By BEST Childcare Consulting
Each year in September, early childhood services have the opportunity to join the global celebration of the International Week of Deaf People. In 2025, the theme “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights” reminds us that communication is a fundamental right for every child. Embedding Auslan (Australian Sign Language) in early learning is not only inclusive practice — it is also a powerful way to demonstrate Exceeding quality across multiple areas of the National Quality Standard. From supporting early communication and wellbeing, to strengthening relationships, inclusion, and community partnerships, Auslan offers meaningful ways to bring the Exceeding themes of embedded practice, critical reflection, and meaningful engagement to life in your service.
What is National Week of Deaf People (NWDP)?
The International Week of Deaf People (NWDP) is a week‑long celebration in Australia that aligns with the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) and International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL)—initiatives of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). This week champions Deaf culture, sign language rights, community identity, and public awareness. It’s also an opportunity for allies—organisations, educators, governments—to engage with and support the Deaf community.
What does the theme “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights” mean?
The 2025 theme—No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights—asserts that sign language is indispensable for Deaf individuals to fully exercise their human rights. It underscores that without the right to access and use sign language, Deaf people may be excluded from fundamental freedoms such as communication, education, information, and participation. It places sign language rights within the broader universal human rights framework, echoing commitments like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Is Auslan Australia’s Official Sign Language?
Auslan (Australian Sign Language) is the language of the Australian Deaf community. It is formally recognised by the Australian Government as a community language and is protected under Disability Discrimination laws. Auslan is also included in the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census as a recognised language used at home.
While Auslan does not hold the same constitutional status as English, it is supported through national policy and legislation as the preferred language of the Australian Deaf community. This recognition ensures access to education, interpreting services, and public life, reinforcing the 2025 NWDP theme: “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights.”
Why It’s Important for Hearing Children to Learn Auslan?
Many people assume Auslan (Australian Sign Language) is “only for Deaf people.” In fact, it is also incredibly valuable for hearing children.
1. Develops Early Communication Skills
- Hearing toddlers often have limited spoken vocabulary before age 3–4.
- Using signs gives them a way to communicate earlier, reducing frustration and tantrums.
- Research shows babies and toddlers who sign often have stronger spoken vocabularies later, because they’ve been practicing the link between symbol and meaning.
2. Strengthens Cognitive Development
- Learning a second language, especially one in a different modality (visual vs spoken), builds flexible thinking and memory skills.
- It introduces children to the idea that there are many ways to communicate, boosting problem-solving and creativity.
3. Supports Social and Emotional Learning
- Auslan is rich in facial expression and body language, which helps children better recognise and interpret emotions.
- Signing fosters empathy, as children understand that not everyone communicates the same way.
4. Promotes Inclusion and Respect for Diversity
- When hearing children learn Auslan, they can welcome and include Deaf peers, ensuring no child is left out of play or learning.
- It models for all children that diversity in communication is not just accepted, but celebrated.
5. Improves Group Learning and Behaviour
- Educators can use Auslan signs in large groups (e.g., “sit,” “listen,” “stop,” “wait”) — creating a calm, visual way to guide behaviour.
- This benefits all children, especially those who are shy, multilingual, or have speech/language delays.
Auslan is taught in Australian Schools
Western Australia has adopted Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum: Languages, which includes Auslan from Foundation (age 5–6) to Year 10 for both first- and second-language learners. In the Foundation stage, Auslan builds on the Early Years Learning Framework, using play-based, action-related, and multimodal learning. Children communicate with peers and teachers, developing interpersonal skills through imitation, modelling, and shared experiences. They engage with visual texts—such as stories, rhymes, picture books, and captioned media—learning that language can be expressed in different forms (Auslan signs/gestures and English alphabet). This fosters understanding that languages and cultures are connected, and that what is familiar for some may be new for others.
Building Bridges Program
Building Bridges is a new, FREE, self paced online short course and set of downloadable resources to help school staff and the school community feel confident, informed, and supported in creating an inclusive environment for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students.
- Online, self paced short course developed for all school staff covering deaf awareness, communication tips and guidance
- Access to a video library of 200+ school-friendly Auslan signs
- Downloadable resources with practical information about inclusion, Auslan and activities
- FREE Auslan Resource Pack with posters, activity sheets PLUS two large format Platypus Playhouse storytime books (Auslan/English)
The Building Bridges content aims:
- Understand more about inclusivity
- Know more about types of deafness
- Understand technology
- Comprehend bimodal bilingual strategies
- Recognise signs of deafness and listening fatigue
- Develop a basic library of everyday Auslan signs
www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au
Ideas for your early childhood educational program promoting Auslan Sign Language
1. Sign Language Storytime
Read a simple picture book while teaching 3–5 Auslan signs (e.g., “hello,” “thank you,” “more,” “eat,” “play”). Encourage children to mimic the signs as they listen.
