Published on: 21st September 2026
September 21, 2026. Deaf Connect invites Australians to celebrate National Week of Deaf People (NWDP) 2026, from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 September.
To mark this important week, we are hosting multiple events across Australia, as well as launching toolkits to help businesses and schools increase Deaf awareness.
Deaf Connect CEO Brett Casey said the organisation is using National Week of Deaf People 2026 to bring the Deaf community together through events, while encouraging mainstream society to embrace Auslan and Deaf inclusion.
“We’re excited to bring our community together through a series of events across the country, giving Deaf Australians, allies and the wider public the chance to connect in a Deaf Space,” Mr Casey said.
“National Week of Deaf People is also an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on what our public services, businesses and communities can do to create a more inclusive nation.
“During this important week, Deaf Connect is launching information packs for schools and businesses. These toolkits provide inclusive communication tips for workplaces, and Auslan learning activities to engage children in the classroom. Whether it’s making an organisation more accessible to Deaf customers, or teaching future generations Auslan, we’re asking everyone to get involved.”
Deaf Connect Community Engagement Coordinator, Chris Parker, stated that the local events provide a space for Deaf community members to connect and share their Deaf pride.
“To me, NWDP is a reminder of why we come together as a Deaf community. Life gets busy, but this week gives us the chance to reconnect, celebrate our culture, language and identity,” Mr Parker said.
“NWDP is a wonderful opportunity for the wider community to learn more about Deaf culture and connect with Deaf people. By creating opportunities to come together, we can build understanding, break down barriers and create a more inclusive society. Who knows – your first Auslan sign might be the start of a lifelong connection.”
Deaf Connect’s National Week of Deaf People events are occurring in:
Adelaide: Deaf-led Tour of Adelaide Zoo, Sunday 20 September at 10:00am
Brisbane: Deaf-led Mime Performance for kids, Deaf Connect Southbank Office, Friday 25 September at 9:15am
Brisbane: Deaf-led Mime Performance for kids, Deaf Connect Southbank Office, Friday 25 September at 11:15am
Cairns: Art Workshop at Tanks Arts Centre, Sunday 20 September at 11:00am
Canberra: Art & Games Activity at Belconnen Library, Tuesday 29 September at 10:00am
Darwin: Games Night at Deaf Connect Darwin Office, Monday 21 September at 5:00pm
Melbourne: Activity with Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria at 107/139 Churchill Ave, Braybrook, Sunday 20 September at 10:00am
Perth: Kings Park – Everlasting Ideas 2026 Festival, Saturday 19 September
Sydney: Auslan Tour at Sydney Opera House, Monday 21 September at 2:00pm
Sydney: Auslan Tour at Sydney Opera House, Monday 21 September at 3:30pm
Tasmania: Deaf-led Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Tour, Wednesday 23 September at 2:00pm
Tasmania: Deaf Social Catch-Up at Black Buffalo, Wednesday 23 September at 5:00pm
Townsville: Deaf-led Street Art Walking Trail, 111 Flinders St Townsville City, Thursday 24 September at 2:00pm
Wollongong: Fire Rescue NSW Tour at Dapto Fire Station, Thursday 17 September at 10:00am
Media Opportunities:
For all media enquiries contact: Gabrielle Strosberg, Communications Team Leader: 0428 071 733 or [email protected]
Deaf Connect offers interpreting services for Auslan representation across all media.
Interviews and comment are available from Deaf Connect CEO, Brett Casey, and other community members upon request.
ABOUT DEAF CONNECT
Deaf Connect is a national not-for-profit organisation for Deaf Australians and those who communicate in Auslan (Australian Sign language). Our mission is to stand with Deaf Australians, build capacity and influence social change.
We are Australia’s largest employer of Deaf people and a national leader in Auslan interpreting and sign language education through our Registered Training Organisation (RTO Provider Number 41192). Our work is supported by fundraising generated through the Deaf Lottery.
ABOUT NATIONAL WEEK OF DEAF PEOPLE
National Week of Deaf People (NWDP) is a week-long national celebration of Deaf individuals and the Australian Deaf community. Each day in this week has a different theme. The 2026 themes include:
- Monday, 21 September 2026 | 20 Years of the CRPD and National Sign Languages
- Tuesday, 22 September 2026 | The Right to a Quality Multilingual Inclusive Education
- Wednesday, 23 September 2026 | Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights
- Thursday, 24 September 2026 | No Access Without National Sign Language
- Friday, 25 September 2026 | Nothing About Us Without Us
- Saturday, 26 September 2026 | Deaf Culture is a Human Right
- Sunday, 27 September 2026 | 75 Years of Human Rights
