I Sign at Home
There is only one question which counts our Deaf community and those who sign on the Census. We wanted to make sure that everyone is aware of this, and knows how to answer it.
Question 21 asks “What language do you use at home?”
If you use Auslan at home, it’s important that you include it in your answer. Select “Yes, other” and write “Auslan”.
Even if you use both English and Auslan at home, you should still include Auslan. This applies to Deaf people, CODAs, parents of Deaf children, or anyone who regularly uses Auslan at home, including with a partner, family member or housemate.
Together, we can make sure the Census accurately counted Auslan users, making our Deaf community more visible across Australia.
Download 'I Sign @ Home' social media tile here
What is the Census
The Census is a nationwide count of every person and household in Australia, conducted every five years by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The form asks questions about demographics (languages used, age, ancestry, birthplace), living situations, income, and education.
Census data is vital for planning and funding Australia’s future. Government bodies, local councils, and community organisations all use Census data to decide how billions of dollars in Government funding are allocated. It also informs decisions on where to build essential infrastructure like hospitals, schools, and roads.
The more accurately our Deaf community is represented in the Census, the more we can be considered when important funding decisions are made.
Learn MoreInformation Sessions
We partnered with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to host information sessions about the Census across Australia and online.
These sessions covered why the Census matters, how to participate, and how to correctly fill it out.
There was an ABS representative at each session to answer questions.
Sessions were free to attend, with an interpreter provided.
2026 Census Information Session | Adelaide
- Monday 27 July 2026
- 11-12:30pm
Deaf Connect has partnered with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to host Auslan-interpreted information sessions about the 2026 Census. Meet with an ABS representative to answer your questions about the 2026 Census.
Sessions cover:
– why the Census matters
– how to participate
– how to correctly fill out the census
The Census takes place on 11 August 2026, so come along and get prepared. Free event. No RSVP required for in-person sessions.
2026 Census Information Session | Canberra
- Tuesday 28 July 2026
- 10:30-12pm
Deaf Connect has partnered with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to host Auslan-interpreted information sessions about the 2026 Census. Meet with an ABS representative to answer your questions about the 2026 Census.
Sessions cover:
– why the Census matters
– how to participate
– how to correctly fill out the census
The Census takes place on 11 August 2026, so come along and get prepared. Free event. No RSVP required for in-person sessions.
2026 Census Information Session | Paramatta
- Thursday 30 July 2026
- 6-7:30pm
Deaf Connect has partnered with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to host Auslan-interpreted information sessions about the 2026 Census. Meet with an ABS representative to answer your questions about the 2026 Census.
Sessions cover:
– why the Census matters
– how to participate
– how to correctly fill out the census
The Census takes place on 11 August 2026, so come along and get prepared. Free event. No RSVP required for in-person sessions.
2026 Census Information Session | Darwin
- Thursday 30 July 2026
- 2-3:30pm
Deaf Connect has partnered with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to host Auslan-interpreted information sessions about the 2026 Census. Meet with an ABS representative to answer your questions about the 2026 Census.
Sessions cover:
– why the Census matters
– how to participate
– how to correctly fill out the census
The Census takes place on 11 August 2026, so come along and get prepared. Free event. No RSVP required for in-person sessions.
Thursday 30 July 2026, 2-3:30pm
Location:
Deaf Connect Office
Harry Giese, Building
Suite 2/1 Willeroo St
Tiwi, NT 0810
2026 Census Information Session | Online
- Tuesday 4 August 2026
- 6-7:30pm
Deaf Connect has partnered with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to host Auslan-interpreted information sessions about the 2026 Census. Meet with an ABS representative to answer your questions about the 2026 Census.
Sessions cover:
– why the Census matters
– how to participate
– how to correctly fill out the census
The Census takes place on 11 August 2026, so come along and get prepared. Free event. No RSVP required for in-person sessions.
Tuesday 4 August, 6-7:30pm | Online: Webinar Registration – Zoom
2026 Census Information Session | Melbourne
- Wednesday 5 August 2026
- 10:30-12pm
Deaf Connect has partnered with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to host Auslan-interpreted information sessions about the 2026 Census. Meet with an ABS representative to answer your questions about the 2026 Census.
