MTA Announces Convo Access Pilot Program for Live ASL Interpretation at Subway, Metro-North, and LIRR Stations

Pilot Launched Through the Transit Tech Lab to Transform How Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Riders Use the Transit System
See Photos of Today’s Event
See Video of Today’s Event
See B-Roll and Video Demonstration of Convo Access Pilot
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced a pilot program to connect people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing with an instant and on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter while using the transit system. Convo Access is a mobile smartphone and web-based application that allows users to scan a QR code, connect with a live interpreter and chat with an MTA employee about service changes, payment, or anything regarding their journey.
The pilot, which is free to use for all customers, was initially deployed at Penn Station, Times Square, and Port Authority. Those locations achieved a 94% activation rate, with users reporting enhanced personal connections and more natural interactions with transit staff. The deployment follows a successful initial Transit Tech Lab proof of concept. The Transit Tech Lab is a public-private initiative created by the MTA and the Partnership Fund for New York City to make New York transit more accessible, responsive, and efficient.
“Delivering a solution for customers who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing to have direct communications with MTA employees is a great enhancement to the customer experience,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo.” This Pilot is going to redefine how we engage with our customers and allow us to explore new best practices ensuring equal access for all our customers throughout the MTA.”
“Convo Access is more than a tool – employees and riders will be able to greet each other and have conversations beyond directions and train times,” said Convo CEO Jarrod Musano. “Together with our partners at MTA, we’re creating a transit system where everyone feels empowered and welcomed.”
“This pilot with the MTA, along with the broader testing of the service across the region with the Port Authority and New Jersey Transit, is an exciting step towards improving service for Deaf and hard-of-hearing transit riders,” said Senior Vice President of Innovation at the Partnership for New York City Stacey Matlen. “This work is yet another example of how we can use technology to provide New Yorkers with essential government services more effectively and efficiently. We are proud of how Convo and the other companies from last year’s Transit Tech Lab’s Customer Experience challenge are creating a better and more communicative transit system.”
Convo Access will be at the following locations:
click convo


click pcac news letter
We’re seeking your input on which stations to prioritize for accessibility improvements over the next five years!
The proposed 2025-2029 Capital Plan identified an initial 30 stations, and we plan to make at least an additional 30 stations accessible.
Learn more and fill out the short form:
CLICK ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENT
Executive Budget HearingsActing Commissioner Baer Testifies on Governor Hochul’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budge

Rate Rationalization for Providers = Better Pay for Direct Support StaffResidential and day service providers licensed by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) recently received rate readjustments that were included in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget. The recent adjustments were retroactive to July 1, 2024. The hope is that with these new rates, providers will be able to offer more competitive wages for frontline workers, ensuring better retention and fewer staffing vacancies.”OPWDD is pleased to be able to release these significant rate adjustments that will help our service providers continue to maintain critical supports and recruit and retain talented and qualified frontline staff,” said Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Acting Commissioner Willow Baer. “I am proud of this important investment and am excited to see this funding passed along to address long-standing concerns and strengthen this vital workforce.”
This most recent State investment, combined with additional federal funding, will provide more than $400 million in new resources each year for OPWDD’s service providers. Read Governor Hochul’s announcement.
DD Council Budget Briefing
BOTH FRIDAY fEBRUARY 14 10AM TO 11AM ZOOM Meeting ID: 659 959 7245 PasscodE 163879
EVERY WELCOME ATTEND
GOVERNOR HOCHUL UPDATES
CLICK STATE OF THE STATE
NEW YORK STATE BUDGETS 2026
CLICK NYS BUDGETS
CLICK BUDGETS BOOK 2026
Please join me for a New York State Budget Forum via Zoom. Pre-Registration is required to testify:https://tinyurl.com/BudgetSignUp2025
I look forward to seeing you there
THE STATE BUDGET The Governor has proposed a 2.1% increase BUT That Does Not Keep Up with the Cost of Living We Need The Legislature To Include Money In Their Budgets To Make A Difference NYDA, the coalition of not-for-profit providers is asking to INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN THE FINAL BUDGETInvestment in I/DD services through a 7.8% Medicaid rate increase to stabilize non-profit provider agencies.Creation of a Wage Commission to examine the roles and responsibilities of human service workers and establish fair, sustainable compensation standards commensurate with that work.Enhanced Capital Funding to help agencies modernize their operations, making them more energy-efficient and in alignment with the state’s climate goals.Contact Your NEW YORK STATE Legislators Find Them Here : https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/USE THE 1-CLICK ADVOCACY TOOLSONCE A DAY, EVERY DAY! You Can Tell Your Story or use what is provided NYDA: https://nydisabilityadvocates.com/advocate/ CP OF NYS: https://cpstate.org/advocacy/ ARC OF NY: https://p2a.co/qyu3oor |

