ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Wegmans Food Markets announced today its now offering free access to on-demand American Sign Language interpreting at every location via the Aira ASL app. Any customer or employee at a Wegmans store can now connect instantly to a professional American Sign Language interpreter via the Aira ASL app.
Users can download the Aira ASL app, tap a button, and start a video call with a professional interpreter. Using the video and microphone capabilities of the caller’s mobile device, interpreters facilitate communication between Deaf and hearing people. During store hours, the service is available on-demand, with no scheduling or waiting for an interpreter.
With the addition of Aira ASL, Wegmans is building on a long history of providing on-demand interpreting services to customers. Since 2018, Wegmans has offered Aira Explorer, an app that connects blind and low vision callers with visual interpreters. Free access to both services means anyone at a Wegmans store can obtain the communication and visual assistance they require.
“At Wegmans, we are dedicated to delivering incredible customer service to every person who walks through our doors,” said Tracy Van Auker, director of community engagement and communication at Wegmans. “This collaboration enables us to better serve our Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers by providing them with an innovative way to communicate with our employees more efficiently.”
“Encountering communication barriers in high-detail interactions while grocery shopping can be time consuming and frustrating,” said Henri Grau, Director of Deaf Community Engagement at Aira. “Aira ASL at Wegmans means more efficiency with tasks like ordering a custom item at the bakery, getting help with locating a hard-to-find item, or discussing a product’s ingredients or preparation. We’re proud to be strengthening our relationship with Wegmans as they expand accessibility for all.”
Download Aira ASL for free in the iOS App Store, the Google Play Store, or use the desktop app.
