In this podcast, Dr Carly Lassig (DSQ’s Lead Education Consultant) interviews Dr Emma Watkins, also known as Emma Memma (previously known as the Yellow Wiggle).

This interview came about in response to the increasing interest from schools in Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and Key Word Sign (a visual communication approach that adds signs, borrowed from Auslan, to spoken words), and the DSQ’s Education Team’s observations of how music is such an effective way to teach children signing.

Emma tells us about the development of Emma Memma, which teaches Auslan through music and movement, and is based on her PhD research.

We learn about what first motivated Emma to learn to sign and how she continues to develop her Auslan skills and understanding of Deaf culture.

We also discuss some considerations for introducing signing in schools.

This podcast is a production of Down Syndrome Queensland.

If you have a question, would like more information on any of our episodes, or have suggestions for future topics, send us an email - engagement@downsyndrome.qld.org.au.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Down Syndrome Queensland