Your Space, Your Culture
Deaf Space Report
What is Deaf Space
Deaf Space is more than buildings — it’s belonging.
This national report captures the views of 450+ Deaf Australians on creating spaces that are Deaf-led, inclusive, and rich in culture.
It covers physical, mobile, and digital spaces, and calls for a stronger focus on culture, digital connections, and diverse identities.
Download the report today and explore the highlights in our videos below.
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Auslan Playlist
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What is Deaf Space
Deaf Space can be anywhere — at a festival, a café, or even online! Deaf Space can be where Deaf people come together, to share, celebrate Deaf culture and to shape spaces that work for us.
Deaf Space can appear in different ways — all shaped by connection, culture, and community.
Let’s break down the different between DeafSpace: a design philosophy by Gallaudet University, and Deaf Space: a concept of the space Deaf people naturally build and develop wherever they are.
DeafSpace (one word) refers to a specific architectural design philosophy incorporating Deaf cultural and sensory needs into the built environment. DeafSpace is a registered service mark of Gallaudet University.
In contrast, Deaf Space (two separate words) can refer more generally to any physical, virtual or hybrid spaces where Deaf people gather, interact or create community, without necessarily incorporating DeafSpace design principles.
Many Deaf people find belonging through faith or cultural identity. This could be a Deaf-led church, a mosque with Auslan access, or a First Nations Deaf gathering on Country.
To truly support belonging, these spaces must respect cultural protocols, provide proper language access, and be led by community members. Meaningful Deaf Space is shaped by shared stories, values, and relationships, not just by location.
Deaf Space is more than a place. It is where Deaf culture is shared and passed on through language, identity, and stories.
Whether through signing, art, or simply being together, it creates space for connection and learning. In the past, Deaf communities made sure Deaf children had access to role models and education. Today, that connection is still needed.
Deaf Space is where people share advice, talk about work, and pass on everyday knowledge that hearing people often learn informally. It is also where Deaf storytelling, poetry, and art thrive. Deaf Space helps people grow up connected and proud.
Placemaking refers to the process in which Deaf community members take the initiative to change a space to suit their needs.
For example, at Gallaudet Deaf Indigenous artists led exhibitions by choosing themes, sharing their own artwork, and holding a healing ceremony to honour history. This is Deaf-led placemaking: when Deaf people shape the space, not just use it. They decide what goes in it, how it feels, and whose stories are told. That is how a space becomes truly ours. Not just accessible, but meaningful.
Around the world, Deaf communities are creating strong and sustainable spaces. Ireland’s Deaf Village blends services, culture, and business, while Toronto’s Deaf Cultural Centre in Canada focuses on arts and heritage.
In Australia, we can learn from these examples, but local solutions must be tailored to each community. Some places may need permanent centres, while others might benefit more from mobile hubs or digital spaces. Pop-up events can also help build visibility in emerging communities.
No single model works everywhere, but all should be Deaf-led and shaped by local culture, language, and leadership for long-term success.
Kusters et al. (2024) defined the Deaf Mental Map as a map that acted as a guiding beacon for Deaf people past and present.
Places on the Map were places Deaf people knew about, visited regularly or told other people about. Deaf schools and Deaf clubs were a part of the Deaf Mental Map. When travelling, Deaf people often visited these locations to connect with local Deaf communities.
Today, the Deaf Mental Map continues to evolve. Deaf people now meet in pubs, cafés and temporary Deaf events. In Australia, the modern Deaf Mental Map is also shaped by major Deaf events, such as sports competitions, festivals and Deaflympics, where knowledge about past and upcoming gatherings is shared within the community.
Deaf Space is not just physical – it's online too.
Zoom groups, WhatsApp, Deaf TikTok, and webinars have helped Deaf people stay connected, especially in regional areas. But not everyone can access these spaces equally.
Digital literacy matters. That means knowing how to use apps, turn on captions, join events, and feel confident navigating online spaces. Without support, some Deaf people are left out. And Deaf culture must be more than visible – it must lead.
The report shares how Deaf youth use social media to advocate, share sign language stories, and create online Deaf spaces that feel real – not just accessible, but culturally Deaf.
AI can help – by sharing updates, mapping Deaf events, and supporting online Deaf storytelling. Because Deaf Space online should be somewhere we belong – not just somewhere we log in.
DeafSpace Principles
‘DeafSpace’ is different to Deaf Space.
