Expression Australia, the nation’s oldest Deaf Society has been recognised for 140 years of service to the Deaf and hard of hearing community with a celebratory event at Government House in Melbourne.
The reception, hosted by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, celebrated Expression Australia and those within its community who have been the catalysts of powerful change that has improved access to the Deaf and hard of hearing.
This includes Expression Australia’s CEO, Rebecca Adam who is the first deaf person in this leadership role. Ms Adam says her appointment emphasises the capabilities of deaf and hard of hearing people across all sectors of society.
“Being a deaf CEO involves challenging societal perceptions and leveraging the unique perspectives and strengths that come from being deaf or hard of hearing to be successful at leading a wonderful organisation like Expression Australia,” she said.
The storied history of Expression Australia
Since its establishment in 1884, Expression Australia has been known under the names of The Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission and the Victorian Deaf Society but has maintained its core mission of supporting the inclusion and empowerment of Deaf and hard of hearing people in society through its services and advocacy.
With Auslan deemed unacceptable in mainstream society, Deaf people in Victoria once enjoyed their gatherings under the dim glow of gaslights, where they could easily communicate with each other.
At this month’s event, Expression Australia commemorated the organisation’s history and growth to become a leading organisation for Deaf and Hard of hearing people, a testament to the enduring resilience and determination of the community.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought Auslan into the national spotlight like never before, highlighting the need for equal access to mainstream medias for those who communicate in Auslan.
Expression Australia has been at the forefront of this movement, providing essential Auslan interpreting services in the media including the ABC television news every Sunday night.
The event also featured children’s entertainer Emma Memma, a trail blazer in using Auslan, and Deaf performer Elvin Melvin, along with other significant contributors to the Deaf community,
National Week of Dead People ends September 29, 2024.