Sabre sets sights on helping blind agents

Sabre Pacific has worked with a Melbourne travel agency to allow legally blind agents to access the GDS.

Melbourne-based FarSight Travel agent David Lee, who is legally blind, collaborated with Sabre Pacific on the initiative.

Richard Morgan, Sabre Pacific general manager sales, marketing and product, said, “We developed systems that enable David to easily access the Virtual Trainer and Personal Trainer programmes which gave him tips and insights into how to use our GDS most effectively.

“We used PDF clue cards and scanned our training documents into files that allowed them to be magnified on David’s customised screens.

“Our technology team also installed Sabre products on David’s various computers so that he could access the magnifier programme that radically increases the font so it can easily be read.”

Sabre said across the USA and in Asia, no blind association or organisation has been able to access the GDS; those with visual impairment typically have to rely on sighted travel agents to work as an intermediary.

Lee said the Sabre solution is “as good as a new lease on life”.

“I was actively involved in various facets of the travel industry up until losing my eyesight to an hereditary disorder some 10 years ago.

“At that point I had to move away from an industry and an occupation about which I was (and remain) very passionate.

“This advance in technology by Sabre Pacific has allowed me the opportunity to return to an occupation I absolutely enjoy.”