Deaf Connect, Australia's largest whole-of-life service provider for the Deaf community, has launched 'Auslan90', the country's first daily news bulletin in Australian Sign Language (Auslan). The initiative, supported by SBS News, marks International Day of Sign Languages and National Week of Deaf People.

Auslan90 is a pilot initiative that will deliver daily news headlines to the Deaf community in 90-second videos, entirely in Auslan. As part of its project support, SBS News will provide news transcripts for translation into Auslan. The initiative is funded by the Federal Government Department of Social Services’ Information, Linkages and Capacity Building Program.

"We are incredibly proud to launch Auslan90 - Australia’s first daily news service created specifically for the Deaf community. This is more than just delivering the news – it’s about an Auslan-first approach in which accessibility for Deaf Australians is not an afterthought," said Brett Casey, CEO of Deaf Connect.

In addition to Auslan90, Deaf Connect is running a #TrafficSigns campaign during National Week of Deaf People. The campaign includes a national out-of-home campaign encouraging more people to learn Auslan and was created in partnership with goa via its Community Partnerships Program. It comes off the back of last year's 'This is your Sign' campaign.

"This month-long campaign is a first for Australia and is a step towards fostering a more connected and Deaf-aware nation. We are inviting the public to learn Auslan on the go and find out more about the Deaf community and our vibrant culture," Casey said. “The campaign shows a variety of easy-to-learn Auslan signs, designed to spark conversations, challenge stereotypes, and encourage Australians to embrace Deaf culture and community."

The Auslan90 program will be released every weekday at 1:00 pm AEST, providing the day’s top stories in a format designed specifically for Auslan users. The program will be live daily across Deaf Connect’s major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. The first episode of Auslan90 will be live on Deaf Connect’s social media channels on Monday 30 September 2024.

"People with disability deserve every opportunity to participate in all aspects of community life. That’s why the Albanese Labor Government is proud to be investing $3.91 million to develop the Auslan Information Resource Hub through to June 2025, which includes the Auslan90 pilot," said Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Social Services.

"SBS is committed to informing and serving Australia's diverse communities, and our partnership with Deaf Connect on the Auslan90 pilot reflects that," added Mandi Wicks, SBS Director of News and Current Affairs.

Deaf Connect is the largest employer of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Australia, a registered provider under the National Disability Insurance Scheme and an approved provider of in-home care for seniors. It is also the country's largest Auslan interpreting agency and provides training in sign language.