Offering Accredited Auslan Courses to Teach Sign Language

An area where your contributions make a significant impact is by helping Deaf Connect to deliver Auslan classes to even more Australians. These classes promote communication, understanding, and a society that values inclusivity. By learning Auslan, students not only gain a new skill but also build stronger, more meaningful connections to the Deaf community. 

Sarah's Learning Journey 

Sarah is one of our students at Deaf Connect, who is completing her Certificate II in Auslan. Sarah's journey began in primary school when she first learnt how to fingerspell.  

Years later, while working in a pharmacy, she realised the importance of being able to communicate with her Deaf customers. “I wanted to be able to communicate with everyone who entered the pharmacy, so I decided to start an introductory class. I absolutely loved it,” she said.  

Learning Auslan opened new doors for Sarah, both professionally and personally. She now hopes to become an interpreter in the medical field, using her combined skill sets to make healthcare more accessible for the Deaf community.  

Sarah recalls a breakthrough moment during a Deaf Connect event for new and learning Auslan signers.

“I could communicate with [a Deaf person], they could communicate with me. The language had to be slowed down and simplified, but just the fact that I could hold a conversation was a great feeling."

For Sarah, Auslan is not just a language; it’s a way to make her communication more accessible. 

Teaching the Language of the Deaf Community 

Allan is an Auslan Trainer at Deaf Connect, and for him, teaching the language is not only a career—it’s a way to share his Deaf cultural identity. Allan plays a major role in helping students like Sarah build their confidence and proficiency in Auslan.  

He explains that learning Auslan can start with an eight-week introductory class, which provides the foundation for further studies and helps students gain confidence in basic communication. 

“It’s important for people to understand that Deaf and hard of hearing individuals have their own cultural identity. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing my students progress and become more confident in their signing abilities."

Learning Auslan is a great gateway to the Deaf community, and classes are a place where people come together, share experiences, and form connections. 

Why Your Support Matters 

Through your support of Deaf Connect and the Deaf Lottery, you’re helping to make these learning opportunities possible.  

Your generosity helps ensure that more people like Sarah, Allan and many others can continue their Auslan journeys and make a difference in their communities.