A sign language interpreter has translated debate in the ACT Legislative Assembly for the first time, as part of efforts to make proceedings more accessible to the hearing impaired.

During debate on Thursday, Liberal MLA Nicole Lawder was accompanied by an interpreter who translated her speech into Australian sign language (AUSLAN).

"My understanding is it's the first time we've had an AUSLAN interpreter allowed on the floor of the Assembly," Ms Lawder said.

She said the presence of the translator allowed people with a hearing impairment to follow proceedings, if they were watching the online via streaming service.

"For me its certainly more than a symbolic thing," she said.

"I did work in the deafness sector a few years ago which really drove home to me the importance of including people who need communication access.

"I've tried hard to encourage the use of AUSLAN interpreters, of captioning and all sorts of assistive technology."

Ms Lawder said she would like to see interpreters used more often during proceedings.