Children's entertainer Emma Memma in collaboration with nation's oldest Deaf society Expression Australia is celebrating Auslan Day today.
Emma Memma and character Elvin Melvin who is Deaf use Australian sign language in their performances. Auslan is different to English, it has its own syntax and grammar and was officially recognised as its own language on this day 35 years ago.
Expression Australia estimates around 20,000 people use Auslan as their primary language. CEO Rebecca Adam, the first Deaf person to lead the organisation says Emma Memma is a trail blazer in making all her shows inclusive.
"Emma and Elvin are wonderful allies of Expression and give unprecedented representation to Deaf people in such a positive way, it would be wonderful for the wider community to learn basic signs and embrace this beautiful language."
Expression has partnered with Emergency Management Victoria for many years to ensure the community has access to emergency information in Auslan. Ms Adams also believes that knowing emergency signs such as fire and evacuation could save someone's life. More information can be found at Expression.com.au
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