Auslan enrolments soar in schools and TAFE as Deaf-led teaching bridges communities and improves learning for all

Auslan sign language is emerging as one of the most popular new language options in primary schools – but we’re running out of teachers despite TAFE enrolments soaring.

Children and adults are learning Auslan – Australian sign language for the hearing-impaired – at record levels, with educators stating the hands on language has both cognitive and societal benefits.

Auslan is emerging as the language of choice for primary school students as demand for teachers outstrips supply despite TAFE enrolments growing by 40 per cent in five years.

Meanwhile, school student enrolments have increased nearly sixfold over 16 years, and by 2021 almost one in twenty students were enrolled in an Auslan subject, mostly in primary schools.

Auslan Education Services director Paula Grimmer has brought her Auslan program to more than 220 schools across all sectors and states since founding her company in 2021.

Ms Grimmer said she founded her company during Covid as Auslan became more visible to the public. Picture: Supplied

She said Auslan was emerging as the language of choice for many schools.

“The feedback from students, teachers and families has been amazing,” Ms Grimmer said.

“We’ve heard from schools the students have never been so engaged in learning a language, with many schools telling us they’ve tried other languages before.”

Ms Grimmer said the benefits of learning Auslan not only serve to “bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing community”, it also improves all students’ learning.

“It helps children with all their other learning in the curriculum,” she said.

“Literacy, spelling and numeracy improves because it helps young students to visually learn with their hands.”

Auslan Education Services teaches Auslan at about 220 schools. Picture: Supplied

Ms Grimmer said she also hoped her programs would encourage students to pursue further Auslan studies as demand for interpreters and Auslan services increases nationally.

The national certifier for interpreters, NAATI, had certified 808 interpreters with the 2021 census finding 16,000 people use Auslan at home.

Ms Grimmer said the pathway to becoming a NAATI certified interpreter was not easy, requiring two years full-time study of a Diploma of Auslan, a one-year interpreting course then successful completion of the extremely challenging NAATI exam.

Students learn through a mixture of videos and Auslan teachers, and have regular opportunities to interact with Deaf people. Picture: Supplied

At TAFE NSW St Leonards, seven Deaf teachers are helping close the gap, teaching Auslan from a perspective only Deaf educators can bring.

“Deaf-led teaching is still rare in Australia,” Auslan teacher William Taffe said.

“But here, it’s the norm.

“Our classrooms are full of expression, storytelling, and connection, and that impact spreads beyond the students.”

Fellow teacher Daniel Bachi transitioned from a career in IT and disability services to teaching Auslan.

Daniel Bachi is a Deaf Auslan teacher. Picture: Supplied

He described the thrill of watching students using Auslan.

“One of the best moments is when they realise they can hold a full conversation in Auslan,” he said.

“Their excitement reminds me why this work matters.”

Teacher Christopher Makin said Deaf-led teaching was more than just learning Auslan, it was passing on the culture of the Deaf community.

“It’s not just vocabulary — it’s culture, humour, and stories passed down through generations,” Mr Makin said.

“Just as Aboriginal people are best placed to teach their culture, Deaf people are best placed to teach Auslan.”