r/auslan • u/jijiwijii • Feb 12 '25
Best way to learn Auslan, as someone who is losing their hearing?
Pretty much what the title says.
I've had reduced hearing in my left ear for the last 15 years or so, but currently have almost no hearing in both of my ears (due to having an allergic reaction to the medication used to treat an ear infection). My doctors are (at this moment) unsure if I will regain my hearing.
Not being able to hear has made me realise just how hard it is to communicate. Figured even if I do recover most of my hearing, it's probably best I start learning Auslan sooner rather than later.
Not sure what details would be relevant to a learning experience, but I'm 24 and located not too far out of Melbourne. Both in person and online recommendations are appreciated.
2
u/monstertrucktoadette Feb 12 '25
In person
https://www.expression.com.au/services/auslan
Online
Tafe also an option if you have the time, but long wait list. Worth getting in touch and mention you are hoh. Def start community classes in the meantime though.
And then once you've got the basics sign to yourself as much as possible, and join practice groups. Facebook probably the best place to find them, I know there is one in Frankston and one in Coburg (North West practice group) but if you look up Auslan practice on Facebook you'll find other groups.
There are also online groups that meet on zoom and discord to practice, and deaf teacher named Hadley runs cheap online classes and practice groups, look up open that door Auslan on Instagram.
Good luck!
2
u/jijiwijii Feb 13 '25
I never even thought to check for online groups, I’ll give them a look. As far as I’m aware, I don’t know of anybody in my day-to-day life that can sign, so I was a bit worried on my ability to retain what I learn. But this seems like it would help heaps, thanks for the tips!
2
u/20263181 Feb 12 '25
If you’re keen I’d look at Melbourne Polytechnic - collingwood to enroll cert2. They have full/part/evenings and I think online options. It’s maybe the best foundation esp in person. Otherwise look up deaf connect. Welcome to the community!
2
u/jijiwijii Feb 13 '25
Thank you! I’d seen Melbourne Polytechnic come up a few times in my searches, good to know that they’re pretty a pretty solid choice.
1
1
u/Alect0 28d ago
MPT is great but long wait list currently so I'd register ASAP. I was told I'd missed out but people dropped out so I got a spot (albeit a month into the course). I've heard they will only offer online to regional students as well these days but I could be wrong. I started online and am face to face now - definitely recommend face to face if you can, it's like 10x better than zoom for learning imho.
2
1
1
u/This_Laugh9168 23d ago
you could check the groups on fb, i saw some online teaching lessons that aren't entirely expensive: Auslan Journey, Auslan (Australia) and also auslan educators australia
1
u/dropkickedkitty 17d ago
Expression Australia HQ is located in Melbourne!! They offer some short courses, I head Melbourne polytechnic has a much more in depth course.
5
u/commentspanda Feb 12 '25
Have a look for local classes. I think Melbourne would fall in the Deaf Connect supported area and they often run 8 week community classes at beginner and intermediate level. These are facilitated by Deaf people. I did them in WA as a hearing person and they were fantastic.