Mayor's Committee for People with DisabilitiesJuly 11, 2025

Item #3: Introducing CONVO Access to the City of Austin — original pdf

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Introducing Convo Access to The City of Austin Real-time, user-led access for Austin’s Deaf community Meet Convo Convo is a Deaf-owned access partner, helping cities make real-time inclusion effortless — for every resident, every moment. We empower Deaf communities with intuitive, on-demand sign language interpreting in 10 languages across 5 countries — all led by Deaf leadership. With over 18 million conversations facilitated, Convo is trusted by 400+ agencies, transit systems, libraries, and public offices globally. We work with cities to expand access, reduce interpreting costs, and strengthen public trust — while supporting full ADA compliance. The Problem Many Deaf residents still face barriers when trying to connect with city services. From City Hall counters to transit hubs and libraries, access often depends on: ● Pre-booking an interpreter days in advance ● Minimum-hour charges for short interactions ● Staff who are unsure how to help in the moment These delays don’t just frustrate residents — they create real access gaps, increased costs, and missed opportunities for connection. Access shouldn’t be delayed. It should start when someone’s ready. Our products Convo Access for customers Convo Access puts instant communication in the hands of your Deaf residents — no sign-up, no app download, no waiting. By scanning a QR code with their own device, they connect directly to a live interpreter — in seconds. No hardware. No setup. No scheduling. You can place Convo Access anywhere residents ask questions — at city counters, libraries, bus terminals, police stations, and more. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Customer scans QR code on their device Requests an interpreter Starts a conversation Our services Employees Guide to Convo Access We make it just as easy for your staff. Every Convo Access deployment includes clear, visual guides that help employees: ● ● ● Understand how the QR code works Know what to say and do when someone scans Build confidence supporting Deaf users in real time Orientation takes minutes — and helps your team provide better, faster service with less effort. Convo Access Convo Access puts control where it belongs — in the hands of Deaf residents. They connect in real time, when they choose, wherever they are — with no wait, no setup, and no gatekeepers. This isn’t just easier. It’s a shift in how cities deliver access. Benefits to City of Austin Convo Access helps the City of Austin become more inclusive, more efficient, and more trusted — from day one. Promotes real-time accessibility for Deaf residents and visitors Cuts administrative time and access costs — with no setup fees or equipment needed Strengthens ADA compliance and community trust Reduces reliance on in-person interpreters and high hourly minimums Plus: Transparent metrics at your fingertips. Convo provides detailed QR Code usage reports — including scan counts, session lengths, and engagement trends — helping you track access impact with clarity. Opportunity Empower Deaf and hard-of-hearing residents to navigate city life with confidence — starting with one simple QR scan. This is Austin’s opportunity to set a new standard: Access that’s instant, inclusive, and built for the way people actually move through public space. Case study: Metropolitan Transportation Authority Convo Access is already transforming access in the largest transit system in the U.S. 20+ high-traffic transit locations across NYC ● ● ● 94% activation rate within the first 3 months 40% reduction in communication-related transaction time Faster resolution of rider questions, fewer staff handoffs “Today was a complete 180. I actually feel like I can see the MTA in a new light. I’d be happy to interact with their staff again when I need help.” — Deaf rider at Times Square Station Let’s Launch Access Together Co-branding Deployment Training Logos, signage, visual assets tailored for City of Austin QR kits + reporting dashboard, installed in priority locations Staff guide, onboarding materials, 24/7 support Scalable. Supported. Ready to Launch. Simple Deployment ● QR kits for counters, walls, or staff lanyards ● ● Go live in one week Staff guides in ASL and English Ongoing Support ● ● 24/7 Partner Success team Real-time reporting: scans, session time, trends Built to Scale No hardware or installs ● ● Minimal training, fast adoption Proven Partner ● ● 15+ years of 24/7 interpreting Trusted by 400+ agencies globally Effortless for your team. Instant for the public. What’s Next We’d love to launch a pilot with the City of Austin. Next Step: Let’s schedule a short walkthrough or site visit — we’ll bring a demo kit and map out your priority locations. Goal: Deploy Convo Access at key public sites (City Hall, transit, libraries, police stations) within 1 week of approval. Includes: Full support, training materials, and transparent usage reporting — at no cost to launch. We’re ready when you are. Let’s unlock access together. Let’s continue the conversation We're here to answer any questions and explore the next steps of accessibility with City of Austin Joseph Tsai Account Executive joseph.tsai@convorelay.com