Click Here For Dates & Schedule For Submitting Testimony
Governor Hochul’s Proposed Budget was Announced Tuesday! What’s In It For People With IDD?2.1% Trend OPWDD Managed Care Statute Extender PurposeRead Budget Briefing Book Page 109 |
Preliminary Analysis From: IAC & CP |
Dear Friends and Colleagues, I’m excited to share some of the exciting initiatives announced earlier today as part of Governor Hochul’s annual State of the State address for 2025 that will impact people with developmental disabilities: Closing health equity gaps –The creation of Regional Health Clinics through capital grants awarded by OPWDD will enhance access to health services for people with developmental disabilities. Additionally, the implementation of new school programs to support students with mental health concerns, improved access to dental care, and free SUNY tuition for adults pursuing a career in nursing, will all help close health equity gaps in New York. Increasing employment opportunities – Expanding tax credits for businesses that hire people with disabilities will build on the State’s work toward making New York an Employment First State for people with disabilities. Modernizing research and memorializing our history – Modernizing and enhancing the capacity of the Institute for Basic Research and reimagining a Center for Learning on the former Willowbrook State School property are huge steps toward recognizing the campus’s historical significance on the developmental disabilities service system in New York and nationwide.As you know, the annual State of the State kicks off the Executive Budget process and I look forward to working with all of you in addressing and elevating issues important to New Yorkers with developmental disabilities.Sincerely, Willow Baer Acting Commissioner |
A Message from Acting Commissioner Willow Baer on Governor Hochul’s State of the State Address |
THE STATE BUDGET The Governor has proposed a 2.1% increase BUT That Does Not Keep Up with the Cost of Living We Need The Legislature To Include Money In Their Budgets To Make A Difference NYDA, the coalition of not-for-profit providers is asking to INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN THE FINAL BUDGETInvestment in I/DD services through a 7.8% Medicaid rate increase to stabilize non-profit provider agencies.Creation of a Wage Commission to examine the roles and responsibilities of human service workers and establish fair, sustainable compensation standards commensurate with that work.Enhanced Capital Funding to help agencies modernize their operations, making them more energy-efficient and in alignment with the state’s climate goals.Contact Your NEW YORK STATE Legislators Find Them Here : https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/USE THE 1-CLICK ADVOCACY TOOLSONCE A DAY, EVERY DAY! You Can Tell Your Story or use what is provided NYDA: https://nydisabilityadvocates.com/advocate/ CP OF NYS: https://cpstate.org/advocacy/ ARC OF NY: https://p2a.co/qyu3oor |
HALF OF EVERY DOLLAR SPENT ON SERVICES IS PAID BY MEDICAID
WE MUST PROTECT MEDICAID TO PROTECT PEOPLE WITH IDD
WE CAN DO SOMETHING
Contact Your Federal Legislators
HALF OF EVERY DOLLAR SPENT ON SERVICES IS PAID BY MEDICAIDWE MUST PROTECT MEDICAID TO PROTECT PEOPLE WITH IDDWE CAN DO SOMETHING Contact Your Federal LegislatorsThis resource provides the tools you need to engage effectively with your lawmakers. In this Advocacy Toolkit, you’ll find practical guidance on how to connect with elected officials in your district, write persuasive op-eds and letters to the editor, effectively communicate advocacy priorities and issues, engage on social media, and more. https://www.ancor.org/advocacy/toolkit/ CLICK HERE to access ARC US |