Sessions cover:
– why the Census matters
– how to participate
– how to correctly fill out the census
The Census takes place on 11 August 2026, so come along and get prepared. Free event. No RSVP required for in-person sessions.
Wednesday 5 August, 10:30-12pm
Location:
Deaf Connect
Level 6 /250 Victoria Parade
Fitzroy VIC 3002
2026 Census Information Session | Hobart
- Thursday 6 August 2026
- 10:30-12pm
Deaf Connect has partnered with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to host Auslan-interpreted information sessions about the 2026 Census. Meet with an ABS representative to answer your questions about the 2026 Census.
Sessions cover:
– why the Census matters
– how to participate
– how to correctly fill out the census
The Census takes place on 11 August 2026, so come along and get prepared. Free event. No RSVP required for in-person sessions.
Thursday 6 August, 10:30-12pm
Location:
Carlyle Hotel
232 Main Road
Derwent Park, TAS, 7009
2026 Census Information Session | Perth
- Thursday 6 August 2026
- 6-7:30pm
Deaf Connect has partnered with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to host Auslan-interpreted information sessions about the 2026 Census. Meet with an ABS representative to answer your questions about the 2026 Census.
Sessions cover:
– why the Census matters
– how to participate
– how to correctly fill out the census
The Census takes place on 11 August 2026, so come along and get prepared. Free event. No RSVP required for in-person sessions.
Thursday 6 August 2026, 6-7:30pm
Location:
Deaf Connect
44A Kings Park Rd
West Perth WA 6005
2026 Census Information Session | Brisbane
- Friday 7 August 2026
- 10:30-12pm
Deaf Connect has partnered with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to host Auslan-interpreted information sessions about the 2026 Census. Meet with an ABS representative to answer your questions about the 2026 Census.
Sessions cover:
– why the Census matters
– how to participate
– how to correctly fill out the census
The Census takes place on 11 August 2026, so come along and get prepared. Free event. No RSVP required for in-person sessions.
Friday 7 August 2026, 10:30-12pm
Location:
Deaf Connect
Level 5/88 Tribune St
South Brisbane QLD 4101
FAQs
What is the Census?
- Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics counts every person and household in Australia. This is called the Census of Population and Housing. The next Census is on Tuesday 11 August 2026.
- The Census form asks questions about your age, country of birth, cultural background, living situation, work and education.
- Everyone in Australia on Census night must be included on a Census form, and you have to answer every question.
How do I do the Census?
- There are instructions in Auslan on how to do the Census.
- You will get a letter sent to your home with the link to do the Census online. You can also use this link.
Who should write: Auslan
- Anyone who uses Auslan regularly at home can write in “Auslan.”
- This applies to Deaf people, CODAs, parents of Deaf children, people who are not Deaf that use Auslan as their preferred method of communication, hard of hearing people, hearing people that use Auslan with their partners and/or housemates.
Does everyone in my home need to fill out the Census?
- Only one person in the household completes the form for the Census, but you need to fill it out for everyone in the home. This means every single person physically present in the house on Census night must be included and counted on that household form.
How does it affect Deaf communities?
- Census data plays an important role in counting how many people use Auslan in Australia, therefore informing the Government of how funding should be allocated towards our Deaf community.
- By ensuring Auslan users are accurately counted in the Census, we’re building the evidence needed to inform decision-making, shape government policy and secure greater recognition for the Deaf community into the future.
Why must Auslan be counted?
- By writing Auslan as your answer to question 21, we can all play a part in helping the Government get a more accurate count of Auslan users in Australia. This will shape how funding is allocated in the future, and the more people who write Auslan means more funding for services and organisations that benefit our community.
What if I'm not home on Census night?
- If you are not home on Census night (Tuesday, 11 August 2026), you must complete a Census form where you sleep that night, mark yourself as away on your home’s form, or do nothing if you are overseas.
Should I be worried about cyber security?
- You can access the Census through this link, or through your MyGov account. Be aware that because everyone has to do the Census on the 11th of August, there might be texts or emails which you get that are scams looking to access your personal details. Make sure you are on the official Census website, and double check all links and communications before entering your personal details.
Accessing the Census in Auslan
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have Auslan translated resources available to support d/Deaf people and Auslan users including:
- 2026 Census Auslan video factsheet
- Census instructions and introduction
- Census Household Form questions by number
Watch the Auslan Resources