UX Australia 25 Session 4

This session of the Auslanism Workshop focuses on Auslan and access, exploring the barriers and solutions for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in Australia. The discussion covers key topics such as: The importance of Auslan as a primary language for many Deaf Australian UX users. Challenges in accessing interpreters, captioning, and other communication supports. NDIS funding and limitations for Auslan-related services. The responsibilities of businesses and institutions to provide Deaf-friendly access in UX space. Strategies for self-advocacy and improving accessibility in workplaces, education, and public services. The workshop encourages open discussion and knowledge sharing, allowing participants to ask questions, share experiences, and learn how to advocate for better access and inclusion relating to Deaf/Auslan UX access.

Hidden disabilities like autism and ADHD are often overlooked in mainstream UX conversations, yet they shape how millions of people experience and interact with the world. In this powerful and practical keynote, Tia Squire draws on her lived experience as a neurodivergent person and her global work in inclusive design to explore how UX can move beyond surface-level accessibility to deeper cognitive and sensory inclusion. Through storytelling, strategy, and sharp insight, Tia challenges designers to reimagine usability, communication, and safety for those whose needs are often masked or misunderstood. You’ll learn how traditional UX principles can unintentionally exclude, how to build systems that support unmasking, and why designing for neurodivergent minds can lead to better experiences for all. This is a talk for anyone ready to design with greater empathy, complexity, and impact - where hidden doesn’t mean forgotten, and inclusion is embedded by design.