[MD-Sligo] FW: [Tech-VI] Aira ASL: On-Demand Interpreting for the Deaf Community

Wed Oct 23 15:03:08 UTC 2024

From: tech-vi at groups.io <tech-vi at groups.io> On Behalf Of David Goldfield via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2024 3:11 PM
To: tv <tech-vi at groups.io>
Subject: [Tech-VI] Aira ASL: On-Demand Interpreting for the Deaf Community

Aira - Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 10:43 AM

Aira ASL: On-Demand Interpreting for the Deaf Community

  <https://aira.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Full-Image-Centered-with-Triangle-Corner-7.png> 

Dear Explorers,

We are excited to announce an important new initiative at Aira! We are adding to our services in order to meet the needs of another group that can benefit from accessible, on-demand interpreting services: the Deaf Community. This is being accomplished through the development of a separate app called Aira ASL. 

We have identified a significant gap in the availability of on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting, specifically in public environments such as retail stores, airports, and banks. Many existing services require Deaf individuals to schedule interpreters in advance or seek out signage or information, making it difficult to obtain interpreting services when unplanned communication access is needed. Furthermore, outdated technology creates additional barriers that limit seamless access to interpreting services.

Through the separate Aira ASL app and contracting with ASL service providers, we are leveraging our unique technology and platform to expand the access we can offer.  Just like the blind and low-vision community benefits from our visual interpreting services and advanced technology through personal devices, the Deaf Community will now have a solution that is immediate, reliable, and easy to access. This new offering will have no effect on the experience for Explorers using Aira for visual interpreting. 

Introducing Aira ASL 

Aira ASL is a natural extension of our mission. We remain as dedicated as ever to supporting the blind and low-vision community, and this new service will exist in a separate app designed specifically for Deaf users. The quality and resources you’ve come to expect from Aira will continue alongside innovative initiatives and improvements to our blind and low-vision offering. 

Our decision to offer ASL services is based on both a strong demand and our ability to provide a seamless solution to the Deaf Community. While sign language interpreting services have existed for a long time, access often isn’t available in everyday situations.

Aira’s platform offers a modern solution. Our technology allows users to connect directly to service providers—whether that’s a visual interpreter for the blind and low-vision community or an ASL interpreter for the Deaf Community—without the need for advanced preparation or specialized hardware. This ease of use makes Aira’s platform the perfect fit for both communities, allowing us to increase the reach of interpreting services. 

The development of Aira ASL has been guided by a team of advisors from the Deaf Community to ensure we are building a service for them, by them. We will continue to work closely with these advisors in the ongoing growth of the service.

Aira’s Blind and Low-Vision Focus

Our dedicated team of visual interpreters will continue to provide high-quality support to the blind and low-vision community. Meanwhile, Aira ASL will be powered by external interpreters on a separate app, designed specifically for Deaf users. This will not impact the current Aira app, Aira’s blind and low-vision focused resources, visual interpreter interactions, or the quality of Aira’s service.

Creating More Opportunity in Accessibility 

Aira’s core mission remains centered on empowering the blind and low-vision community. Aira ASL is about addressing a specific gap for the Deaf Community without changing the focus or quality of service for blind and low-vision users. We are simply extending our platform to provide more accessibility solutions, which will enhance opportunities for both communities.

By expanding into ASL services, Aira is broadening its impact on the accessibility landscape. Offering both blind and low-vision and Deaf solutions under the Aira platform enhances the visibility of accessible technology and creates more opportunities for businesses to adopt inclusive practices. 

Thank you for continuing to be a part of Aira’s journey to provide access to information for all. 

What is Aira doing with this new expansion?

Aira is expanding its services by launching a separate app that provides on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting for the Deaf Community. The Aira ASL app will allow users to connect with external ASL interpreters in real time, using Aira’s unique technology to create immediate, reliable access to interpreting without the need for advanced scheduling or specialized equipment.

Why is Aira developing a separate ASL service?

While ASL interpreting services have existed for many years, they often require scheduling in advance or rely on outdated devices that can create additional barriers. There is a need for access to interpreting in real-time, particularly in everyday situations like retail stores, airports, or banks. Aira’s platform eliminates these challenges by connecting users directly to ASL interpreters through a secure, on-demand app, providing immediate and flexible communication support.

Our technology is unique because it facilitates seamless, direct connections between users and service providers. Just as blind and low-vision users have benefitted from on-demand visual interpreting, we believe the Deaf Community can greatly benefit from this new solution, filling a much-needed gap in the accessibility space.

Will this change how I use Aira as a Blind or Low-Vision Explorer?

No, this will not affect your current Aira experience. The services for blind and low-vision Explorers will remain the same, with the same high standards of quality and care. Aira ASL is a separate app, operated by a different team of interpreters, so you’ll see no changes to the way you currently use Aira.

Why Aira? Why Now?

At Aira, we believe access is a human right. On-demand interpreting is a critical public accommodation that has the potential to revolutionize access for the Deaf Community. With this new app, Aira is broadening our impact on the accessibility landscape, and strengthening our ability to provide access for all. Through Aira ASL, we will bring interpreting services to places where access is limited or nonexistent today.

How does Aira ASL work?

Aira ASL allows Deaf users to connect with an ASL interpreter via the Aira ASL app. Using the phone’s front-facing camera, microphone, and speaker, individuals can either prop up their device or hold it in one hand while signing with the other. The interpreter will then facilitate communication by signing what is spoken through the microphone and voicing what is signed through the camera.

When will Aira ASL be available?

Aira ASL will be launching the week of October 21 as a separate app, and available initially as part of several pilot programs. This solution is being implemented quickly, using Aira’s existing platform to address the gap in on-demand ASL interpreting. Stay tuned for more information as we approach the launch!

https://aira.io/aira-asl-on-demand-interpreting-for-the-deaf-community/

David Goldfield,

Blindness Assistive Technology Specialist

If you need help using your assistive technology learn about my training services by visiting

WWW.ScreenReaderTraining.com <http://www.screenreadertraining.com/> 

Am Yisrael Chai

The Nation of Israel Lives!

JAWS Certified, 2022 <https://www.freedomscientific.com/Training/Certification/> 

NVDA Certified Expert <https://certification.nvaccess.org/> 

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