Executive Budget Overview
CP State has prepared highlights of the Governor’s state Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026 budget proposal for OPWDD, DOH, SED, OMH, and other items of interest to our field.
The OPWDD section includes some additional detail that was provided at Thursday’s OPWDD budget briefing with various stakeholders. It was a very positive OPWDD budget briefing as there is a significant investment of new funding for nonprofit providers, staff and the people we support.
OPWDD remarks of interest included:
- The Governor’s $252 billion budget focuses on families and affordability which will “benefit our DSPs and workers in our field.”
- There is a $4.3Billion increase in overall Medicaid spending in the OPWDD budget due to a cash transfer of more than $2B in spending from the DOH budget to OPWDD budget (therefore shows 50% increase)— this is not additional funding, just different accounting procedure for the local share of Medicaid being transferred to OPWDD
- OPWDD Spending increased by $374 M over last year for a total of $5.5B (7.3% increase) state share. With all funds, there is $13.3 Billion overall for the OPWDD delivery system.
- There is an historic $850M investment for the 7/1/24 rate rebasing and OPWDD has the “expectation that this will provide significant DSP wage increases.”
We will now turn our advocacy to the Legislature to urge them to build upon what the Governor has proposed – especially a 7.8% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII).
CP Affiliates can contact Barbara Crosier at [email protected] with any questions.
RelatedOPWDD Announces $850 Million Dollar Investment in New York’s Developmental Disability Service Providers |
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities today announced the release of updated reimbursement rates for non-profit residential and day service providers licensed by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The rates, included in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget, are retroactive to July 1, 2024. With the new rates, providers will be able to offer more competitive wages for frontline workers, ensuring better retention and fewer staffing vacancies.The enacted Budget provided State resources to update provider reimbursement rates, a process known as rate rebasing, effective July 1.![]() |
This State investment, combined with additional federal funding, will provide more than $400 million in new resources each year for OPWDD’s service providers. Rate rebasing is a federally required process where provider reimbursement rates are updated to reflect changes in the actual cost of delivering services.Read the full release at opwdd.ny.gov. |
Feel free to contact the following elected officials to share your thoughts:
parks health housing DISABILITIES day hab transportation contact
Gov Hochul: 518-474-8390
Lt Gov Delgado: 518-402-2292
State Senator Jackson: 518-455-2041
Assembly member Taylor: 518-455-5491
U.S. Representative Espaillat: 212-497-5959
City council member De La Rosa: 212-788-7053
What you can do:
1 call Schumer’s office at 202-224-6542
2 call your congressman, state legislators, and city councilmembers every day
3 go on YOUR ELECTED OFFICALS PAGES
Special Announcement: New Resource Available Now!


Unveiling the Newly Redesigned New York Housing Resource Center (NYHRC) |
With funding from the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation is unveiling the newly redesigned New York Housing Resource Center website. This website focuses on non-certified housing options for people with Developmental Disabilities (DD). The goal is to educate people with DD, their family members and caregivers about available housing information and the wide range of non-certified housing choices. The site is user-friendly, with easy navigation options and ADA-compliant accessibility features designed for people with and without disabilities. Over 300 housing-related resources covering 45 different topic areas are available on the new site in various formats, including podcasts, written materials, and videos. |
ACCESSIBILITY UPGRADES
We’re seeking your input on which stations to prioritize for accessibility improvements over the next five years!
The proposed 2025-2029 Capital Plan identified an initial 30 stations, and we plan to make at least an additional 30 stations accessible.
Learn more and fill out the short form:
Help us select stations for accessibility upgrades

https://congestionreliefzone.mta.info/














Do you receive NYS public benefits? SNAP, Temporary Assistance or Cash Assistance, homeless shelter, utility/rental assistance, or SSI? We’d like to know what works for you. Please take a few minutes to take the survey; your identity will remain anonymous: https://on.nyc.gov/4eDvTI2

