About Deaf Australia
Deaf Australia is the deaf-led peak organisation representing deaf people in Australia. We promote the advancement of human rights and equality for deaf people by collaborating with our members and stakeholders in implementing the United Nations Conventions and the National Disability Strategy.
Deaf Australia is for all deaf, hard of hearing and non-deaf people and organisations (not-for-profit, for profit or government) that use and/or accept and respect Auslan (Australian Sign Language).
Population of Sign Language users in Australia, based on National Censuses (source: Australian Bureau of Statistics):
- 2016 – 11,682
- 2011 – 9,723
- 2006 – 6,944
- 2001 – 5,306
Common issues and challenges (source: 2017 Survey):
- Access to communications and supports (e.g., caption, relay service and interpreters);
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS);
- Access to Auslan Programs and related supports (e.g., Auslan courses, interpreting services, and human supports);
- Assistive Technologies (and related supports, e.g. hearing aids);
- Education (e.g., accessible education, Teachers of the Deaf, Auslan curriculum);
- Human Rights (e.g., rights to use Auslan);
- Legal Issues and Justice (e.g., jury rights);
- Health (e.g., interpreters, awareness training)
Annual Reports
- 2019-20 Annual Report
- 2018-19 Annual Report
- 2017-18 Annual Report
- 2016-17 Annual Report
- 2015-16 Annual Report
- 2014-15 Annual Report
- 2013-14 Annual Report
Financial Reports
- 2019-20 Financial Report
- 2018-19 Financial Report
- 2017-18 Financial Report
- 2016-17 Financial Report
- 2015-16 Financial Report
- 2014-15 Financial Report
- 2013-14 Financial Report
Policies/ Position Papers
- Auslan (2010)
- Auslan Interpreter on Broadcast and Digital Network (2018)
- Early Intervention (2016)
- Education (2010)
- Interpreter in Courts (2011)
- Portrayal of Deaf people in the Media (2010)
- Provisioning of Accessible Emergency and Disaster Service (2018)
- Terminology (2010)
Reports/ Presentations
- Accessible Services for Deaf People who use Auslan in Hospitals and Health Services (2021)
- Issues and Challenges with Telehealth Services and Medical Services for Auslan users during Coronavirus (COVID-19) (2020)
- National Press Club – Address 21 August 2019 (Does Listening Help? The Impact of Deaf Children’s Literacy) (Video of National Press Club)
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (Community of Practice) (2019)
- National Disability Strategy (2017)
Joint Statements
- With ASLIA – Access to Information Relating to the COVID-19 Outbreak and Containment Efforts (March 2020)