International Day of Sign Languages: Insights from the Deaf community
Today is the International Day of Sign Languages.
Australian Sign Language or Auslan is the distinct language of the Australian Deaf community. We took the opportunity to gain insights from the Deaf community to be more inclusive in our work as an organisation.
A special thanks to our Senior Consultant, Alice Aguera, who has studied Auslan and been involved with the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Alice helped us connect with and better understand perspectives from the Deaf community.
We asked a few questions and gained valuable perspective about how we can all be more inclusive:
Q: What are ways we can be more inclusive towards people who are Deaf and hard of hearing? What should hearing people do, and not do when interacting with them?
Hearing people should not assume that Deaf are not independent and need help with interpreting. For example, if you notice a Deaf person ordering at a cafe, wait for them to ask before assisting.
Shouting doesn’t help, and lipreading is exhausting. Clear articulation and visual cues are more effective, and often it’s better to write things down – whether through your phone or with pen and paper – or use sign language if possible.
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are not a miracle fix – there is still some level of hearing loss with these devices.
Do not ask Deaf people to teach rude signs – take an Auslan course if you really want to know!
Q: What are misconceptions people tend to have about the Deaf community and sign language?
Many Deaf people see deafness not as a disability, but as a cultural and linguistic identity. They are proud members of the Deaf community, and many do not see the need to be ‘fixed’.
All sign languages are not the same. Each one is unique, just as spoken languages are different from one another. There are different dialects all around Australia, different countries have different sign languages and no one is the same, although some are similar.
Q: What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to start learning Auslan?
Deaf Connect (deafconnect.org.au)
Offers beginner Auslan courses that run for 8 weeks, as well as more in-depth accredited Auslan courses that run for 6 months with assessments, language, linguistics and Deaf culture theories)
TAFE courses
Look into TAFE (technical and further education) institutions in your state for formal Auslan Level 1 or Level 2 courses
Tutoring apps
Auslan and sign language apps are also available to learn in your own time, but be mindful that these are not always accurate. It is best to learn from Deaf trainers/teachers
