23-29 September is International Week of Deaf People, held every year to acknowledge Deaf people and their communities. During this week, Deaf communities celebrate their unique histories and highlight the diversity and richness of their language, culture and contribution to their communities.
On Monday 23 September, the International Day of Sign Languages celebrates the linguistic and cultural identity of Deaf people and sign language users around the world. This year's theme is 'Sign up for Sign Language Rights', encouraging communities to shine a light on the linguistic human rights of Deaf people.
Auslan, the language of the Australian Deaf Community, is one of more than 300 different sign languages in use around the world. In Victoria, Auslan is taught in more than 260 government schools and is currently the most popular language studied in schools' languages programs.
