We acknowledge and respect the members of the Deaf Community in Australia, who preserve their rich heritage, culture and language, Auslan (Australian Sign Language). We also acknowledge the custodians of Auslan, who promote awareness, equality and access through sign language. Through Auslan, we inspire future leaders in the Deaf community to continue this legacy and heritage.

The Deaf Community in Australia has sought recognition and acknowledgement for their key role in preserving, promoting and inspiring the culture, language and identities of Deaf people.

Deaf people are present in every culture and society, including Indigenous Australians who had well-developed sign systems before European settlement. The first recorded deaf European-born migrant in Australia was Elizabeth (Betty) Steel, who arrived on the Second Fleet as a convict in 1790.

Since then, many Australians, including Aboriginal people and migrants, have contributed to every part of Australian society, helping make Australia one of the most diverse nations in the world.

Through Deaf people, many businesses have prospered economically and financially. Services advocated by and for Deaf people have also benefited the broader Australian community. Deaf people have raised awareness of the value of their community, their sense of belonging and identity, and their pursuit of opportunity, self-determination and a fair go within the wider community.

“The statement acknowledges and respects the past and present members of the Deaf community who have, and will continue to, endure the legacy of the Deaf Community and marks the importance of dignity, self-worth and identity,” said Mr Todd Wright, Chairperson of Deaf Australia.

The members of the Deaf Community formally endorsed this Deaf Acknowledgement statement at the Deaf Australia Annual General Meeting in 2018.