History
Up to 1979, Irish Sign Language (ISL.) was used in slightly different forms by boys and girls with hearing impairment. In 1979, a unified version of ISL was published by the N.A.D. (National Association for Deaf People). Irislán (Basic Irish Sign Language for non-communicating children) was published, consisting of 112 simplified ISL signs.
Leading up to 1980, many people were interested in using signs with people with intellectual disability. These included Adapted ISL, British Sign Language, American Sign Language, which led to confusion.
A group that included a teacher for deaf people, two speech therapists, and three psychologists came together in Temple Street Hospital in the early 1980’s to devise a standardised manual sign system for children and adults with intellectual disability and communication needs in Ireland
In 1982, Lámh was launched and the first Lámh course was run in Dublin.
Following this, in 1985 the first Lámh Tutors' course was held in Dublin, the word “Alternative” in the title was changed to “Augmentation” and in 1990 the first family training courses were run in Dublin.
In the following decade various developments were realised including vocabulary additions and deletions and development of new training packages. However with little organised structures and supports Lámh was at risk. In 1999 it was formed into a company limited by guarantee. A Board of Directors would now oversee its future development. The Board lobbied for funding for the post of Lámh Development Officer. Funding was allocated by the Department of Health and Children for a Lámh Development position and office. These were in place in early 2002, the year in which Lámh also become a registered charity.
Three development priorities were identified:
- Updating the vocabulary;
- Updating the formal training courses;
- Updating associated materials.
Lámh was established as a company named C.A.S.S. - Communication Augmentation Sign System, which operates under the original name Lámh.
In 2002, the Lámh Development Office opened in Waterford.
In 2003, 20 Years of Lámh was marked with a seminar with guest speaker Dr. Nicola Grove.
2004 saw a major project to update signs completed. This involved consultation with families, tutors, ISL, services providers and schools. The number of signs was increased to 500. Some signs were dropped or updated. The new vocabulary with materials was launched in June 2004.
In 2005 the Development Office moved from Waterford to the campus of Carlow I.T. Development Officer is now Development and Liaison Officer.
Recent developments have included the launch of a Module One Lámh course, contract training system, review of the assessment process, development of a new training programme for Family Course trainers, tutor training courses, tutor seminar, redevelopment of website and production of information and leaflets.
