“We partnered with a global platform called Wheel the World and they’re global, they’re an accessible travel platform, and we’re the very first destination that is using this AI accessibility tool.”
That’s Vice President of Marketing at Experience Grand Rapids Kate Lieto. She explains how the new AI chatbot uses a decade of accessibility data from Disability Advocates of Kent County, as well as extensive venue mapping, to provide visitors with answers to frequently asked questions.
“It can know things from just what is there to do in Grand Rapids or why would I travel to Grand Rapids, to really detailed, specific accessible information. Things like, how high is the bed at this certain hotel, or how wide are the doors at this restaurant? Are there steps? Is there a hearing loop?”
Lieto says the AI agent is designed to continuously learn as it receives more data and feedback. The more it’s used, the more it improves. And if it doesn’t know the answer?
“We are monitoring those chat logs, so we’ll see kind of what gaps in content we have. We also have the ability for feedback right there in the accessibility agent.”
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