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BEGINNER CLASSES

Introduction to Auslan 1

Introduction to Auslan 1 is designed for people with no previous language skill or knowledge of Auslan.

You will learn basic skills to communicate with Deaf people in Auslan on a range of topics that involve simple, everyday language.

The beginner courses are easy, fun, informal and relaxed and is delivered both face to face and online.

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Auslan teacher in class with students

ENROLMENT INFORMATION

CURRENT ENROLMENT STATUS

Term 1, 2026
enrolments

OPEN
FEES & COSTS

Full Fee: $248.00 including GST 

Concession Fee: $211.00* including GST

 

NEXT ENROLMENT INTAKE

Classes are offered four times a year.

Term 1, 2026
enrolments open in
November 2025

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KEY INFORMATION

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By the end of Introduction to Auslan 1, students will be able to:

  • Greet others and introduce yourself
  • Give and request personal details such as phone numbers and addresses
  • Count in Auslan
  • Fingerspell in Auslan
  • Ask and answer simple questions (using “who”, “what”, “when”, “where”, etc.)
  • Communicate practical vocabulary including colours, days of the week and family
  • Express agreement and disagreement
  • Use visual-gestural communication strategies
  • Identify the Deaf Community
  • Explain effective ways of communicating with deaf people.

You are not required to prepare before you start your first class.

However you will still be required to have access to the internet to access your student resources online. There may be some printing required to participate the in-class activities with your peers.

Please ensure to bring a notebook and pen to every class in case you need to write notes.

There are 3 different options for class delivery:

  1. Face-to-face (8 weeks)
  2. Guided online classes (8 weeks)
  3. Auslan Intensive classes (4 days, face-to-face)

In extenuating circumstances, the class may be moved online (Zoom). This will only occur in the event where participants or staff may be at risk. For example: weather anomalies.

This course is taught by a Deaf tutor and is a voice-off environment. By establishing a voice-off ensuring this will provide the participant with full immersion. No interpreters will be provided throughout the duration of the classes.

Our face-to-face and guided online classes are an 8 week course. Classes run once a week.

Our Auslan Intensive course is a face-to-face course delivery over 4 half days.

In the event where a face to face or online class needs to be cancelled the course can be extended by 1 week to make up for the missed class.

To be eligible to receive a certificate you are required to attend 6 out of 8 classes.

You need to have access to the following:

  • Laptop or desktop computer with reliable internet connection
  • PDF reader (download PDF reader for free)
  • Access to Moodle – instructions will be provided prior to the commencement of the course
  • Access to printer and scanner – If you are not familiar with document editing
  • Pen and notepad

For Online classes, you will require:

  • a computer/laptop
  • an inbuilt camera or webcam
  • have reliable internet connection
  • You will not be able to access the class with a phone or tablet

Note: Our Learning Management System (Moodle) is not easily accessible from smart phones or tablets and is best accessed on a laptop or desktop computer. Due to the way our courses are structured, the Moodle App for either Apple or Android is not suitable for studying Deaf Connect courses. You are at risk of not seeing all learning materials in full when attempting to access them via a mobile phone or tablet.

Email is the primary means by which we will contact you about your course.

When enrolling, please double check your email address is entered correctly.

Please monitor your junk folder for emails from the Beginner Auslan team and if you do not receive an email about your course by at least the day before the scheduled start date, please contact us at [email protected].

Full price = $248.00 including GST.

Concession price = $211.00* including GST.

*Centrelink recipients, seniors card holders and full time students at a recognised institution are accepted.

As part of our commitment to transparency and ensuring a smooth enrolment process, all students must confirm they have read and agreed to our Terms and Conditions. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions here before proceeding with your enrolment.

This course can be funded using your NDIS plan.

Learning Auslan must be connected to the disability in your NDIS plan.

Your NDIS plan should state a goal of learning Auslan or improving communication.

All you need to do is get in touch with our team by emailing [email protected] and we’ll send you a service agreement to sign.

The NDIS line item number this will be charged against is 03_089_0121_1_1.  Cost $225.45 GST exempt.

If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you can enrol in this course.

If you are 16 or 17 years of age and enrol in a ITA1 or ITA2 course, you will be contacted via email from the Beginner Auslan team to obtain confirmation from the parents or legal guardian of enrolment.

Deaf Connect does not accept people under 16 years of age to enrol in Beginner Auslan classes.

If you need additional information, support, or would like to enquire about accessibility accommodations such as wheelchair accessibility at our venues, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

What are the different levels of Beginner Auslan Classes and what will I learn?
We offer 2 levels of Beginner Auslan Classes:

  1. Introduction to Auslan 1 (ITA1)
    Introduction to Auslan 1 is designed for people with no previous language skill or knowledge of Auslan. You will learn basic skills to communicate with Deaf people in Auslan on a range of topics, including:
    • Greet others and introduce yourself
    • Give and request personal details such as phone numbers and addresses
    • Counting in Auslan
    • Fingerspell in Auslan
    • Ask and answer simple questions (using “who”, “what”, “when”, “where”, etc.)
    • Communicate practical vocabulary including colours, days of the week and family
    • Express agreement and disagreement
    • Use visual-gestural communication strategies
    • Identify the Deaf Community
    • Explain effective ways of communicating with Deaf people

2. Introduction to Auslan 2 (ITA2)
Introduction to Auslan 2 is designed to build on the skills and knowledge learnt in the Introduction course. You will learn:

    • Grammatical structure and the culture of the Deaf community
    • Talk in more detail about holidays, the weather and the seasons
    • Talk about everyday life including work and family
    • Talk about hobbies, interests and other activities
    • Use non-manual features to express yourself
    • Use more advanced visual-gestural communication strategies

Who will be teaching my class?
All our face to face and online Beginner Auslan classes are taught by a Deaf tutor.

Are there any pre-requisites to consider before enrolling in Beginner Auslan classes?

  • The Introduction to Auslan 1 (ITA1) is designed for people with no previous language skill or knowledge of Auslan.
  • Introduction to Auslan 2 (ITA2) has a pre-requisite of completion of Introduction to Auslan 1 or prior Auslan experience.

Do you get a certificate at the end of the course?
Yes, absolutely. To be eligible to receive a participation statement you are required to attend 6 out of the 8 classes. Bearing in mind that our beginner classes are non-accredited.

What happens if my class is cancelled?
In the event where a face to face or online class needs to be cancelled the course can be extended by 1 week to make up for the missed class.

What resources do I get as part of the online course?
Each week you get access to a brand-new video with all the signs for the week, plus a live online class with a Deaf teacher where you will practice your Auslan skills for 1-2 hours. You will be in a small, live class through Zoom, interacting with your peers and tutor. You will need a laptop or desktop computer so that you can see everything clearly. Please note you are unable to use phones or tablets.

After the course is finished, do I still have access to Moodle for the content for refreshing and reference?
No, once you have completed the online course your access to Moodle will be removed.

Which Online class should I enrol into?

If enrolling in an online class, please make note these class times have been adjusted to reflect daylight savings time and are listed in the correct time zones for each state. For NT students, you may enrol in any of the QLD classes and join at 6:00pm NT time, or join the SA class at 5:30pm NT time.

GET IN TOUCH

Not sure where to start? Check out our FAQs here.

For all beginner class enquiries, email us via the below form and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

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BEGINNER CLASSES

Introduction to Auslan 1, Introduction to Auslan 2, and Sign Online Beginner Auslan Classes are delivered by Deaf Connect. All content on this website related to these classes is the intellectual property of Deaf Connect. Unauthorised use or reproduction of any materials is prohibited.

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