Kiewit Luminarium is pleased to introduce a new accessibility offering that supports members of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Through this partnership, Aira ASL is available throughout the Luminarium, providing visitors with free, on-demand access to professional American Sign Language interpreting.
The interpreting service is available anywhere at the Luminarium and helps bridge communication gaps between Deaf and hearing individuals. Aira ASL can be used across a range of high-detail communication scenarios, such as asking questions or getting directions from staff, understanding audio announcements, and accessing information at events like Holland Talks. Aira ASL is entirely free of charge when used at Kiewit Luminarium, available 24/7, and no reservations are required. Simply download the Aira ASL app, create an account, and call an interpreter whenever the need arises.
The Kiewit Luminarium already offers Aira Explorer, a separate app that connects blind and low vision callers to professional interpreters. In adding Aira ASL to their accessibility toolkit, the Kiewit Luminarium is ensuring everyone at the facility can access visual information and communicate smoothly.
Kevin Perez, Luminarium Chief Operating Officer notes: “At the Luminarium, access is not an add-on, it is core to how we design experiences that continue to meet the needs of our community. We are committed to making the museum accessible to all, and partnering with Aira ASL allows us to remove real barriers in the moment. This ensures that Deaf and hard-of-hearing guests can fully engage with our exhibits, programs, and staff. This is about making curiosity truly accessible for everyone.”
“We’re thrilled to be strengthening our partnership with Kiewit Luminarium as they provide Aira ASL to their visitors,” said Henri Grau, Aira’s Director of Deaf Community Engagement. “With on-demand access to professional interpreters, visitors will be able to more fully enjoy and discover the wonderful exhibits and programs knowing they can quickly bridge communication barriers.”
To get started, visitors can download the Aira Explorer or Aira ASL app in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. They then open the app and place a call. A visual or ASL interpreter will provide real time assistance tailored to each caller’s needs.
About Kiewit Luminarium
Kiewit Luminarium is a place for people of all ages, identities, and backgrounds to explore astonishing phenomena at the intersection of science, art, and human perception. Opened on Omaha’s reimagined RiverFront in April 2023, the 82,000-square-foot facility is designed to rekindle curiosity and change the way visitors see the world. With more than 100 interactive exhibits and a kaleidoscope of engaging programs, the Luminarium is a place where everyone will have the opportunity to dream, play, wonder, experiment, and consider something new. Learn more at KiewitLuminarium.org.
