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
Lámh Day 2020
The very first Lámh Day is happening this year on Wednesday 21st of October! We want everyone to know what Lámh is, so we’ll be having lots going on coming up to and during that day, including:
- a special message from Lámheen,
- our Lámh tutors and staff demonstrating their favourite signs on social media,
- behind the scenes at the Lámh Office,
- a poster for colouring with prizes, check out out to enter the draw HERE
- and lots of other fun activities.
Tune in on our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter channels @Lámhsign.
The theme for Lámh Day 2020 is: What is your favourite sign? why not post your favourite Lámh sign on social media.
Remember, use the #LámhDay2020 and tag @Lamhsign if you want to share your favourite Lámh Sign.
How can you help to celebrate Lámh Day?
Create a social media post saying Happy #LámhDay2020 on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and tag @Lamhsign
Even better- Create a very short video saying Happy Lámh Day! Record yourself in landscape mode if possible, post on your social media with hashtag #LámhDay2020 and tag @Lamhsign. Check out our instructional video that Lámh Tutor Deirdre made to help you with the your signing.
If you use Lámh regularly, you could even create and share a video of your favourite sign with hashtag #LámhDay2020 and tag @Lamhsign on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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
15th Oct 2020
Let's celebrate Lámh Day in Schools- Wednesday 21st October, 2020
The Schools Team here at Lámh have created lots of great activities that could be...
13th Oct 2020
The very first Lámh Day is happening this year on Wednesday 21st of October! We want everyone to know what Lámh is, so we’ll be having lots going on coming...
2nd Oct 2020
Did you register for free access to Lámh signs using the code lovelamh before the 31st of August 2020?
If so, you can still access signs...
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.