The Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities convened on June 13, 2025, to discuss various initiatives aimed at improving accessibility and support for individuals with disabilities in Austin. The meeting featured presentations from local organizations and updates on ongoing projects.

The session began with Joseph from Convo Communications, who introduced "Convo Access," a new program designed to provide instant access to interpreters for the deaf community in Austin. This service allows users to scan a QR code to connect with an interpreter via their phones, facilitating communication with city employees and public services. Joseph highlighted the success of similar implementations in New York City and expressed a desire to collaborate with the city of Austin to enhance accessibility for its deaf residents.

Following this, Raelene Gomes from the Austin Lighthouse for the Blind shared insights into the organization's mission to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired. She emphasized the importance of removing barriers to mobility, such as broken sidewalks and unsafe street crossings, which can hinder independence. Raelene offered the Austin Lighthouse as a resource for the committee and expressed eagerness to partner on future projects.

Melinda Crockham from the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities provided updates on several initiatives, including monthly digital accessibility meetups and an upcoming art contest for Texas artists with disabilities. She encouraged submissions for the contest, which closes on June 30, and announced the call for nominations for the Lex Bridal Employment Awards, recognizing excellence in disability employment practices. The nomination period runs until July 15, with the awards ceremony scheduled for October.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of Deafblind Awareness Week, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and supporting individuals who are deafblind.

Overall, the committee's discussions underscored a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all Austinites, with plans for continued collaboration and resource sharing among local organizations. The next steps include further discussions on potential partnerships and initiatives to enhance accessibility in the city.