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The International Day of Sign Languages is a chance to pause and celebrate the many ways we connect with one another. It honours the beauty of sign languages, the communities who use them, and the role they play in building a world where everyone belongs.
It’s also a reminder that language is never just words – it’s culture, identity, and connection.
To understand why this day matters, we spoke with Deakin University 2023 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) finalist, Ramunas McRae, who is Deaf. From its history and global recognition to the practical steps we can all take towards inclusion, he shares why sign language is something worth celebrating.
Every year on 23 September, the world comes together to recognise the International Day of Sign Languages.
It’s more than a date on the calendar, it’s a day to honour over 70 million Deaf people worldwide – most of whom live in developing countries, – and to celebrate the richness of their languages.
For many, sign language is not just their first language, but their only one. Recognising this day is about making sure those voices are not just heard, but truly valued.
Here in Australia, our Deaf community has its own language known as Auslan.
The term was first coined in the 1980s by linguist Trevor Johnston, but Auslan has been part of Australian life since the late 1700s.
Like English, it is a bona fide language with its own grammar, structure and vocabulary — living proof that language is always evolving.
Today, around 16,000 Australians use Auslan at home, with that number continuing to rise.
From classrooms where children are learning Auslan as a second language, to communities embracing it as a way to connect, the language is opening new doors of understanding.
This growing awareness shows what’s possible when communication has no barriers.
Sign languages didn’t begin with one person or a single moment in history. They grew organically within Deaf communities born from creativity, resilience and the need to connect.
Like English, Spanish or Mandarin, sign languages have evolved over centuries into more than 300 unique languages, including Auslan (Australia), ASL (America), BSL (Britain) and NZSL (New Zealand).
Each one is distinct, but they all share the same powerful purpose – they bring people together.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn sign language, there are more options than ever to get started.
McRae who grew up communicating through sign language recommends these.
‘A great starting point is a community-based Auslan course, such as those offered by Auslan in the West or Expression Australia. These short courses (around six weeks) give people a good introduction,’ McRae explains.
For those who want to go further, there are accredited programs at places like Melbourne Polytechnic or Deaf Connect.
Like any language, learning Auslan is a journey. Some courses take two years full time or four years part time, but true fluency comes with practice, persistence and passion.
‘It will usually take about three to four years, depending on people’s learning skills,’ McRae says.
Every new sign is more than vocabulary, it’s another step toward deeper connection.
The International Day of Sign Languages is about more than awareness. It’s about celebrating diversity, honouring resilience, and recognising that even small steps like learning a few signs can break down barriers and build stronger connections.
For many Deaf people, that recognition hasn’t always come easily. McRae recalls how his own family was shaped by these struggles.
‘My mum is Deaf, but during her childhood she was not allowed to use sign language even though she had a Deaf brother. She often tells me how their mother, my grandmother, felt embarrassed to see her children signing in public.
If they used sign language on the street, my grandmother would pinch my mum’s arm to remind her to stop.’
For McRae, the day is more than celebration, it’s about visibility, acceptance and change.
‘The International Day of Sign Languages is important because it celebrates our language and reminds us of the struggles Deaf people have faced simply for using their own language,’ he says.
With the day approaching, there’s no better time to take a step, whether it’s learning a few signs, joining a course, or simply sharing awareness. Every gesture is a reminder of what’s possible when communication is open to all.
How has your PhD research had an impact on the community?
My research has given the Deaf community a stronger voice in mental health discussions.
By highlighting both the challenges and strengths of Deaf experiences, the intention is to raise awareness among professionals and policymakers, and provide evidence that will result in enhanced support and inclusion.
Where do you hope your research will take you going forward?
I hope to continue building knowledge and advocacy in Deaf mental health, particularly by ensuring that research is informed by lived experience. I want my work to influence policy and practice in early intervention services, and within the family, as well as education and mental health provision so that Deaf people can access culturally safe and effective support.
How did Deakin support you while you were studying?
Deakin supported me through the Disability Resource Centre, which arranged Auslan interpreters, a Deaf academic mentor, and notetakers. This access was critical in making sure I could fully engage with my PhD studies.
While studying did you have access to Deakin’s Disability Resource Centre? If so, how did this assist you while studying?
Yes, I accessed the Disability Resource Centre. They provided Auslan interpreters, a Deaf academic mentor, and notetakers, which made it possible for me to participate in seminars, meetings, and research activities on an equal footing with my peers.
How did you find participating in the 3MT program?
It was a challenging but rewarding experience. Presenting research in a concise and engaging way pushed me to think differently about how to communicate complex information with a wide audience.
What was the highlight of the 3MT program?
The highlight was sharing my research in a way that connected with both the Deaf and hearing communities and seeing people’s curiosity and interest in a field that is often overlooked.
Celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages on September 23.
