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.

There are 3 different options for class delivery: face-to-face (8 weeks), guided online classes (8 weeks), and 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.

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.

Full price = $239.00 including GST.

Concession price = $203.00* including GST.

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

Funding through NDIS

This course can be funded using your NDIS plan. 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 $217.27 GST exempt.

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 full 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.

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 accessability accommodations such as wheelchair accessibility at our venues, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

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

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

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].

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.

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

*  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.

You will learn:

• 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

*  Introduction to Auslan 2 (ITA2)
Introduction to Auslan 2 is designed to build on the skills and knowledge learnt in the Introduction course.

• 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.

What is the cost of the courses?

• ITA1 / ITA2 – $239 inc. GST and $203 for Concession

How long will the course go for?

• ITA1 / ITA2 – 8-week course (each weekly lesson is 2hrs long)

Can I use my NDIS funding to pay for the Beginner Auslan class?
Yes, absolutely you can. If you wish to use your NDIS funding, please email our Beginner Auslan team on [email protected] to gain further information. You won’t be able to register and pay for the Beginner Auslan class via the website.

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.

Is there a minimum age to enrol in a Beginner Auslan class?
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.

Communications relating to the Beginner Auslan classes?
When enrolling, please double check your email address is entered correctly.  Email is the primary means by which we will contact you about your course. Please monitor your junk folder for emails from Deaf Connect and if you do not receive an email about your course by at least the day before the scheduled start date, please contact us.

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 classmates and teacher. 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.

What are the technology requirements for an online course?
In order to attend the online classes, you 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

What do I bring to classes?
For online classes, you can have a notebook and pen handy to take notes if needed.

After course 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.