Travelers with low vision will soon have access to a new accessibility tool at Phoenix-area airports through a partnership between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and ReBokeh Vision Technologies.
The collaboration provides free, unlimited access to the ReBokeh mobile app for all passengers and airport employees at Sky Harbor, as well as at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport and Phoenix Goodyear Airport. Airport officials say the initiative makes Phoenix the first airport system in the Southwestern United States to offer the technology.
Designed specifically for individuals with low vision, the app allows users to customize how they view their surroundings through a smartphone camera. Features include adjustable contrast, color filters, zoom and lighting enhancements that can help travelers read signs, view flight information displays and navigate airport terminals more easily.
The platform is intended for the large majority of blind and low-vision individuals who retain some usable sight. Rather than replacing vision with audio descriptions, the technology focuses on helping users maximize the vision they already have.
City leaders said the partnership reflects Phoenix’s broader efforts to improve accessibility and independence for travelers with disabilities. Officials noted that the technology can help reduce barriers often faced by passengers navigating large and busy transportation hubs.
A newer feature known as ReBokeh AI also provides visual assistance through artificial intelligence. Users can ask questions about their surroundings, receive descriptions of what the camera is viewing and access information in multiple languages based on their device settings. The feature can also assist with translating signs and other visual information throughout the airport.
Kate Gallego said the program underscores the city’s commitment to creating a more inclusive travel experience, while city officials emphasized the importance of giving travelers greater confidence and independence during their journeys.
Founded in 2019, ReBokeh develops assistive technology tailored to the needs of people with low vision. The company’s founder, Rebecca Rosenberg, said the partnership will help make airport travel more accessible and enjoyable for individuals with visual impairments.
Phoenix Sky Harbor serves more than 140,000 passengers on an average day and generates an annual economic impact exceeding $44 billion, making it one of the nation’s busiest airports and a key transportation hub in the Southwest.
