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Every five years, the Census helps shape Australia’s future. For the Deaf community, it also helps shape how governments understand the size, diversity and needs of people who communicate in Auslan.
On Tuesday 11 August, Australians will complete the 2026 Census. For people who use Auslan, it is an opportunity to do something simple that could have a lasting impact on the future of services, accessibility and recognition across Australia.
Why Your Response Matters
Deafness Forum Australia is encouraging everyone who uses Auslan as their primary or preferred language to make sure they identify it in Question 21 of the Census, which asks whether a person uses a language other than English at home.
It might seem like a small box to tick, but it represents something much bigger.
A Clearer Picture of the Community
The 2021 Australian Census recorded 16,242 people using Auslan at home. Across the Deaf and hard of hearing community, however, there is a strong view that this figure does not fully capture the number of people who communicate in Auslan every day.
Whether you are Deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) or another regular Auslan user, accurately identifying your language helps build a clearer picture of Australia’s communication needs.
Better Data Leads to Better Decisions
Governments, researchers and service providers rely on Census information to understand and plan communities. The data influences everything from:
- Healthcare.
- Disability support.
- Interpreter availability.
- Education.
- Emergency communications.
- Accessible public services.
For advocacy organisations such as Deafness Forum Australia, accurate Census data also strengthens the evidence needed when advocating for policies, funding and services that reflect the needs of the community.
As awareness and use of Auslan continues to grow across schools, workplaces, families and community organisations, the 2026 Census presents an opportunity for Australia’s official statistics to better reflect that growth.
Every person who records Auslan sends an important message: our language matters, our community matters and our communication needs deserve to be recognised.
How to Include Auslan
If Auslan is your primary or preferred language:
- Go to Question 21: Does the person use a language other than English at home?
- Select “Yes, other language (please specify)”.
- Write or type Auslan.
If you are helping a family member or someone you support complete their Census, encourage them to record Auslan where appropriate.
It is a simple action that takes only a few seconds, but its impact can last for years.
Because when every Auslan user is counted, Australia’s understanding of the community becomes stronger, and so does the case for greater inclusion, accessibility and investment.
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