Access to Work (AtW) is one of the most powerful tools we in the UK have to support deaf professionals. It’s far more than a funding scheme — it’s an enabler of equity, a driver of stability, and a practical way to break down barriers in the workplace. At Convo (formerly SignLive), we see its impact every day.
AtW gives deaf professionals the ability to participate fully in their jobs. With Convo’s interpreting services, people can connect instantly with a BSL interpreter — no advance booking, no long waits, no complicated setup. That means a deaf employee can join a last-minute meeting, make a phone call, or resolve an urgent issue at the same pace as their hearing colleagues. Access becomes part of the workflow, not a disruption to it.
Predictability is another part of the picture. AtW packages offer fixed monthly support, helping deaf professionals plan with confidence and ensuring interpreters are available when they’re needed. This stability reduces stress for users while also creating a more reliable working environment for interpreters, who can build consistent relationships with the people they support.
Convo has been designed to make the process as smooth as possible. Our platform tracks usage in real time, simplifies claim management, and helps employers get onboarded quickly. Deaf professionals can focus on their work instead of paperwork, and companies don’t have to struggle with admin barriers. It’s practical, fast, and designed to work hand-in-hand with AtW.
But we also know the reality: AtW currently has a massive backlog. Too many deaf professionals are left waiting months for their cases to be approved. At Convo, we don’t believe access should ever be on hold. That’s why we provide complimentary minutes so individuals can get started from day one — not day 90. Work can’t wait, and neither should access.
The impact is best seen in real lives. A deaf engineer uses Convo’s interpreting services to manage on-site safety meetings, keeping projects moving without delay. A retail manager runs daily team briefings with confidence, instead of waiting for scheduled support. And a young graduate entering their first office job told us: “Without AtW and Convo, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to apply.”
One story stands out in particular. A deaf professional spent years in a frontline role but was overlooked for promotion time and again. The barrier wasn’t skill or ambition — it was access. Once AtW funding was in place, he was finally able to have conversations with his manager, take part in training, and contribute on equal terms. Today, he is a manager himself. That journey, from being held back to leading a team, shows the true power of AtW in action.
We also recognise that AtW is under review by the government. Change is on the horizon, and it’s vital that the scheme continues to put deaf professionals at the centre. That’s why we stand alongside organisations like SignHealth in calling for a system that is fair, transparent, and focused on removing barriers rather than creating new ones. Any reform must strengthen, not weaken, the support that allows deaf people to thrive at work.
At its core, AtW is not just about funding minutes or covering interpreter costs — it’s about equity. It ensures that deaf professionals can contribute their skills on equal terms, across every industry and role. By reducing barriers, AtW strengthens the entire workforce and helps create a more inclusive economy.
In short, AtW empowers deaf professionals to own their place at work, and Convo makes that access seamless. Together, we’re not just enabling conversations — we’re leveling the playing field.
- Steph Lotz, General Manager of Convo UK
