On Sunday 8 October, Key Word Sign Australia hosted a free Key Word Sign Awareness Day seminar to educate, inform and inspire people who use Key Word Sign (KWS) and their support networks.
Three hundred people attended sessions live on the day, with 800 in total registering to receive the recordings.
An exciting program was offered with sessions to cater for a range of interests, needs and signing experience. Dr Kathy Cologon, a senior lecturer in Inclusive Education at the Department of Educational Studies, Macquarie University, delivered a passionate and informative keynote address on the factors and strategies that support inclusive learning and communicative environments, at home, in early childhood settings, school, work, and in the community.
The theme of creating inclusive settings was then explored through sessions on implementing KWS at school, using KWS to support literacy development and early concept learning, promoting wellbeing and access to healthcare, and strategies to enhance collaboration. Several practical sessions offered participants the opportunity to learn and use new vocabulary in “Read and Sign” and “Sing and Sign” sessions. A highlight of the day was hearing from people who use KWS and their families about their experiences. Three parents shared their ‘Memorable Moments using KWS’ in an interactive panel discussion.
To end the day, National Coordinator, Libby Brownlie, shared insights into the over 40-year history of Key Word Sign in Australia. From an initial introduction as Makaton at Stockton Centre, Newcastle, Key Word Sign has developed into a communication strategy now used with thousands of individuals across Australia.
Feedback received about the event has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Thank you so much for providing a high-quality day of free professional development and for continuing to provide a great suite of resources and support for individuals, families, professionals and the broader community.”
It is with sadness and great deal of gratitude and appreciation that we announce Libby Brownlie’s retirement from her role as National Coordinator. Libby has been with Scope since 2017 in the role of National Key Word Sign Coordinator, having previously worked as a Speech Pathologist in many roles supporting people with disabilities across Australia and internationally. Her commitment and dedication to AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) and Key Word Sign over the past 40 years is nothing short of amazing and has ensured that many people with communication disabilities, of all ages, and their communication partners have a way to communicate.
We are delighted to announce that Dr Leigha Dark has been successfully appointed as Key Word Sign Australia National Coordinator. Leigha brings a wealth of knowledge, practical, and personal experience to the role. She has worked in closely related clinical, education and academic roles and we are looking forward to the vision she will bring to grow Key Word Sign into the future.
In an adrenaline-charged showdown under the Springers Leisure Centre's roof, the Bombers emerged victorious in a pulsating game of Balloon Football. The scoreboard read 3-1 in favour of the Bombers, but the drama, heart, and rivalry between two standout players stole the show.
Scope and Hockey Victoria have been awarded $97,480 to develop an inclusive hockey program suitable for people with multiple and complex disabilities.
In Australia, one in four women, aged 18 and over, will experience intimate partner violence, and one in five will experience sexual violence. But for women with disabilities, their chances are doubled.
