FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Academy

General

Is Auslan easy to learn?

Well, it depends on what your Auslan plans areā€¦
Auslan is just like any other language ā€“ it can be fun, interesting and simple to learn. However, it can be quite complex – it is a ‘3-D’ language while English is a linear language. It also has its own grammar, rules and structures that are quite different to English and other spoken languages. So it depends on your motivation, your aptitude for language learning and the time you can commit to learning Auslan. You may be able to pick up enough from a short course to have simple and basic conversations with an Auslan user, while having ā€œdeep and meaningfulā€ conversations and becoming a fluent Auslan signer may require 6 months or more of constant practice.
MyAuslan is dedicated to ensure that anyone, especially the parents of deaf children, get to learn and use Auslan from day one with simple and basic dialogues.

If I have purchased a package of courses how long do I have to complete them?

One year from the time of purchase.

After purchasing a course, for how long will I have access to the course material?

One year from the time of purchase.

Are your courses suitable for beginners or do I already need to know some Auslan?

Ā You don’t need to know any Auslan in order to do our Foundation courses. Some of our other courses require you to have completed the Foundation stage. Click on the course you are interested in for more information about requirements.

Are there any prerequisites?

There are no prerequisites to doing the Foundation courses . Some of our other courses do require you to have completed the Foundation stage, and some specialist courses (eg Advanced Linguistics) require a minimum level of conversational fluency.

Are your courses the same level as TAFE ?

Our Foundation courses are equivalent to Auslan courses offered at community colleges. Completing them will leave you well prepared for undertaking studies at TAFE at the level of Certificate II. Some of our specialist courses are not available at TAFE or other institutions.

Will I get a formal qualification?

You will receive a certificate of attainment. However, our courses are not currently registered under the Australian qualifications framework (AQF).

How long will it take me to become fluent in Auslan?

Like any language fluency depends on frequency of exposure and usage. To improve your Auslan fluency, take advantage of our tutoring services or attend our Auslan Immersion workshops, and get involved with a group of Auslan users.

Can Deaf people do your courses too, or only Hearing?

Deaf people are very welcome to do our courses and will find them fully accessible.

Zoomtorials and Tutoring

How long is a Zoomtorial?

Each session runs for approx 45 mins.

How many students will be in each Zoomtorial?

A maximum of five students, plus the Tutor.

When are the "zoomtorials" scheduled? Do you have "zoomtorials" in the evenings or weekends as I work during the day ?
There will generally be several scheduling options offered for zoomtorials for each course, including evenings and/or weekends.
Can we do the "zoomtorials" as a family group? Or a work team?

You can do the zoom tutorials as a family group or team provided each person has purchased the course. If you find there is no suitable Zoomtorial session with sufficient vacancies to accommodate your group, please email us at academy@myauslan.com and we may be able to schedule a special session for you

Can I get one-on-one tutoring in my home, or only online?

In-home tutoring is available in selected areas. Click on Tutoring for more details.

Costs and Payment

Can I get a refund if I find the course doesn't meet my needs?

If you have purchased a package of courses, and after completing the first one find that the program is not suitable for you, we will refund the package price less the cost of a single course. Such refunds must be claimed within 14 days of purchasing the package and will not be available if you have commenced a second course. Refunds are not available for a single course purchase.

Do you offer group discounts for families?

Family packages are available for groups of four or more. See how course menu for more details, or email us at academy@myauslan.com.

Consulting
How much do you charge for consulting? Do you have an hourly rate?

Costs will depend on the nature and complexity of the project. Lodge an inquiry using the online form or email us at info@myauslan.com and we will arrange a preliminary discussion to understand your needs. Following that we will prepare a detailed customized quote.

Can I get a quote?

Lodge an inquiry using the online form or email us at info@myauslan.com and we will arrange a preliminary discussion to understand your needs. Following that we will prepare a detailed customized quote.

Can you do language assessments for NDIS?

Yes – Lodge an inquiry using the online form or email us at info@myauslan.com and we will arrange a preliminary discussion to understand your needs. Following that we will prepare a detailed customized quote.

Can you design a customized Auslan program for our school?

Yes – Lodge an inquiry using the online form or email us at info@myauslan.com and we will arrange a preliminary discussion to understand your needs. Following that we will prepare a detailed customized quote.

