers a path around login barriers, requiring remembering username and passwords every time entering a new facility.

WAIFIND.org

WAIFIND.org is dedicated to developing a standard interface to permit open-access between a facility and an individual’s device; the Wireless Accessibility Interface (WAI).

WAIFIND.org is committed to using all-available wireless options, including cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

WAIFIND.org is committed to enabling device manufacturers to build-in Wireless Accessibility Interface (WAI) such that each device

  1. can be easily adapted to individual abilities
  2. operates automatically without manual login
  3. operates consistently in all facilities with a universal user interface
  4. has access to comprehensive data and information
  5. includes extensible features such announcements and personal way-finding.

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US DOT CATF

Cabin Announcement Task Force

Peter Lemme (WAIFIND.org) is tasked by the U.S. Department of Transportation to lead the Cabin Announcement Task Force (CATF).

The CATF includes representatives from disability rights organizations and industry.

The CATF will study, demonstrate and recommend opportunities to enhance universal and equitable access to the same information and user experience for every airline passenger.  These same objectives are being sought within an airport, using a standard feature-set (WAI), and from which any type facility may eventually participate.

About WAIFIND.org

Founded in November 2016 by Peter Lemme and Simon "Symonty" Gresham, WAIFIND.org was created to promote

1.     open Interface standards

2.     open Information access

3.     open Network access and utilization

4.     Device manufacturers to embed standard Accessibility Features into any device

5.     Facilities to provide lowest-cost, standards-based, Wireless Accessibility Interface (WAI)