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

Published on December 4, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In a remarkable move towards inclusivity, Aira, the digital travel platform that has long been a pioneer for the blind and low-vision community, has expanded its mission with the launch of Aira ASL. Aira ASL is an innovative on-demand service that connects Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals with professional American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters at the touch of a button. Launched in 2024, Aira ASL provides seamless access to real-time ASL interpreting through a mobile app, aimed at enhancing communication for Deaf travelers across airports and other public spaces. By offering this instant service, Aira has addressed a longstanding gap in accessibility, particularly in airports, where communication barriers can disrupt the travel experience.

Inspiration Behind Aira ASL: Meeting a Critical Need in Public Spaces

For nearly a decade, Aira Explorer has been the go-to solution for blind and low-vision individuals seeking on-demand visual interpretation, with coverage at hundreds of locations worldwide, including over 60 airports. Recognizing a gap in similar services for the Deaf community, Aira set its sights on creating a solution tailored to the needs of Deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers. This vision led to the development of Aira ASL, which uses the same trusted platform as Aira Explorer to offer instant access to ASL interpreters on mobile devices, ensuring communication is never out of reach.

The creation of Aira ASL stems from the recognition that current solutions in airports, such as static tablets or scheduled services, were inadequate for real-time communication. Many of these systems required pre-arranged appointments or were inconvenient to use, creating unnecessary friction for travelers. Aira ASL’s instant nature, coupled with its easy access on mobile devices, fills a crucial gap, ensuring that Deaf travelers have the same level of access and support that others enjoy, all without the need to pre-schedule or track down devices.

Positive Response from Deaf Travelers: Empowering Independence

The feedback from Deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers using Aira ASL at airports has been overwhelmingly positive. Many users have expressed how empowering it feels to independently navigate the airport without having to rely on others for assistance. The ease of communication with airport staff, whether it’s for checking in, ordering food, or listening for important travel announcements, has made a significant impact on their travel experience.

One user shared their excitement: “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!” This type of feedback underscores how Aira ASL is not only improving communication but also providing a sense of independence for Deaf travelers who no longer need to rely on third-party services or physical devices to bridge communication gaps.

Aira ASL’s Impact: Building a More Inclusive Travel Experience

The Aira ASL app plays a pivotal role in creating a more inclusive travel experience. Airports are complex environments where effective communication is crucial. Travelers need to be informed about changes in gates, flight delays, baggage claims, and security procedures. In these situations, Aira ASL allows Deaf travelers to connect with a professional ASL interpreter instantly, ensuring that they have access to vital information when it matters most.

Importantly, Aira ASL works around the clock, 24/7/365, at Access Locations like airports, meaning travelers can always rely on the service to meet their needs. This on-demand service provides a level of convenience and accessibility that traditional methods could never match. Rather than having to track down an interpreter or rely on static devices, users can connect directly through their own mobile device, giving them full autonomy and access to the communication tools they need at any time during their journey.

Ensuring Reliable Connections with Professional Interpreters

Aira has partnered with Deaf-owned businesses to provide professional ASL interpreters for Aira ASL, ensuring that each interaction is handled with the highest level of professionalism and accuracy. These certified interpreters are trained to handle travel-specific scenarios, where clear and precise communication is critical. The platform is designed to provide fast connection times, meaning travelers won’t experience long wait times when seeking an interpreter. The reliability of the service ensures that communication remains seamless, minimizing the risk of missed information or confusion.

The Growing Expansion of Aira ASL in Airports and Beyond

Since its launch, Aira ASL has quickly expanded to a growing number of airports, with 20 airports currently offering the service for free. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport was the first to launch Aira ASL in late 2024, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many airports have already expressed interest in implementing the service, impressed by its ability to bridge communication gaps efficiently. The success of the program is not limited to Deaf travelers; it has also benefited hearing airport staff who can use Aira ASL to assist Deaf travelers more effectively.

Airports like Sacramento International, Toronto Pearson International, and Salt Lake City International have been leading the way in accessibility by providing both Aira Explorer and Aira ASL. This dual offering ensures that both blind and low-vision travelers, as well as Deaf travelers, can access real-time communication and assistance, solidifying these airports as pioneers in inclusive travel.

The success of Aira ASL in airports reflects a larger trend toward making public spaces more accessible for people with disabilities. As the program grows, more airports are expected to adopt this service, further enhancing the travel experience for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Aira’s Broader Commitment to Accessibility

In addition to its work in airports, Aira has expanded its initiatives to support greater accessibility for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in various other sectors. State-level partnerships such as those with the State of Colorado and the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind allow individuals to access Aira ASL services at no cost in various public service settings. This includes services at Vocational Rehabilitation locations, Workforce Centers, and even museums like History Colorado.

Aira is also working to bring ASL access into cultural institutions, transportation networks, and employment settings. For example, Aira is partnering with professional sports stadiums, such as the Cincinnati Reds, to provide ASL interpreters for Deaf fans, enhancing their experience at live events. The company’s growing list of partnerships demonstrates its unwavering commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to services and opportunities in all areas of life.

Conclusion: Aira ASL’s Role in Shaping the Future of Inclusive Travel

Aira ASL represents a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to make travel more inclusive for everyone. By providing instant, on-demand ASL interpreting, Aira is transforming how Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals communicate in airports and beyond. With its growing adoption across airports and public service settings, Aira ASL is helping to ensure that all travelers can move through the world with confidence and ease. As the program continues to expand, Aira’s mission to break down barriers and provide accessible services is paving the way for a more inclusive and connected world.