We have just employed a deaf person. Can you do Deaf Awareness Training for our staff?

We don’t generally do that sort of work ourselves, but if you contact us at info@myauslan.com we may be able to refer you to a suitable provider in your area.

Events
I am Deaf. Will your events be accessible for me?

Yes. Most of our events are conducted primarily in Auslan. For some events, where suitable and possible, interpreters, captioning, or transcripts are provided to assist those without sufficient skill in Auslan.

I am hearing and can't sign. Do you have Auslan interpreters at your events?

Most of our events are conducted primarily in Auslan. For some events, where suitable and possible, interpreters, captioning, or transcripts are provided to assist those without sufficient skill in Auslan.

Can I get professional development points from NAATI for attending your events?

Where NAATI points are available that will be displayed or the information page for that event.

Do you give refunds if I can't make it to an event?

Refunds are available provided you give notice of cancellation at least 48 hours prior to the start of the event.

I have a big group - can we book an exclusive workshop?

That may be possible. Contact us at info@myauslan.com to inquire.

NDIS
Can I use my/my child's NDIS funds for your products or services?

Many people do use their NDIS funds to purchase from us. If you are self-managed and your NDIS plan includes an allocation for Auslan support, then you should be able to claim from NDIS the cost of purchasing courses, tutoring, or educational resources from our online shop. If your plan includes an allocation for Auslan interpreting then you should also be able to use that for the purchase of translation services. If you are not self-managed, you should let your plan manager know that you wish to use some of your funds to purchase from us, and follow their process for arranging payment.

I am plan-managed on NDIS and want to use my NDIS funds to pay. How can I do this?

Check with your plan manager if you have an allocation for Auslan support that you can use to purchase courses, tutoring services, educational resources, or translation services from us. When placing the order, enter your plan manager’s details in the billing address fields. Be sure to include their email address. You may wish to also add your NDIS plan number as a reference to aid your plan manager in processing the invoice. We will send an invoice directly to your plan manager. Your order will be dispatched once the NDIS has approved the claim and your plan manager has paid the invoice.

My school/company/organization will be paying. Can you send an invoice?

Yes. You will receive a Tax invoice automatically on placing your order. You can also request an invoice be sent to a third party.

Payment
Do you charge extra for credit cards?

No.

I don't have a credit card. Is there another way I can pay?

Yes – you can pay by PayPal or by Direct Deposit.

My school/company/organization will be paying. Can you send an invoice?

Yes. You will receive a Tax invoice automatically on placing your order. You can also request an invoice be sent to a third party.

Shop
How long will it take for my order to be delivered?

Most orders are dispatched on the next business day. Delivery lead times vary by region. Most destinations will be in the range of 3-7 working days, however WA , NT, Tas, and some regional areas can range from 7-10 days. When your order is dispatched you will receive an email from our courier with a tracking number.

I don't have a credit card. Can I pay by direct deposit?

Yes – simply select the direct deposit option on checkout and you will be provided with our bank details. Please quote your order number as reference.

Can I get an invoice so I can claim from my school/employer/NDIS?

Yes. You will receive a Tax invoice automatically on placing your order. You can also request an invoice be sent to a third party.

Can I get one of your posters in a larger/smaller size?

Many of our posters are available in multiple sizes. If you require a specific size between A4 and A1 which is not shown as an option on the website , please contact us and we may be able to arrange one for you.

Do you offer refunds?

We do not provide refunds , however if your product is damaged in transit please contact us and we will arrange to replace it.

Can I buy a digital copy of one of your products?

Apart from designated downloadable resources available from our website, we do not release digital versions of our products.

Translations (Individuals)
My English is not good but I need to send an email or letter with really good English. Can you help?

Yes! You can select the level of English you would like for your translation . Click here to see an explanation of this in Auslan.

I have received a letter or email from a company or the government which I don't understand. Can you translate it into Auslan for me?

Yes. Simply attach the letter or email to your order and once paid we will email you a link to an Auslan translation which unpacks the content and makes it easier to understand.

I need something private translated. How will you protect my privacy?

Access to the translation will be given only to the person placing the order. Translation files are stored on a secure server and protected by encrypted passwords. Only authorized people at MyAuslan will have access to the translation.

