Committee votes to explore QR-code on-demand sign-language service after Convo presentation

The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities on July 11 voted to recommend that the City Council explore implementing a QR-code, on-demand sign-language interpreting service after hearing a presentation from Convo, a deaf-owned interpreting company.

Joseph Tsai, representing Convo, described a product called Convo Access: QR codes placed at front desks and public counters that allow a deaf or hard-of-hearing person to scan with a smartphone and connect immediately to a live interpreter. “It truly is that easy,” Tsai said during his presentation.

Why it matters: Committee members described repeated communication barriers at police stations, libraries, hospitals and other public-facing sites. Presenters and committee members said an on-demand system could reduce delays tied to scheduling interpreters or relying on pen-and-paper exchanges.

Presentation and evidence cited Tsai said Convo operates in five countries and supports multiple sign languages. He described a New York MTA pilot in which QR codes were installed across transit locations; the company reported an activation rate that rose to 94% across 20 locations within three months and a 40% reduction in communication-related transaction time. Tsai said Convo provides usage reports to host organizations and 24/7 access to interpreters.

Committee questions Commissioners asked several operational questions: Commissioner Murphy asked when the MTA partnership began and how activation was measured; Tsai said the partnership started in February and that activation is measured by scans and platform use at the pilot locations. Commissioner Chang asked about anticipated annual cost for a city the size of Austin; Tsai said pricing is negotiable and recommended a pilot before pricing discussions.

Motion and amendment Commissioner Gabriel Arellano moved that the committee recommend the city adopt Convo Access for public-facing sites, citing police stations, libraries and museums. After discussion about cost and procurement, the committee amended the motion to recommend that City Council explore implementation (language changed to ask the council to “explore the implementation of Convo Access”). The amended recommendation passed (vote by voice/hand; approval recorded in minutes). Committee members asked Convo to pursue vendor registration and offered to help connect the company to likely city contacts.

Next steps and caveats The committee’s recommendation asks City Council to consider a pilot and to evaluate procurement, privacy and cybersecurity details. Tsai offered to bring technical staff to answer cybersecurity questions if requested. Committee members emphasized that cost estimates, pilot scope and procurement steps are required before adoption.

Ending The committee approved the amended recommendation to send to City Council and requested follow-up information about pilot design and cost estimates before any procurement action.