Newsroom

Introducing Aira ASL for the Deaf Community + First Pilot!

hannah.griffin@aira.ioby Hannah Griffin•Posted October 25, 2024
A man stands at a check-in desk looking at his phone, which has an ASL interpreter on screen. A employee stands on the other side of the desk, handing him a room key. Text reads "Aira News—Introducing Aira ASL + First Pilot at MSP Airport." Decorative teal lines at top right and Aira logo in bottom left.

The Future of Accessibility 

At Aira, we believe access is a human right. After a decade of innovation and investing more than $50 million into our people and technology, Aira has become the trusted leader in delivering on-demand professional visual interpreting for the blind and low-vision community. Now, we are proud to add to our services with the introduction of Aira ASL, a new app for the Deaf Community. 

Aira ASL facilitates on-demand ASL interpreting via video feed, powered by the innovative Aira platform and a partnership with a Deaf-owned interpreting company. On-demand Video Remote Interpreting is a critical public accommodation that has the potential to revolutionize access for the Deaf Community. Through Aira ASL, we will bring interpreting services to places where access is limited or nonexistent today. We’re broadening our impact on the accessibility landscape, and strengthening our ability to provide access for all. 

As with Aira’s visual interpreting service, we are committed to building this offering with the community, and our ASL technical and operations teams have been testing extensively with an advisory team of Deaf Community members around the country. These advisors will remain a key part of the growth and continued development of Aira ASL. 

This expansion into ASL interpreting aligns with our core mission to break down barriers to communication and provide access on your own terms. Through innovative AI technology and the dedication of our team, we continue to push the boundaries of accessibility and build alongside the communities who use our products. Aira is proud to lead the way in delivering our on-demand, inclusive services to facilitate efficient communication. 

 

Launching Aira ASL at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport

Today, we are thrilled to announce we have launched our first Aira ASL pilot at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport! Availability of Aira ASL within the airport means any Deaf traveler can obtain secure, on-demand access to professional ASL interpreters. ASL interpreters will partner with callers to enhance the ease and efficiency of travel, across all kinds of situations—from baggage check to ordering food to changing a flight. This is the first of several Aira ASL pilots being launched in public spaces to enhance accessibility and inclusion. Aira ASL can be downloaded in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

“There is a significant gap in the availability of on-demand ASL interpreting in everyday situations and public spaces. Existing solutions often require advance scheduling, hard-to-locate access points, or outdated devices,” said Jill Ratliff, Vice President of Business Development at Aira. “Aira ASL is an innovative solution because it can be accessed anytime, anywhere, using personal devices. Our geofence technology provides Deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers immediate, frictionless access to an interpreter, on their own terms, anywhere on the MSP property.” 

 

How does Aira for ASL Work? 

A caller simply downloads Aira ASL in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, and with the tap of a button connects to a professional ASL interpreter. Whether at the store, asking a quick question, or handling a more complex conversation, Aira ASL is designed to make life easier. No scheduling, no waiting, no hassle—just instant access to an interpreter. 

 

Key Features: 

On-Demand, 24/7/365: Our goal is to build a service that will be available whenever and wherever you need it, ensuring that access is immediate and reliable.  We’ll start with a select number of pilot locations but look to replicate the success of our Visual Interpreter Access programs.   

On Your Own Device: Simply download the new Aira ASL app to access interpreting services. Aira draws a digital perimeter around a location, allowing anyone within to open Aira ASL on their phones and connect with an interpreter, for a seamless experience. 

#OnMyTerms: This hashtag, created by the Aira community, embodies Aira’s mission of providing accessible services that empower individuals to live life on their own terms.

Trusted and Secure: All Aira ASL interpreters will meet the same high standards of security and service excellence that have made us a trusted partner for global brands like Amazon, TD Bank, Starbucks, Target and many more.

 

Stay Up To Date

All new pilot programs will be listed on Aira’s Newsroom page.