Lámh supports communication - between parents and child, between siblings, between friends. It can be a stepping stone to communicating with the world. Lámh is a manual sign system used by children and adults with intellectual disability and communication needs in Ireland.
Free and Open Access to Lámh Signs Online until May 31st 2020
Please follow these steps to get free access to Lámh Signs Online:
- Go to www.lamhsigns.org
- Click on Apply for Membership
- Enter the code: lovelamh
- Fill in your name and email
- Check your emails to get the link to create your own password
- Login and see all signs.
With the current STAY AT HOME measures in place, Lámh is offering free and open access to Lámh Signs Online until the end of August 2020. This resource has videos of all 580+ Lámh signs, including timely signs like Wash Hands, Space, Hot, Clean, and Doctor. Usually Lámh users, their families and staff who support them start to learn Lámh signs face-to-face at a training course with tutor support. Currently Lámh training courses are postponed, routines have been upended, and families are at home. We hope that during this unsettling time, this temporary access will give support to Lámh users, staff working with Lámh users and other communication partners.
#lovelamh #ShareTheLamh #LamhSignsOnline
Using Lámh
Lámh signs can help children and adults to communicate. Lámh signs can help children and adults with communication difficulties.
Lámh Encourages Eye Contact
Using Lámh encourages eye contact and attention to movement. These are skills that are important for speech development.
Develops Vocabulary
Using sign assists people to develop vocabulary and language skills. They have a means to try out and practice how language works.
Helps Self-Expression
Many children and adults with communication needs can understand much more than they can express verbally. Signing can provide a means of taking part in conversation.
Motivates to Try Out New Words
If their speech is unclear or limited, the Lámh user may be more easily understood when they use signs. When you are understood you are delighted to realise you have been successful and are more likely to keep on trying - to try new words and say more!
Promotes Attention to Movements
Using gestures and making signs comes earlier for many children than saying the corresponding word. For many people using Lámh, it is easier to recognise and make gestures with their hands that it is for them to make speech sounds at first.
Reduces Frustration
Lámh users may be more easily understood when they use signs with speech. When a person uses sign, the listener can have a better chance of understanding the message. Frustration is reduced when people are provided with a way of communicating.
Latest Updates
25th May 2020
To start off the week, why not practice some signs that can be used to keep active at home. The Schools Team have created some great videos to get you...
22nd May 2020
The Schools Team have created a new Lámh Activity to help you learn and have fun with Lámh. Check out Hide and Find on the...
20th May 2020
Lámh is extending free of charge access to Lámh Signs Online www.lamhsigns.org until the end of August 2020!
...Why not use Lámh in your community?
When school staff and other pupils become familiar with Lámh signs and use some signs themselves, the child who is using Lámh will have the opportunity to participate in school life from the start.
"Lámh Clon" is a short film promoting the town of Clonakilty, Co. Cork. The film features 26 people supported by Cope Foundation in Clonakilty, and demonstrates various places of interest in the town.
The more people that know about Lámh signs the better! An inclusive choir or a sports club learning Lámh? Lámh is happy to support all those interested in developing projects using Lámh.