NSW schools to start teaching Auslan and Indigenous sign languages
Schools across New South Wales are preparing to welcome a new subject into the classroom: sign language. Auslan will be part of the state's curriculum from 2026 with Indigenous sign language making up part of the syllabus. It's a move that's already seen some success on the state's mid north coast.
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00:00Well, I'm still learning sign language, but I guess my favourite one is probably Deadly
00:09or something.
00:11Makisha is one of the 43% of Indigenous people nationwide that have some form of hearing
00:17loss.
00:18It's hard to hear the teachers or my friends or something, so it's hard to learn in school.
00:24I just had to deal with it and maybe lip read.
00:27Now a program at Kempsey High School is giving her another option.
00:32Learning Auslan, it makes me think there's a possible way for me to communicate with
00:38other people now.
00:40Rodney Adams is working with NSW authorities on including Indigenous sign languages in
00:44the new syllabus.
00:47It's actually incredibly important because we can focus solely on Auslan, but I know
00:53that there are many other sign languages in Australia that we have actually forgotten
00:59about.
01:03He points to the revitalisation already seen in spoken languages, with studies showing
01:07improved social and emotional wellbeing.
01:13Indigenous spoken languages, when they're taught in schools or in the community, there's
01:19a level of racism that just drops down.
01:24So it's the same with teaching Auslan, Indigenous sign languages.
01:28There's the hope that the levels of audism are reduced.
01:33There has already been a big push on the mid-north coast to incorporate Auslan and Indigenous
01:38sign languages into the classroom.
01:40Most kids really love that experience of learning sign language, you know, they really focus
01:44really well.
01:45I think it's because it's a different way of teaching, so usually a visual way of teaching.
01:50It's really important for all kids.
01:52The Education Department says this is an important step in fostering awareness of and reflection
01:57on deaf culture and identity for all students.
02:01Tapping into the past to create a more inclusive future.