I’m Tonya

My whole life has been filled with travel. Introduced to it from an early age, I have explored extensively through Europe, the UK, the USA, and Australia. My interest in Auslan began with a close family friend who had a disability and was non-verbal; basic sign language became our bridge of communication.

Fifteen years ago, I embarked on a journey as a travel agent, using my own travel experiences to help thousands of people create cherished memories through their holidays. In 2022, I completed my Diploma of Auslan and felt inspired to combine my two passions. This led to the creation of Hands of the World.

Our mission at Hands of the World is to provide safe and affordable travel support to the Deaf community in Australia. We integrate Auslan interpreters as tour guides for small groups, both domestically and internationally, ensuring that every journey is accessible, enjoyable, and enriching for Deaf travellers, their families and friends