What is Auslan Day?
Auslan Day celebrates the rich history, culture, community and language of the Australian Deaf community by honouring the date of first publication of the Auslan dictionary.
To learn more about Auslan Day including;
- Why we celebrate
- How it was established
- How to celebrate
What is Auslan?
Auslan is the language of the Australian Deaf Community. Auslan is a portmanteau, a word made up by combining the words Australian Sign Language.
Did you know that Auslan or Australian Sign Language has been used in Australia since the 1900s. Whilst it is hard to pinpoint the date when Auslan was first used, there is evidence of signing Deaf people in Australia going back to 1820s.
What is Auslan Flyer
Introducing the Sign Name Project
Deaf Connect is proud to launch the Sign Name Project for Auslan Day. For many months we have been collecting videos of those in the Deaf community sharing their sign name and the story behind it. We have over 120 videos from members of the community – a great start!
Got serious FOMO and want to add your sign name / name sign to our gallery? Click here and fill out an EOI form – we’ll be in touch and let you know how you can be involved.
Sign Name Project
Use our Auslan GIFs!
To celebrate Auslan Day, we have created some Auslan GIFs that you can use across social media via GIPHY.com.
These GIFs can be used anywhere on Social Media via GIPHY.com.
Do you have some suggestions of more Auslan GIFs we should make, let us know by emailing marketing@deafconnect.org.au. We will continue to grow this collection throughout the year and want your feedback!
View the Deaf Connect Auslan GIFs
Download our Auslan Bookmark and Poster
We have created a Bookmark and poster that you can download and print complete with the Auslan alphabet to help you practice your Auslan fingerspelling.
Download our Fingerspelling Bookmark Here
Download our Fingerspelling Poster Here
Auslan Day Events
Join some of our events happening to celebrate Auslan Day including:
- Auslan Taster Classes
- Sign Time Events (Brisbane and Gold Coast)
- Townsville Morning Tea
- Cairns Afternoon Tea
Carol shares her Auslan story
Auslan Day in the community – Meet Carol from Cairns. We sat down with some of our community on Auslan Day to talk about Australian Sign Language. Here is what Carol had to say.
Trevor and Marcia Share their stories
Auslan Day in the community – Meet Trevor and Marcia from Sydney. We sat down with some of our community on Auslan Day to talk about Australian Sign Language. Here is what Trevor and Marcia had to say.
