Organization
Deaf Australia
Deaf Australia is the national Deaf-led peak body representing Auslan users and the Deaf community in Australia. Founded in 1986, it advocates for the recognition of Auslan as a language, improved communication access, and the rights of Deaf Australians. It holds Disability Representative Organisation (DRO) status and is a member of the World Federation of the Deaf.
About
Deaf Australia was established in 1986 and is the only national peak organisation for Deaf people in Australia that is governed and managed by Deaf people. It is the successor to earlier bodies including the Australian Association for the Advancement of the Deaf (AAAD), founded with the motto 'Of the Deaf, by the Deaf, for the Deaf.' Deaf Australia holds Disability Representative Organisation (DRO) status with the Australian Government and is a member of the World Federation of the Deaf.
What They Do
Deaf Australia advocates for the legal recognition of Auslan as Australia's official language of the Deaf community, improved Auslan interpreter access, and full social and civic participation for Deaf Australians. It conducts research such as the Deaf Census, makes policy submissions across education, healthcare, justice, and emergency services, and develops accessibility frameworks for organisations that interact with Deaf people.
Who They Serve
Deaf Australia represents Auslan users and members of the Australian Deaf community — people who are culturally Deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind and who use Auslan as their primary language. Its advocacy work extends to families, interpreters, and professionals working within the Deaf community. The organisation maintains a national membership across all states and territories.
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