Celebrating Deaf Culture this Auslan Day

Today, 13 April, is a significant day for the Australian Deaf community!

Since 1989, Deaf Australians have come together each year on April 13 to mark Auslan Day – a milestone celebration of the first Australian Sign Language dictionary and honouring of Deaf language, culture, and heritage across the nation.

To mark Auslan Day 2026, Deaf Connect is hosting a range of events for Deaf people across the country – all made possible with funding from the Deaf Lottery.  

From interpreted gallery tours in Darwin, to bingo and afternoon tea in Adelaide, a tour of Kings Park in Perth, and both a community gathering and an interpreted planetarium show in Brisbane, it’s set to be a day to remember. 

How you can be part of Auslan Day 

Deaf Connect’s CEO Brett Casey recently shared how Auslan Day is a great opportunity for everyone to be more inclusive. 

“This Auslan Day, we’re inviting people to think about what inclusion looks like in practice. It could be a business becoming more Deaf aware, people enrolling in an Auslan course, or simply learning a few signs.” 

“Each year, more than 4,000 students learn Auslan through Deaf Connect. This growing number shows that Australians are increasingly utilising inclusive communication in their everyday lives. 

“By getting involved this Auslan Day, we can bring Deaf accessibility into every conversation.” 

Download the Resource Kit

Deaf Connect has produced an Auslan Day Resource Kit for anyone looking to celebrate this occasion, including schools, workplaces, and local community groups. The kit includes a printable poster, ready-to-post social tiles, an email banner, and tips for communicating with Deaf colleagues. 

There’s never been a better time to show up for Deaf Australians. 

Show your support today!