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.
Signing with Lámh
When Dublin GAA player Dean Rock is not on the football field, he's improving his Lámh signing communication skills at work!
Dean is Fundraising and Communications Manager at Stewarts Care Ltd. that provides services to people with an intellectual disability.
Many thanks to Dean for giving his time generously to make this video and to demonstrate Lámh signs for the new Sports Posters.
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 Aug 2019
This is an intensive training programme for professionals whose work largely involves supporting Lámh users and their families in a service setting and who...
1st Aug 2019
Lámh-a-Song 2 DVD is now available from our online shop and will soon be available for download via Vimeo. It features songs for children including: Mary...
2nd Apr 2019
April 2nd is UN World Autism Awareness Day, and the families at Cottage Autism Network (CAN) Wexford created this fantastic video 'This Is Me' using Lámh...
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.