Wegmans Expands Partnership with Aira to Provide Free ASL Interpretation Services

ROCHESTER, NY – 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. 

About Wegmans 

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a regional supermarket chain with 114 stores located along the east coast. The family company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For?’ by Fortune? for 29 consecutive years, ranking #5 in 2026.

About Aira 

At Aira, we believe access to information is a human right. Aira breaks down accessibility barriers by providing on-demand video remote interpreting for both the blind and low vision community, and the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. People can download the Aira Explorer app or the Aira ASL app, and be instantly connected to a highly-trained professional interpreter. Available 24/7/365, interpreters work with callers to facilitate more efficient communication and accomplish tasks together. Aira’s services are offered by leading companies globally, and our commitment to accessibility has garnered substantial recognition including a 2025 Golden Apple Award from AppleVis. Aira is proud to be the leader in remote video interpreting and in delivering secure, on-demand, inclusive services that open doors to new opportunities for all. Learn more about Aira Access here.