Inclusive Education News by Ellaine Warner

Inclusive Education

23 September is International Day of Sign Languages. This day acknowledges the importance of sign language in the full realisation of the human rights of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing. Around the world there are approximately 300 different sign languages used by more than 72 million people, including Auslan (Australian Sign Language) used here in our community every day. You may have seen Auslan being used at Press Conferences, interpreting for ministers and health officials and also here at school in classrooms and whole school parade.

Here are some facts about sign languages:

• Sign language varies from country to country and also within different regions in a country.
• Sign language includes facial expressions, hand movements and position, gestures and body language. Any change in one of these components will change the entire meaning of the sign.
• Sign languages have their own grammar.
• The direction of the palm of the hand can change the meaning of the sign.
• Two movements of the same handshape can have different meanings.
• People who use sign language often use name signs to refer to specific people. These signs are specific to each person and do not require fingerspelling.

Happy International Day of Sign Languages! For more, please go to: https://youtu.be/_qO-ybCQQFI – International Day of Sign Languages and https://youtu.be/efWCGjikFu8 - How to sign ‘Happy International Day of Sign Languages’.

Have a great week