Auslan Day is celebrated annually on 13 April to recognize Australian Sign Language, its history, and deaf culture, marking the 1989 publication of the first Auslan dictionary.
(The date commemorates the 13th of April 1989, when the first Auslan dictionary was published. This milestone officially gave the language its name (an acronym for Australian Sign Language) and led to its recognition as a community language in 1991.)
Auslan is a visual form of language that relies on hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. Auslan is a complex and nuanced language that has its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary - it is not simply a visual representation of spoken English or any other spoken language.
Auslan is uniquely Australian. Just like different languages are spoken around the world, people who are deaf use different sign languages depending on where they come from (it's estimated there are 130 sign languages around the world).
Auslan Day is an annual celebration of the history, culture, and language of the Australian Deaf community and recognises Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as the preferred language of many Deaf Australians and highlights its importance in communication, inclusion, and cultural identity.
Auslan Day also provides an opportunity for the wider community to learn more about the language and to appreciate the richness and diversity of Deaf culture in Australia.
In 2026, events include community gatherings by
Deaf Connect, a campaign launching on April 13th, and special activities, with celebrations promoting inclusion and language awareness nationwide.
This year’s focus is to celebrate the history, culture, and language of the Australian Deaf community.
There is also a Digital Campaign - "My Auslan Story" video campaign launching 13 April 2026, on the Deaf Connect News page.
Organisations like
Deaf Connect and
Deaf Australia are hosting a variety of events across the country:
- Brisbane: A special Auslan-interpreted tour of the Cosmic Skydome shows at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium from 9:00 am – 10:30 am.
- Sydney: A Deaf-led art class in Parramatta guided by artist Angie Goto, from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm.
- Perth: A guided tour exploring native flora at Kings Park & Botanic Garden, meeting at 10:15 am.
- Darwin: Auslan-interpreted tours of Territory life and contemporary art exhibitions at the Museum & Art Gallery of the NT from 11:00 am – 1:45 pm.
- Adelaide: An afternoon of "Auslan Bingo" and afternoon tea at the Mile End office of Deaf Connect from 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm.
- Cairns: A morning on the Esplanade (opposite McKenzie St) to learn about Deaf dogs with Leone and "Hank the Deaf Dog" from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
- Melbourne: An "Art, Auslan and Activism" workshop in South Melbourne at 11:00 am focusing on creative mediums like collage and zines.
Businesses can download a free
Auslan Day Workplace Kit which includes posters, social media tiles, and tips for inclusive communication.
Educational Resources: Teachers can use themed resources from
Twinkl to teach the Auslan alphabet or simple signs in the classroom. Many schools have introduced the Auslan alphabet and teach basic signs as part of an evolving awareness program exploring why inclusive communication matters.
Teachers teach the Auslan alphabet, encourage students to practise simple signs, and incorporate Auslan into everyday classroom routines such as greetings or weather discussions. Schools may also choose to hold an assembly highlighting Deaf culture or support an Australian Deaf charity, helping students develop respect, empathy, and appreciation for the Australian Deaf community.
Auslan Day is a celebration for all! Whether you are a member of the Deaf community or not, there are many ways to participate in and honour this special day, and information is readily available on the net.
Sometimes you just have to see the “signs.”
Fun Facts about Auslan:
- To sign "Hello, my name is" in Auslan, wave your hand for "hello," touch your chest for "my," tap your forehead with two fingers for "name," then fingerspell your name. It is a visual language using hand shapes and facial expressions.
- Australian Sign Language Interpreter' Association - national peak body representing Auslan/English Interpreters and Deaf Interpreters. Services cost from approximately $110 per hour for face-to-face Auslan Interpretation, however there is often a minimum booking of 2-hours.
- With 38 hand shapes, and 28 variants, Auslan is a visual symphony.
"Auslan is a language that needs to make sense, visually.
"Sign language: The only time it’s polite to talk with your hands”
"More than just hand movements, Auslan is a language of the heart and mind"
"Turn your volume down and your vision up"
