In celebration of International Accessibility Day in May, Eastgate Shopping Centre in Johannesburg has announced a collaboration with Convo South Africa to improve accessibility for its community.
Through this partnership, Eastgate says it now provides on-demand access to South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreters at customer service points across the centre.
Deaf and hard-of-hearing shoppers are able to scan QR codes displayed at these points to connect with an interpreter via video call. The service is quick, intuitive and offered at no cost to the customer. Marking a meaningful step in the centre’s drive to offer a more inclusive shopping experience, the initiative is now live, says the centre.
“Inclusivity should not be an afterthought,” says Saadiyah Kahn, General Manager at Eastgate Shopping Centre. “We’ve been looking closely at how we can better accommodate shoppers with varying needs, and this partnership with Convo is an important first move. We are committed to ensuring every customer feels seen, understood and respected.”
Inclusive Technology for Diverse Needs
Convo also provides interpreting and communication solutions that are accessible via smartphones, laptops and tablets. The service supports South African Sign Language and spoken languages, including English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu and Sesotho, ensuring a wide range of users can engage on their own terms, says Eastgate.
For Eastgate, integrating this innovative technology is a step towards shaping an environment where communication barriers are actively removed. The rollout also signals the need to rethink how public spaces can better serve all members of the community, concludes the centre.
For more information, visit www.eastgateshops.com. You can also follow Eastgate Shopping Centre on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor
