Auslan interpreter during a keynote at the 38th AUSIT National Conference. (2025, November).

How to ensure that no voice is left unseen or unheard?

Although nearly 20,000 Australians use Auslan, the Australian Sign Language, every day, this uniquely Australian language remains unfamiliar to many. In 1991, the Australian Government officially recognised Auslan as a language in its own right. Auslan was developed by and for Australians who are Deaf or hard of hearing. It relies on a rich combination of handshapes, movement, facial expression, and spatial grammar. With its own linguistic structure, entirely separate from English, Auslan is a visual-gestural language that conveys meaning through movement rather than through word order.

Auslan interpreters work in much the same way as spoken-language interpreters, and the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT) plays a central role in the profession, hosting the annual AUSIT National Conference each year, with this year’s event held in Canberra from 20–22 November. Translationz was once again proud to serve as the Auslan Accessibility Sponsor.

During the 2025 AUSIT Conference, two of our exceptional Auslan interpreters supported three key presentations helping ensure accessible communication throughout the event. Their work played an important role in enabling Deaf and hard-of-hearing participants to fully engage with the conference content.

As we reflect on the 38th AUSIT National Conference, it becomes clear that the presence of Auslan interpreters is not merely an accessibility measure. It is a fundamental component of building a more inclusive and equitable language landscape in Australia. Their contribution enables Deaf professionals, students, and community members to participate in the conversations that continue shaping the future of our industry.

At Translationz, we reaffirm our commitment to this mission by supporting initiatives that elevate accessibility, foster human connection, and honour Australia’s rich linguistic diversity. We are proud to stand alongside our interpreters as they continue breaking down barriers and opening pathways for all.

Written by Mariana Guerra

Client Services Representative – Brisbane Office

Hola! My name is Mariana Guerra. I am a NAATI-certified English into Spanish translator, as well as a scientific and audiovisual translator. While living in my home country, my beloved Argentina, I had the honour of supporting Amnesty International Argentina in its mission to promote and defend human rights globally through my translation services. I’ve always been fascinated by Australia’s multicultural society, which is why I decided to move to this diverse and beautiful country in 2023. A fun fact about me is that my favorite word is “Maktub”, which means “it is written” in Arabic. As it turns out, I was born on January 26^th, Australia Day, so… was it written? I like to think so, and I’m truly grateful for my decision to move here. Working as a Client Services Representative at Translationz has given me the opportunity to find not only the perfect team but also a family, something incredibly valuable when you’re so far away from home.