In a year in which we have been shown the value of Auslan interpreters in press conferences country wide, appreciation has grown for those who communicate with their hands.
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This week was national week of deaf people, with the international day of sign language falling on Wednesday.
Mole Creek Primary school understands the ability to communicate with more than just your voice is an important consideration for their students, now and in the future.
As such, a thoughtful team of teachers and assistants have made "key word signs" - a process by which their students communicate with their hands - a staple of everyday classroom life.
"The students are learning something every day. The process allows them to have their voices heard, even if that's not a verbal voice," Stacey Clarke, one of the teachers pioneering key word signs at the school, said.
Teaching key word signs has exposed the entire school to the possibilities of non-verbal communication through the hard work of Ms Clarke, Michael Bissell, Corinne Allen and Karen Miles.
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Some students have even raised the possibility of educating members of the community about non-verbal communication.
Ms Miles was the one who really took the idea of key word signs and ran with it, using it to help a non-verbal member of the classroom engage with fellow students.
"The student used to sort of play alongside other students, but since we have taught key word signs the student plays with other students, and engages more with staff," Ms Miles said.
In implementing non-verbal communication skills the group have shown the value of being able to engage with peers who may not communicate in the same way as other students.
"We are very passionate about inclusivity at Mole Creek," Ms Clarke said.
"It is important for everyone to get the best education they can and have the ability to be the best 'them' they can be. With key word signs all students are able to engage with their learning and engage with their peers."
Ms Clarke was confident the students would not have the empathy they have developed without the exposure to certain special needs afforded by the program.
"Whether it's a physical disability, or any difference, we are able to celebrate that everyone is their own person," Ms Clarke said.
Jenny Lloyd, the parent of a prep student at the school, said the addition of key word signs in the classroom has made her child more conscientious of the world around her.
"It gives the kids the understanding that although someone is different, they can still have respect for them," Ms Lloyd said.
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