Convo Access pilot

Connect with an Auslan interpreter on demand with Convo Access

The  University of Melbourne has partnered with Convo to provide students, staff and visitors who use Auslan with free access to on-demand, virtual Auslan interpreting.

This pilot project will run from 1st July to 31st December 2026 at a limited number of key service locations across our Parkville and Southbank campuses.

To connect with an Auslan interpreter, simply scan a Convo Access QR code. Within minutes, you'll be connected with an interpreter via your device's web browser.

You do not need an account, nor is any information about you collected. Convo Access is free for our University community.

To learn more about how to communicate with a Deaf or hard of hearing person using a Convo Access Auslan interpreter, you can read Convo's partners' guide.

Convo Access is designed to provide immediate interpreting support in situations where an in-person interpreter is not available or accessible. At the University, this is most likely to be when communication is quick, casual or unplanned. For example, if a student drops by Stop 1 to ask a question, or a staff member needs assistance at the library to find a resource. It might also be used when an interpreter is unavailable, cancels, arrives late, or needs to leave early.

For planned activities such as lectures, tutorials, scheduled meetings or events, and medical appointments, we recommend booking a qualified Auslan interpreter in advance. There are several services available that provide Auslan interpreting, including Auslan Services, Deaf Connect, and Echo Interpreting, amongst others. Pre-booking an interpreter gives you the opportunity to prepare the interpreter by providing them any important context, terminology or other information in advance. In-person interpreting remains the preferred option for extended, complex or recurring communication needs. Remember however that every person will have different needs and preferences. It’s always best to ask the person what method of interpreting they prefer.

During this pilot, Convo Access QR codes are only available at Parkville and Southbank campuses. You can find them at Stop 1, library help desks, and our health service and Counselling and Psychological Service (CAPS) locations.

QR codes are also at our museum and gallery sites -  Science Gallery Melbourne, Potter Museum of Art and Buxton Contemporary.

We'd love to hear your feedback. Please contact diversity-inclusion@unimelb.edu.au.

The pilot project is a trial of the Convo Access service at the University of Melbourne. If you would like to suggest other locations for future consideration, please send your suggestions to diversity-inclusion@unimelb.edu.au.