WA’s first Auslan Storytime program brings early literacy to Deaf and hard of hearing families
“The energy and enthusiasm for Auslan Storytime at the launch event demonstrates the need for programs supporting early literacy for Deaf and hard of hearing families,” Deputy Mayor Suzanne Migdale said.
The City of Stirling has made early literacy more accessible for Deaf and hard of hearing families with the successful launch of its new Auslan Storytime program in partnership with Deaf Connect.
Auslan Storytime involves free, interactive storytelling sessions led by a Deaf presenter in Auslan with support from an interpreter.
The program offers Deaf and hard of hearing families a way to engage with key early literacy activities such as signing, reading, talking, singing and playing.
It has been successful in the eastern states, but the City of Stirling program is the first ongoing delivery of Auslan Storytime in Western Australia.
The official launch event was held at Stirling Libraries – Osborne on Saturday 28 June with 37 families in attendance. It brought both hearing and Deaf and hard of hearing families together for a fun-filled morning of dynamic storytime, messy play, face painting and a sausage sizzle.
Deputy Mayor Suzanne Migdale said the success of the launch showed there was community appetite for more inclusive and accessible activities in the City.
“The energy and enthusiasm for Auslan Storytime at the launch event demonstrates the need for programs supporting early literacy for Deaf and hard of hearing families,” Deputy Mayor Migdale said.
“The City of Stirling is proud to support Deaf Connect in the delivery of this program to make our libraries a more inclusive place for all families.”
Suitable for children up to five years of age, fortnightly Auslan Storytime sessions will start from Thursday 24 July and continue for the remainder of the 2025 school year.
Although primarily designed to improve early literacy and increase engagement with libraries for Deaf and hard of hearing families, the initiative benefits the broader community.
The signing element of Auslan Storytime makes early literacy activities more accessible for families with children who may be non-verbal, developmentally delayed or have other communication barriers to participating in traditional rhymetime or storytime sessions.
It also benefits hearing families by teaching them basic Auslan signs that can aid pre-verbal communication and parent-child bonding, while promoting Deaf culture awareness, inclusion and socialisation between parents. To book a free session at Stirling Libraries – Osborne (9 Royal Street, Tuart Hill), visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/auslanstorytime
The Auslan Storytime project has been supported by funding provided by the State Government, through the State Library of WA’s Better Beginnings program.
