Released 23/01/2025
As part of its commitment to providing ‘Access for All’, Access Canberra has again expanded its services to support Canberrans, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Access Canberra has commenced a 12-month trial of Auslan translation services at Service Centres.
The service will be provided by Convo Australia, a Deaf-owned company that provides on-demand Auslan video interpreting services.
Minister for City and Government Service, Tara Cheyne, said the new service complements a range of inclusive, accessible initiatives at Access Canberra Service Centres, including the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative, language diversity support, bookable appointments and a weekly quiet hour.
“In partnership with community and stakeholders we continue to look for ways we can further support Canberrans accessing government services,” Minister Cheyne said.
“This service has the ability to make interacting with government more inclusive and supportive for many in our community.”
Canberrans can use Convo by simply scanning a QR code using their own smart device, which connects them to an Auslan interpreter. The device is then positioned between the customer service officer and customer so the conversation can be interpreted in real-time.
Customers do not need to download an app or pay to use this service, supporting greater accessibility.
The service is now available in all Access Canberra Service Centres. Service Centre staff have also undertaken deafness awareness training, further supporting this initiative.
Quotes attributable to Louise Irvine, Secretary at DeafACT:
“Customers who use Auslan to communicate will greatly benefit from having video interpreting services available at Access Canberra. Using written English is very different to Auslan and can be a challenge for some Auslan users. This service supports customers by using their preferred method of communication.”
Quotes attributable to Todd Wright, Chief Executive Officer, Convo Australia:
“Our partnership with Access Canberra marks a transformative step forward for the Deaf community in the ACT. By offering instant access to Auslan interpreting through Convo Access, we can now connect with government services more independently and confidently than ever before. It’s a powerful example of how technology and inclusion can unlock opportunities and reshape lives.”
- Statement ends -
Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases