Welcome

Deaf Australia is the Deaf-led peak organisation representing Deaf* people in Australia.

*Deaf represents all culturally Deaf and hard of hearing people

Who We Are

Our History

Our Purpose

What We Do

About Deaf Australia

Deaf Australia is a Deaf-led advocacy and information organisation in Australia representing all Deaf, Deafblind, hard-of-hearing people and others who use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as their language of preference. 

Background of Deaf Australia

Deaf Australia was founded in 1986 as a not-for-profit organisation that represents all Deaf, hard of hearing people and others who are fluent and knowledgeable about Auslan.

Our Vision, Mission & Values

Deaf Australia’s mission and vision guides us in striving to ensure every deaf person as citizens in Australia has the right to full participation in their communities with Auslan as the preferred choice of language.

Our Projects

Deaf Australia’s projects are aligned with our core mission and values. We collaborate with governments, stakeholders and other sectors where needed in order to support compliance with the UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

Advocacy

Deaf Australia actively advocates for the Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing community on a nationwide basis with governments, industry and service providers.

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Campaigns

Campaigning is one of the essential features of Deaf Australia. Come and have a look at what we're currently campaigning on.

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Deaf Ecosystem

Here at Deaf Australia, we provide information through a variety of formats including webinars, vodcasts, workshops and skill-share videos.

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Disability Royal Commission

Advocacy, support and information are made available in Auslan to support, engage, and promote the DRC to Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing people, their families and supporters.

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Dot Shaw Competition

This writer’s competition is in memory of Dot Shaw, one of the original founders of the Australian Association of the Deaf (now Deaf Australia).

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The Colin Allen AM Lecture

The Colin Allen AM Lecture is hosted by Deaf Australia on an annual basis. The theme of the lecture must align with Colin’s passions and commitment to chosen causes.

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Our Auslan Shop is here!

We offer some exciting products for our Deaf Community. You can use it for learning or leisure purposes. The Auslan Shop will be expanding with new products over time. 

Have a question about Auslan Shop?

You will find answers to commonly asked questions here. If you have any further queries, please email [email protected]

Our Updates

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First Nations Acknowledgement

English Text

Deaf Australia acknowledges that sovereignty was never ceded, and we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the many nations of Australia, and their strong connection to land, water and community. 

Deaf Australia respects elders past and current, and extends this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

Deaf Australia acknowledges and respects Indigenous Sign Languages as a vital contribution to the rich diversity of languages all over Australia and supports its revitalisation

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Deaf Acknowledgement

English Text

We acknowledge and respect the members of the Deaf Community in Australia, who preserve their rich heritage, culture and our language; Auslan (Australian Sign Language). We also acknowledge our custodians of Auslan, promoting awareness, equality and access through our sign language. Through Auslan, we inspire future leaders in our deaf community to continue our legacy and heritage.

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