DeafSpace design is about creating places that support how Deaf people communicate and interact. Based on over 150 ideas from Gallaudet University, these principles focus on visual connection and comfort.
- Features like sitting in circles help everyone see and join in.
- Wide hallways allow clear sightlines, and gentle corners reduce disruptions during conversation.
- Soft lighting, open views, and reflections help people stay aware of their surroundings.
These design choices reduce visual barriers and make spaces easier for everyone to use. DeafSpace is a way to build smarter, more inclusive environments that benefit the whole community.
Images courtesy of Gallaudet University
Youth and Elders: Different Generations, Shared Needs
Deaf youth need places where they can grow, lead, and meet others like them.
Deaf elders need spaces where their stories, language, and wisdom are respected and valued.
What connects both groups is the need for Deaf-led spaces where identity is built and shared across generations.
Spaces with a Deaf heart help kids learn, and elders feel they still belong.
Building Deaf Space
Not every space where sign language is used feels the same. Deaf Spaces are led by Deaf people and centred on Deaf culture — places where Auslan is part of the environment and no explanations are needed.
Auslan Spaces bring Deaf and hearing people together through signing, supporting connection, though Deaf people may adjust how they sign. Accessible Spaces, such as captioned movies or interpreted events, are often designed for hearing audiences with access added in.
The community shared that each of these plays an important role.
Deaf Space is about feeling seen, safe, and connected. It is where Deaf people can be themselves, where language flows and culture is celebrated. But belonging is not automatic. Not every Deaf person feels included in every space.
A Deaf migrant woman, a Deaf-Disabled person, or a Deaf queer young person may experience the same space very differently. Many places still reflect limited norms that don’t meet everyone’s needs.
True Deaf Spaces are Deaf-led, accessible, culturally safe, and reflect all our diverse identities and experiences. That is real belonging.
Deaf Space are places where Deaf people feel at home, where sign language Deaf people feel at home, where sign language flows, culture is understood, and Deaf leadership is strong. Hearing people are often part of these spaces as friends, family, professionals, or Auslan learners.
When hearing people listen, learn, and respect Deaf ways of being, they become great allies. However, hearing norms can sometimes take over, like when spoken language is used more than Auslan or when hearing professionals lead without Deaf input.
Deaf Space is shaped by Deaf people, and hearing allies can support by making room for Deaf leadership and including Deaf voices in decisions. This is true inclusion.
Key Takeaways
Community Consultations
Deaf people consulted across Australia between February - March 2025
Darwin, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Hobart, Brisbane, Cairns, and Adelaide
including D/deaf, Deafblind, Deaf-disabled, and hard of Hearing people
How We Did This
Between February and March 2025, we spoke with over 450 deaf people across Australia – through focus groups, surveys, interviews, and First Nations-led sessions.
We asked: What makes a good Deaf Space? What are the barriers? How do we build strong Deaf spaces?
This report brings your views together – to show what Deaf Space means to our communities.
Consultation and Survey Data
Five clear priorities for Deaf Space emerged through our surveys and consultations of those with lived experience.
The Future of Deaf Space
Deaf Space can thrive in everyday public settings when Deaf people are part of the planning and leadership.
Imagine a Deaf-owned coffee van that becomes a hub for community and conversation, or an art exhibition that showcases Deaf artists and creates space for connection and visibility. We can use public spaces with purpose — and create places where Deaf culture is seen, valued, and shared. Beyond inclusion, including Deaf people in public spaces brings wider benefits for wellbeing, learning, and community connection.
Deaf Leadership and Community Capacity Building
The community made it clear that Deaf Spaces thrive when Deaf people lead. But leadership needs support. Training, mentoring, and genuine decision-making power are all essential. Deaf-led spaces are often treated as optional, but they are not extras; they are essential. When Deaf people are trusted to lead in areas like governance, education, and design, the whole community benefits. That is how we create strong, lasting Deaf Spaces.
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GET IN TOUCH
Have a question or want to find out how you can be a part of the future of Deaf Space? Get in touch using this form or by emailing [email protected]
Acknowledgement of Deaf People and the Community
Deaf Connect celebrates Auslan and recognise all Deaf leaders in Australia who have advocated for Deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities. We are proud of everyone’s contribution, whether big or small, in preserving our language, community and culture.
Deaf Space Report
Last Updated Aug 2025
Deaf Connect acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this
