12/04/2026
April 13 is Auslan Day! An initiative of Deaf Australia, this is a day to recognise and celebrate the preferred language, of many Deaf Australians as well as the rich history and culture of the Deaf community. Celebrating Auslan Day annually, also helps raise awareness and education amongst the wider community.
So, what is Auslan?
Auslan is a distinct and recognised language - the language of the Australian Deaf Community. The word Auslan is made up by taking some of the letters of each of the words Australian Sign Language and combining them. Au-S-Lan = Auslan
Australian Sign Language/Auslan has been used in Australia since the 1900s. It is difficult to identify the exact date when Auslan was first used, but there is there is evidence in Australia of Deaf people signing in Australia as far back as the 1820s.
Fun Fact - Sign Language is not a universal language. Just like any spoken language, sign language varies between countries and there are over 300 different sign languages that are used globally.
If you are interested in learning more, please head to https://deafconnect.org.au/