Translations (Organisations)
What is the process for getting an Auslan translation?

Step 1: Lodge your request on our website, and attach the material you want translated. (For video files >5MB please attach a download link rather than the file itself.)
Step 2: We will email you a quote along with an approval button.
Step 3: If you are happy to proceed, simply approve the quote and we will go ahead and produce your translation.
Step 4: On completion, we will email you a link and a secure password to download your translation, as well as your invoice.
Step 5: Payment is due in 14 days unless otherwise agreed.
Step 6: In accordance with our privacy policy, translation files will only be available for download for 30 days.

What is your lead time for producing translations?

Translations of 3 pages or less can generally be produced within 3 working days. If your job is urgent a 24 hour turnaround may be possible for an additional charge – please select that option when placing your order. For larger jobs (> 3 pages), We will confirm the lead time when providing our quote. Please specify the deadline required when placing your order, and we will do our best to meet it.

What format will the translation video be supplied in?

By default videos will be supplied in MP4 format. However other formats may be available by request. You can add this request when placing your order and we will contact you if the requested format is not possible.

How big will the video file be?

File size is determined by the amount of material being translated. Very low resolution is generally not suitable for Auslan translations as important linguistic features can be lost or difficult to read. As a guide, a one page (approx 500 words) English transcript will result in an Auslan translation video file size of approximately 100MB.

Do you supply the raw footage of the translation only or can you edit the video for us?

By default we will edit the video for you. If you prefer to edit it yourself, when placing your order and a discount for this will be factored into your quoted price.

Can we have our logo or a custom background (with our branding) on the translation video?

Yes – simply select that option when requesting your translation, and attach the relevant image files to your request.

Can the Auslan signer wear our uniform when filming the translation ?

Yes. Add that request when ordering your translation and we will contact you by email to make arrangements.

Can you add an English voiceover on the translation video?

Yes – you can request this when ordering your translation. Please note, voiceovers do incur an additional charge. See our Translation page for more details on pricing.

Can you add English captions only translation video?

Yes – you can request this when ordering your translation. Please note, captions do incur an additional charge. See our Translation page for more details on pricing.

Are there any usage restrictions or will there be any residual talent or usage fees in the future for the translation video ?

There are generally no ongoing charges once you have purchased your translation. You will have unlimited usage rights for that translation within your organization. The only exception to this is where translations of artistic works (eg books) are intended for commercial purposes, in which case copyright provisions for the translation may apply.

We have sensitive/private information we need to share with a deaf client - can you ensure confidentiality?

Yes. Access to the translation will be given only to the person placing the order. Translation files are stored on a secure server and protected by encrypted passwords. Only authorized people at MyAuslan will have access to the translation.

Tutoring
How long is a tutoring session?

Each session is generally one hour duration unless otherwise specified.

Will the tutor be deaf? I am a beginner - how will I communicate with him/her?

All our tutors are Deaf but they are very experienced at working with beginners and they will show you how to communicate with them.

Can I have tutoring in my home, or only online?

In-home tutoring is available in selected areas. Click on Tutoring for more details.

Can my whole family participate in the tutoring session?

Yes – up to 6 people only.

If I buy a package of tutoring sessions, how long do I have to use them?

One year from the time of purchase.

Do you offer tutoring for advanced students looking to improve (eg studying for diploma of Auslan or interpreting)?

Yes. Contact us at info@myauslan.com so we can understand your needs.

Do you offer refunds?

If you purchase a tutoring package and wish to cancel prior to booking any sessions , then we can provide a refund of the purchase price. If you have booked a session but give at least 48 hours notice of cancellation , then a refund is still available. No refunds are available for cancellation within 48 hours of the scheduled session, however you may reschedule provided you give at least 24 hours notice.

  • A proud Deaf bilingual native Auslan user (quite a mouthful, eh?), a mother to 4 non-deaf human kids and a large collection of furry & feathery kids.
  • A bibliophile and a writer.
  • Taught Auslan for over 30 years to people from 0 to 99 (yes, I like Lego).
  • Degrees in Linguistics, Education, and Family History (I know – I am a geek!).
  • A hunter and collector of both dead and living deaf people in Australia.
  • Fun fact – I have over 15 deaf relatives in my family, spanning 4 generations.