Auslan or Australian Sign Language is the language used by the Australian Deaf community. Auslan is a visual language which utilises one and two handed signs, facial expressions and body movement to demonstrate meaning. Signs are distinguished through differences in hand shape, hand orientation, hand location, movement and facial expressions. Auslan is a recognised language, however has distinctive grammar and structural differences to English.
Both accredited and unaccredited courses are available at various levels to learn to communicate in Auslan and depending on the course chosen, and whether it is to be completed on a full or part time basis, completion times will vary. Weekend workshops along with self paced CD-ROM beginners courses are available for persons interested in learning Auslan, but unable to attend a training institution. Once Auslan has been learnt, further studies can also be undertaken to qualify as an Auslan interpreter.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For employers, employing an person who is Deaf can sometimes create uncertainty about the most appropriate way in which to communicate with the employee, along with ensuring they are safe and able to respond to direction and emergency alarms within the workplace. Deaf awareness training and workplace interpreting can assist in overcoming some of these barriers in the short term, however having a colleague or employer who is proficient in Auslan can facilitate communication over the longer term.
Financial assistance is available to colleagues of a Deaf employee to assist with learning Auslan through an accredited Certificate course through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) . Funding is also available under this program for interpreting within the workplace for workplace inductions, skill development, performance reviews, occupational health and safety training, workplace meetings and job interviews. Funding for Deaf awareness training is also a further option.
To locate Auslan training courses nationally, information can be found through the Australian Sign Language Interpreters’ Association for which the link is provided in our relevant links section.
Please call the JobAccess Advisers for more information on 1800 464 800 or use the links below to confirm eligibility and submit online applications or find out more about interpreting services:
References
Bilby Publishing & Consulting (no date specified), Auslan (Australian Sign Language): from baby sign to fluent signing, Bilby Publishing & Consulting Pty Ltd, Kanoona, viewed 11 March 2012, http://www.bilby.net/Sign/AboutSignLanguage.asp#Auslan.
Deaf Children Australia (no date specified), What is Auslan?, Deaf Children Australia, Melbourne, viewed 11 March 2012, http://www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au/node/103.
The Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association (ASLIA) 2006, Learning Auslan, ASLIA National Inc., Sydney, viewed 11 March 2012, http://aslia.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=117&Itemid=112.
WA Deaf Society 2010, Auslan Interpreters, WA Deaf Society, Perth, viewed 11 March 2012, http://www.wadeaf.org.au/index.php?id=53.