Innovation of the Month:

Aira – Empowering Independence Through Visual and Sign Language Interpretation

Company Background & Mission

Aira (pronounced eye-rah) has been operating for over 10 years, building a reputation as a trusted accessibility partner primarily focused on serving the Blind and Low Vision (BLV) community. The company’s approach to innovation is grounded in co-creation—developing solutions hand-in-hand with the community to ensure services are genuinely aligned with users’ needs and expectations.

Over the years, Aira has built strong partnerships with more than 270 organizations, including national brands such as Target, Wal-Mart, Bank of America, and Starbucks.  Aira also partners with airports, state and local government agencies, higher education and museums across the United States. 

The very core of everything that Aira does is simple: we believe that ACCESS IS A HUMAN RIGHT. 

The very core of everything that Aira does is simple: we believe that ACCESS IS A HUMAN RIGHT.  

The Problem Aira Solves

Every day, individuals who are blind or have low vision face countless barriers when accessing visual information in real time. Whether navigating a busy airport, reviewing printed materials, or managing visual tasks at work, many situations require immediate, human-based visual interpretation that traditional assistive technology can’t provide. Aira bridges this gap by offering on-demand, live human support via a mobile or desktop application.

Recognizing the broader need for inclusive communication, Aira expanded its services in 2024 to include on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, furthering its mission of accessibility by also serving the Deaf community.  

Deaf community members face a variety of communication barriers throughout the day.  Oftentimes, all that is needed is a quick connection with an interpreter so that they can communicate freely, without barriers to gain important information in the classroom, in the workplace, while shopping or out enjoying vacation.  

How Aira Works

Through Aira’s mobile or desktop apps, users connect with trained Agents or certified ASL interpreters who provide real-time visual or sign language interpretation. The apps are available for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, and can be flexibly deployed through a number of different methods.  Agents assist users by seeing through their device camera, offering descriptions and guidance to complete visual tasks. ASL users can initiate video sessions to connect with interpreters directly from the app, tailored to the meeting type or communication need.

Use Cases for Aira

• Navigating complex environments like airports or office campuses
• Reading printed and digital text (e.g., menus, signs, forms, emails)
• Workplace accommodations and support during meetings or presentations
• Home tasks such as organizing, labeling, or troubleshooting
• Real-time communication in ASL for Deaf users during remote or in-person meetings; literally anywhere

Pricing Information

Aira’s services are available through multiple access models:

• Free Access: Provided by Access Partners such as airports, universities, and businesses who sponsor usage for the public.
• Subscription Plans: Individuals can purchase plans with a set number of minutes per month, suitable for different levels of personal or professional use.
• Enterprise and Organizational Licensing: Companies and institutions can offer Aira as a workplace accommodation or customer support tool, with custom integration options.