Breaking barriers in communication: transforming access for Deaf and Deafblind Australians | Monash University

Associate Professor Louisa Willoughby is transforming communication access for Deaf and Deafblind Australians. Her pioneering work tackles urgent interpreters and educator shortages, develops innovative learning tools and embeds inclusion into national systems.

Working with Deaf-led organisations, government, and education providers, she has delivered Australia’s first credential for Deafblind interpreters, the world’s first 3D Auslan fingerspelling generator and a revitalised Signbank dictionary used daily by over 2,500 people. Louisa has also shaped national curriculum reforms, produced Australia’s first digital Auslan textbook and designed specialist training for crisis, trauma and forensic contexts.

Her initiatives extend to English programs for Deaf migrants and accessible broadcast standards, ensuring equity across all communication domains. Grounded in co-design and lived experience, Louisa’s work is creating lasting, scalable change - positioning Australia as a global leader in inclusive communication systems.

Entrant: Associate Professor Louisa Willough