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.
.
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 Lámh signs can help with developing vocabulary and language skills. