Lámh

Lámh...a manual sign system

...used by children and adults...

What is Lámh?
 

Lámh is a manual sign system used by children and adults with intellectual disability and communication needs in Ireland.

Lámh signs are based on Irish Sign Language (ISL).  

Speech is always used with Lámh signs.

Lámh signs are used to support communication.  Signing can be useful because: 

1.   The person can see as well as hear what is being communicated.

2.   Signing naturally encourages people to slow down a little so there is more time to work out the message.

3.   If their speech is unclear or limited, the Lámh user may be more easily understood when they use signs.  This encourages many to try new words and say more.

4.   It encourages eye contact and attention to movement; skills that are important for speech development. 
 

Speech is always used with Lámh signs and only key words in a sentence are signed.  Lámh has 500 signs.

How long has Lámh been in use in Ireland?

Since the early 1980s.  Lámh was developed in order to have a standardised, Irish-based manual sign sytem for those with intellectual disabilities and communication needs. 

It is now used by many people throughout Ireland in their daily home, education and work settings.

Communication Skills

Research shows that the appropriate use of systems such as Lámh, can improve a person's communication skills and may support the development of speech.