As an occupational therapist, I’m always looking for ways to broaden my skills and provide the best possible support to the individuals and communities I work with.

Communication lies at the heart of meaningful therapy, and being able to adapt and connect with each person’s unique needs is essential.

This year, I decided to take on an extra skill that I knew could make a significant difference—learning Auslan; Australian Sign Language.

During the April and July school holidays, I had the incredible opportunity to complete the Introduction to Auslan Beginner Courses 1 and 2 offered by Deaf Connect.

These courses not only helped me build my vocabulary of signs but also offered profound insights into the linguistic and cultural richness of Auslan.

One of the most invaluable lessons from the courses was understanding the five key parameters of Auslan:

• Handshape: The shape your hand takes while signing.
• Orientation: The direction your palm faces.
• Location: Where the sign is performed in relation to the body.
• Movement: The movement pattern of the hand.
• Expression (non-manual features): Facial expressions and body language that accompany the sign.

Becoming familiar with these parameters gave me a deeper appreciation for Auslan as a language in its own right, distinct from English.

It’s a beautifully visual and expressive language with a unique structure that truly reflects the culture and identity of the deaf community.

These new skills have had a transformative impact on my practice.

I now feel more equipped to support children who are deaf or living with hearing loss, as well as children whose parents are deaf.

Incorporating elements of Auslan into therapy sessions helps create an environment where communication feels natural and inclusive for the whole family.

By adopting aspects of a child’s or family’s first language, I can foster deeper connections, strengthen rapport, and ensure that therapy is truly centred around their needs and experiences.

Learning Auslan has been a rewarding journey, and I look forward to continuing my education in this language while practicing and enriching my skills daily.

For anyone curious about Auslan or looking for ways to better support and engage with the deaf community, I highly recommend exploring the courses offered by Deaf Connect.

You might just discover a whole new world of communication.

If you’re looking for occupational therapy services tailored to support children who are deaf, living with hearing loss, or part of a deaf family, our team is here to help.

Contact us today on 1300 372 439 or book a session online—let’s work together to create meaningful connections and support your goals.