Reduced-Fare OMNY cards are here!
Introducing the Reduced-Fare OMNY Card – your ticket to convenient, affordable transportation across New York City! Read on to learn more about switching over to OMNY and register for our webinar on all things Reduced-Fare OMNY on December 20.
If you currently have a Reduced-Fare MetroCard, you can expect to automatically receive a new Reduced-Fare OMNY Card in the mail in December or January.
Once you have received your new card, you can add value and tap to pay half price anytime at:
- Subway turnstiles
- Local, limited, or Select buses
- Off-peak express buses
- Staten Island Railway
- Hudson Rail Link
- Roosevelt Island Tram
Your new Reduced-Fare OMNY card has the same benefits as a MetroCard: You get the same free subway-to-bus and bus-to-bus transfers as before, and you can refill it at OMNY card vending machines in subway stations.
There are also new benefits:
- Earn free rides when you ride a lot: Tap the same card for 12 rides within seven days and any additional rides within the seven days are automatically free. That means you won’t spend more than $17 in a week. (Note: taps on express buses and AirTrain JFK don’t count toward free rides.)
- Add value to your card online or set your card to refill automatically with a free, optional OMNY account. Your account also lets you see how close you are to earning free weekly rides. Visit omny.info to set up an account and link your card.
Your Reduced-Fare MetroCard will work until the expiration date printed on the back. We recommend you continue swiping to use up any remaining value on your MetroCard, and then start tapping with your OMNY card. Check out this video to learn more about the Reduced-Fare OMNY card.
If you are not enrolled in the MTA’s Reduced-Fare program or have previously used a temporary Reduced-Fare MetroCard, we encourage you to sign up today! You can apply in person at our Customer Service Center at 3 Stone St in Lower Manhattan or by mail. Visit our website to learn more about how to apply.
If you have questions about your card, call OMNY customer service at 877-789-6669 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, or from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
The Central Business District Tolling Program received final approval from the federal government.On November 22, the federal government provided all necessary approvals for the Congestion Relief Zone toll to begin on January 5, 2025. Visit our website to read the NEPA Re-evaluation and the Value Pricing Pilot Program agreement. |
Sign up for Congestion Relief Zone tolling webinars
Learn about the tolling program before it goes into effect on January 5
The MTA is hosting eight public webinars during the first three weeks of December where people can learn about Congestion Relief Zone tolling.
The 60-minute webinars will explain how the Congestion Relief Zone works, how the program benefits the region, discounts and exemptions, and what people need to know before tolling begins on Sunday, January 5. The sessions will also feature a Q&A. There will be one public webinar with a focus on the Individual Disability Exemption Plan (IDEP) and another on the Low-Income Discount Plan (LIDP).
Participants must register online prior to the start of the session(s) they wish to attend. Use these links to register for a session:
- Pricing and the Individual Disability Exemption Plan (IDEP). This webinar will be on Monday, December 23 at 6pm. Sign up for the webinar now and submit any questions.
The MTA Accessibility team will be hosting another webinar focused on Congestion Pricing and the . Sign up for the webinar now and submit any questions.
Participants are invited to submit questions in advance of the webinars through the registration link. View answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Congestion Relief Zone tolling.
Starting on January 5, 2025, vehicles will be tolled to enter the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan—local streets and avenues at or below 60 Street excluding the FDR Drive, West Side Highway/Route 9A, and the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connections to West Street. The toll amount will depend on the type of vehicle, time of day, whether any crossing credits apply, and the method of payment. Learn more about toll rates.
Make sure your current license plate is linked to your E-ZPass account to get the lower toll rate and any applicable crossing credits, discounts and exemptions when entering the Congestion Relief Zone. Learn more about discounts and exemptions.
For more information on the program, visit our Congestion Relief Zone tolling website.
MTA Releases Proposed 2025-2029 Capital Plan
$68.4 Billion Plan is the Largest State of Good Repair Investment in MTA History, With More Than 90% Dedicated to Rebuilding and Improving the System
Priorities include Order of 2,000 Railcars, More than 60 Newly Accessible Stations, and Modern Fare Gates at 150 Stations
Infrastructure Investments to Upgrade Outdated Power Systems, Rebuild 100-Year-Old Shops, and Rehabilitate Structures like the Grand Central Artery
Funding for Interborough Express Construction
View 2025-2029 Capital Plan
View Video of News Conference
View Photos of News Conference
View Maps of Planned Investments in New York City & Throughout the Region
View Introductory Video to Capital Plan,
full information
click mta capital 2025 2029
MTA To Hold Public Open Houses on the 2025 – 2029 Capital Plan
First Open House at Grand Central Terminal on Oct. 21
Read the 2025 – 2029 Capital Plan
View Introductory Video to Capital Plan, ‘The Future Rides With Us’
PATH – Proposed Fare Reduction for Qualifying Disabled Riders
register proposed Port Authority public hearing
“I applaud both Governor Hochul and Governor Murphy for taking the initiative to offer a reduced PATH fare for people with disabilities,” said New York state Chief Disability Officer Kimberly Hill. “This lower cost will enable New York’s disability community more access to reliable and convenient transportation.”
“Access to transportation is an issue that many New Yorkers with disabilities have struggled with for years,” said New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Acting Commissioner Willow Baer. “The reduced fare for the PATH system proposed by Governor Hochul will provide affordable access to reliable and accessible transportation for New Yorkers with disabilities who commute between New York and New Jersey.”

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