Landmark Deaf Space report launched during National Week of Deaf People 2025

Deaf Connect has launched a landmark report during National Week of Deaf People which examines the lived experiences of Deaf Australians across a range of contexts.

The Deaf Space report coincides with Deaf Connect hosting 16 Deaf Space events across every state and territory.

Deaf Connect CEO Mr Brett Casey said it was proud to celebrate National Week of Deaf People 2025 from 22 September to 28 September with the new report honouring this year’s theme set by Deaf Australia: ‘No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights.’

“The Deaf Space Report examines the lived experiences of Deaf Australians across a wide range of social, religious, economic, and cultural contexts,” he said

“It is the first of its kind to document the spaces that Deaf people in Australia have created over time, including Deaf First Nations, Deaf LGBTQI+, Deafblind, Deaf Disabled and numerous other diverse groups.

“By showing how communities have formed around visual communication and Deaf identity, it offers practical guidance to ensure Deaf accessibility in all aspects of public life.”

Brainstorming what makes a good Deaf Space. Image: Deaf Connect.

He said National Week of Deaf People was an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on what our public services, business and communities could be doing to contribute towards a more inclusive nation.

“Whether that’s ensuring your business is accessible to Deaf customers, designing buildings to be Deaf inclusive, or connecting with the Deaf community in a space where everyone belongs,” he said.

Deaf Connect Project Manager and Deaf Space report author, Ms Amanda Everitt, said National Week of Deaf People was a time to recognise the diversity of Deaf experiences across the nation – past, present and future.

“Deaf Space is more than just a physical environment. It is a sense of belonging that transcends time, space and person,” Everitt said. “Auslan is a human right, and creating spaces of belonging helps to uphold and protect this human right. These environments can be community events, local cafés that employ Deaf staff and use Auslan, or design features like visual alarms that help Deaf people navigate safely.

“Over the past year, Deaf community members across Australia shared what Deaf Space means to them. They generously contributed stories, histories, and dreams, helping to shape this report and show how Deaf Space can be built into everyday life.”

She said National Week of Deaf People was an invitation for the nation to celebrate Deaf Spaces and the people who create them. “By joining in and raising awareness, we can work towards a future where every Australian, no matter their hearing status, can belong, and contribute meaningfully to our society,” Everitt said.

Deaf Connect invited everyone to celebrate National Week of Deaf People with their local Deaf community and learn more about Deaf culture and Auslan (Australian Sign Language).