- Auslan Storytime sessions—interactive storytelling by a Deaf presenter in Auslan, supporting early literacy and communication—are offered via Deaf Connect and local libraries. National Week of Deaf People+6Twinkl+6Deaf Australia+6Hey Dee Ho+3Kayla SLP+3Aussie Deaf Kids+3Deaf Connect
- Auslan Resources like videos, apps, and posters—great for storytime—can be found with Aussie Deaf Kids.Aussie Deaf Kids
2. Sing & Sign Songs
Pair well-known nursery rhymes (e.g., “The Wheels on the Bus”, “Twinkle, Twinkle”) with Auslan signs for key words—fusing music, movement, and visuals.
- The “Sing and Sign” program by Hey Dee Ho offers exactly this—combining Auslan with music and movement for ages ~6 months to 5 years. Education Victoria+8Hey Dee Ho+8Practical Outcomes+8
3. Sensory Sign Play
Use tactile materials like textured mats or finger puppets, each tied to an Auslan sign (e.g., “soft,” “fluffy,” “animal”), to build understanding through touch.
- Free Auslan flashcards—downloadable for printing and use in sensory play—are available via Practical Outcomes. Practical Outcomes
4. Visual Signing Corner
Create a cozy learning nook with illustrated flashcards or books that show Auslan signs for children to explore during play.
- Use Auslan word mats, display banners, or alphabet/number sign packs from Twinkl to make your corner vibrant and educational. Aussie Childcare Network+15Twinkl+15Aussie Deaf Kids+15
5. Puppets ‘Sing’ with Signs
Let puppets “perform” a simple rhyme using Auslan—modeling expressive facial cues and gentle movements to demonstrate how signing communicates meaning.
- Combine ideas from Auslan storytelling and the sensory/puppet play: consider using Sally & Possum Storytimevideos or apps for visual inspiration. Aussie Childcare Network+2Deaf Connect+2Aussie Deaf Kids
6. Parent Engagement Packets
Send home small packs featuring 3–5 simple Auslan signs along with a link to videos or printable cards—so families can continue learning at home.
- First Signs Baby Sign Language by Deaf Children Australia is a family-friendly Auslan program ideal for early communicators. Kayla SLPTiny Hands Signs+5Deaf Children Australia+5Deaf Connect+5
Embedding exceeding practices into your QIP
QA1 – Educational Program and Practice
Embedded Practice:
Educators integrate Auslan naturally into daily routines, group times, and play-based experiences. Children sign for basic needs (“help,” “more,” “stop”) and during storytelling, songs, and sensory play. Auslan builds on the Early Years Learning Framework, fostering identity, belonging, and confidence.
Critical Reflection:
The team reflects on how Auslan strengthens communication for all children, not only those with additional needs. Documentation shows educators critically considering how multimodal learning — gestures, visual texts, puppetry, captioned media — expands children’s understanding of language and culture.
Meaningful Engagement:
Families receive Auslan parent packs with simple take-home signs and links to free resources (e.g., Deaf Children Australia, Aussie Deaf Kids, Deaf Connect Storytime). Families report positive outcomes, sharing stories of using Auslan at home.
QA5 – Relationships with Children
Embedded Practice:
Educators model Auslan signs consistently during play and transitions, promoting calm group behaviour and reducing frustration. Children imitate and use signs with peers, supporting inclusive play and early friendships.
Critical Reflection:
The service reflects on how Auslan supports social and emotional learning. Educators note that facial expressions and gestures in Auslan help children recognise emotions and develop empathy. Reflection journals include examples of how signing reduces conflict and builds peer connection.
Meaningful Engagement:
Learning stories and photos capture children using Auslan with each other — for example, signing “play” or “stop” in the sandpit. These are shared with families to highlight how Auslan strengthens peer relationships and wellbeing.
QA6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities
Embedded Practice:
Auslan is positioned as a shared language between educators, children, families, and the wider community. Displays, newsletters, and community events highlight Auslan learning. During National Week of Deaf People, the service celebrates with sign storytime and song sessions.
Critical Reflection:
Staff reflect on the importance of valuing Auslan as both a language and a cultural identity of the Deaf community. Reflections consider how introducing Auslan supports hearing children to understand that diversity in communication is not just accepted but celebrated.
Meaningful Engagement:
The service partners with the local Deaf community by inviting Auslan presenters and storytellers. Families are encouraged to share how Auslan use at home impacts children’s confidence. This demonstrates strong reciprocal relationships and community inclusion.
BEST Childcare Consulting ✨
At BEST Childcare Consulting, we believe every child deserves a voice. Embedding Auslan in early learning is not just about communication—it’s about belonging, respect, and inclusion. Let us help your service turn everyday practice into evidence of Exceeding quality. As always, use these inspirations to lead your service throughout the whole year in your everyday practices to truly earn an exceeding rating. Let us know if you are interested in an Introduction to Key Word signing workshop.
Ask us how today.
