Arabic version: مدرسة كانبيرا تدعم لغة الإشارة الأسترالية لتعزيز الشمولية

Mount Rogers Primary School in Canberra is the only public school in the ACT to teach Australian Sign Language (Auslan) as its second language. The school made the switch from Mandarin to Auslan in 2024 to create a more inclusive environment for its nine Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. According to ABC News, every child from preschool to year 6 is learning to sign, leading to notable interactions among students in the playground.

The specialist Auslan teacher, Simone Xirakis, reports that students have made significant strides in their signing abilities, moving from learning vocabulary to forming full sentences and engaging in conversations. The program not only teaches the language but also educates students about Deaf culture, identity, and history, which has boosted the confidence of Deaf students and fostered a sense of pride in their identity.

Students like Year 5 student Sophie, who has worn a cochlear implant since she was a baby, have expressed pride in showcasing their Auslan skills. She advocates for more schools to adopt Auslan to enhance communication and inclusivity for Deaf individuals. Her classmate Celeste also highlighted the importance of connecting with the local Deaf community.

The popularity of Auslan is growing, especially among students who may struggle academically in traditional subjects. Xirakis noted that the visual nature of Auslan has resonated with these learners, allowing them to experience a sense of achievement and pride. The school hopes that the success of this program will inspire students to continue their studies in Auslan as they progress through their education.