Aira ASL: Bridging Communication Gaps for Deaf Travelers with On-Demand Interpreting at Airports and Beyond

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Aira ASL is revolutionizing accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers by offering on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting through a mobile app. Launched in 2024, Aira ASL connects users with professional ASL interpreters instantly, without the need for pre-scheduling or static devices. The service is available 24/7 at airports and other public spaces, making it a game-changer in communication. Deaf travelers can now navigate airports with ease, receiving real-time assistance for tasks like checking in, ordering food, and understanding travel announcements. The app also partners with Deaf-owned businesses to ensure certified, reliable interpreters.

Airports like Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International and Sacramento International are leading the way by offering Aira ASL, improving communication between Deaf travelers and airport staff. Beyond airports, Aira is expanding to museums, public services, and employment programs, ensuring inclusivity across various sectors.

Can you share the inspiration behind Aira ASL and what prompted its creation? How did you identify the need for such a service in airports?

For a decade, Aira has uniquely addressed the needs of the blind and low vision community with Aira Explorer, an app that provides on-demand visual interpreting at the tap of a button. There are hundreds of locations across North America and Europe that offer Aira Explorer (including more than 60 airports), and it has become the trusted leader in delivering on-demand professional visual interpreting for the blind and low vision community. 

Our team began to notice a gap in on-demand American Sign Language interpreting in public spaces. In 2024, using the same trusted Aira platform, we developed the distinct Aira ASL app to connect callers with professional ASL interpreters. Aira ASL is a natural extension of our mission to break down barriers and enhance accessibility for all. 

With regards to airports, we saw a real need for on-demand and easily accessible ASL interpreting. Some of the existing solutions for bridging communication between the Deaf and hearing at airports were clunky, like static tablets or services that required appointments. Aira ASL’s instant nature, and the fact that it is accessed right on the caller’s own mobile device at anytime, really filled a gap. 

How has the response been from Deaf and hard-of-hearing travellers using Aira ASL at airports so far? Are there any particular success stories you can share?

ASL users express appreciation for the ability to navigate the airport and communicate with staff and strangers on their own terms, without needing to pre-arrange an interpreter.

One user noted, “I find the app easy to use around the airport, whether it is to check in my bags, order coffee or listen for travel announcements. I love it so much I wish this was offered everywhere I go!”

What role does Aira ASL play in creating a more inclusive travel experience? How does it enhance communication between Deaf travellers and airport staff?

Aira ASL is tremendously powerful in creating a more inclusive travel experience because it supports smoother communication at the airport. There are so many scenarios at the airport where communication and details are critical—everything from nuances of gate changes and delays, baggage claim, and getting through security. Aira ASL supports a more inclusive travel experience because it provides an anytime, anywhere tool that allows people to get the information they need. Instead of having to go track down a static device they can call an interpreter on, they can just reach a professional interpreter on their own device. 

Importantly, Aira ASL is available 24/7/265 at our Access Locations (like airports). What this means is that travellers can connect with an interpreter right when the need arises, as many of the communication barriers encountered at the airport can’t be anticipated. It is a tool that lets everyone communicate more smoothly and be understood. 

Aira ASL seems to be a game-changer for travellers. How do you ensure a seamless and reliable connection between users and professional American Sign Language interpreters?

Aira ASL partners with professional ASL service providers which are Deaf-owned businesses. This means when I connect, I’m reaching a network of trained interpreters, which ensures both quick pick-up times and a high standard of professional communication. It’s not just a random person—it’s a certified interpreter who understands the importance of clear, accurate communication, especially in a travel environment where missed information can lead to missed flights.

You mentioned that 20 airports now offer free Aira ASL calls. Could you elaborate on how the program has expanded, and which airports are leading the way in terms of accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing travellers?

The first airport to launch Aira ASL was Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in late 2024. Since then, we have seen great interest from airports who are blown away by how powerful the service is in bridging communication. As well as being a great tool for the Deaf and hard of hearing community, hearing airport staff can use it to better assist travellers. For example, a baggage check employee at an airport can pull out their phone, call Aira ASL, and then efficiently answer questions a Deaf traveller has. 

Something really exciting we are seeing is airports who already offer Aira Explorer for blind and low vision travellers adding Aira ASL access! This includes airports like Sacramento International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, and Salt Lake City International Airport. This means that these airports are leading the way in ensuring that blind, low vision, Deaf and hard of hearing travellers can access information and communicate smoothly. 

In addition to your work with Aira ASL, what other initiatives or partnerships is Aira involved in to support greater accessibility for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community?

The most significant way Aira supports the D/HH community beyond travel is through partnering with organizations to offer Aira ASL service at no cost to the user while they are on the premises.

Government & Public Services: This is a major area of focus. Partnerships include State-level initiatives (like the State of Colorado’s Technology Accessibility Program) to offer free ASL access at Vocational Rehabilitation locations, Workforce Centers, and History Colorado museums.

State of Alabama – through a state level partnership between the State of Alabama, Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind and Aira, residents of Alabama who are Deaf, hard of hearing or Blind or low vision, receive 100 minutes a month of Aira services they can use anywhere, anytime in the state of Alabama.

Museums & Cultural Sites: Access is expanding into the arts and culture sector, ensuring that Deaf patrons can engage with exhibits, ask staff questions, and fully experience a location without pre-scheduling an interpreter.

Transportation (Non-Airport): Aira is beginning to partner with bus and rail systems to provide on-demand communication access for issues like ticket purchases, delayed train announcements, or directions.

Employment Programs: Aira works with companies to offer Aira ASL as a workplace accommodation for D/HH employees, providing immediate interpreting for meetings, quick desk-side conversations, or training sessions.

Entertainment – Aira has partnered with organizations like the MLB team Cincinnati Reds to make their stadium fully accessible for the Blind and the Deaf during the season. More professional sports stadiums are coming soon.

« Back to Page

• Aira ASL Revolutionizes Airport Accessibility for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Travelers