Auslan Storytime is a specialist, Deaf-led early years program delivered in Australian Sign Language (Auslan) for children, families, and communities. Sessions are visual and engaging, designed to be accessible to Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing children alike.

Auslan Storytime is part of a statewide Multicultural Storytime initiative that supports early language exposure, inclusion, and equitable access to library-based early years programs across Victoria.

Program Background and Funding

Expression Australia delivers Auslan Storytime as part of the Multicultural Storytime Program, a Victorian Government initiative funded by the Victorian Department of Health under the Multicultural Storytime Grant Program (2023–2027).

The program is designed to:

• Improve access to inclusive early years experiences
• Promote early language exposure in community languages, including Auslan
• Support families from diverse communities to engage confidently with libraries
• Embed inclusive and accessible practice within mainstream community settings

Expression Australia is a funded delivery partner responsible for coordinating, delivering, monitoring, and reporting Auslan Storytime in line with Department of Health requirements. Participating libraries host sessions as valued community partners but are not required to contribute financially to the delivery of funded sessions.

About Auslan Storytime

Auslan Storytime brings stories to life through visual language, expression, and movement. Sessions are delivered directly in Auslan by Deaf storytellers, rather than interpreted from spoken English, ensuring authentic language modelling and representation of Deaf culture.

A qualified Auslan interpreter supports each session to ensure hearing participants have access, creating a shared, inclusive experience for all families. Content is developmentally appropriate and may include signed storytelling, movement, repetition, songs, and informal engagement with families following the session.

Where Auslan Storytime Is Delivered

In 2026, Auslan Storytime is delivered as an ongoing program across five Victorian libraries, with regular sessions hosted throughout the year.

Click on each library below to view location details, session schedules, and venue-specific information.

Quality, Safety and Inclusion

Auslan Storytime is delivered in accordance with best practices for accessibility, child safety, and cultural respect.

• All Deaf storytellers hold a valid Working with Children Check
• Sessions are delivered in visually accessible environments
• Clear sightlines, appropriate lighting, and inclusive seating are prioritised
• Expression Australia maintains responsibility for presenter coordination, quality assurance, and compliance

These measures support both Victorian and Commonwealth accessibility frameworks and ensure safe, inclusive participation for children and families.

What Happens in a Session?

Auslan Storytime sessions are interactive and child-centred. Depending on the age group and setting, sessions may include:

• Stories told in Auslan using visual expression and space
• Repetition and simple signs that children can join in with
• Visual storytelling techniques that support understanding
• Opportunities for families to engage, observe, and ask questions

Sessions are welcoming, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.

Who Is Auslan Storytime For?

Auslan Storytime is suitable for:

• Deaf and hard-of-hearing children
• Hearing children and families
• Libraries, councils, and community organisations
• Early learning settings and kindergartens
• Families wanting early exposure to Auslan

No prior Auslan knowledge is required.

Learn More or Get Involved

If you are a library, early learning service, or community organisation interested in Auslan Storytime, or a family interested in attending a session, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Contact us about Auslan Storytime
📧 training@expression.com.au
📞 (03) 9473 1111