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About Deaf Australia

History & Achievements

Discover the history and achievements of Deaf Australia.

40 years of Deaf pride, progress, and advocacy

Deaf Australia has a proud history of Deaf-led advocacy, working since 1986 to advance rights, access, and recognition for Deaf people across Australia, while achieving major milestones in communication access, policy reform, and community leadership.

Our Team

Our History Timeline

2025

Deaf Australia Inc > Deaf Australia Limited

Deaf Australia Inc becomes Deaf Australia Limited.

2008

Auslan Shop is established

Deaf Australia establishes The Auslan Shop.

2002

Award Change

The AAD Deaf Achiever Award becomes the Deaf Australian of the Year Award.

2007

AAD > Deaf Australia Inc

AAD changes its name from Australian Association of the Deaf Inc. to Deaf Australia Inc. in November. The aim is to strengthen the profile of the organisation and the deaf community.

1999

Youth category is added to award

A youth category is added to the AAD Deaf Achiever Award.

1991

Achiever Award name change

The achiever award is changed to the Deaf Achiever Award in honour of Dorothy Shaw OAM. First winner is Nola Colefax OAM.

1989

Deaf Achiever Award is introduced

AAD introduces a Deaf Achiever award. Dorothy Shaw is the first winner.

1987

AAD incorporated in South Australia

Australian Association of the Deaf (AAD) is incorporated in South Australia.

1986

AAD forms

Australian Association of the Deaf (AAD) forms with its inaugural general meeting on 1st June with a Board of Directors elected from all over Australia.

Late 1930

AAAD collapses

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1932

New Motto

Australian Association for the Advancement of the Deaf(AAAD) is established, with the motto ‘Of the Deaf, by the Deaf, for the Deaf.’

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1903

ADDA founded

Australasian Deaf and Dumb Association (ADDA) is founded, with a publication called The Gesture.

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