The app Aira, already available for free to help blind and visually impaired people navigate the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, can now also be used by the deaf and hard of hearing for American Sign Language translation.
“We’re proud to be the fourth airport in the country to make AiraASL available for travelers,” said Acting Airport Director Tom Malafronte.
AiraASL offers free, remote American Sign Language interpreting. After downloading the app and arriving at the airport, people can connect free of charge with a professional sign language interpreter. The interpreter will access the caller’s phone camera and speaker and act as a bridge with the hearing world.
This is similar to Aira Explorer, which connects someone with low vision via a video call with a live, professionally trained visual interpreter, who can guide the person through the airport. It has been available for free at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport for a few years.
No advance reservations are required.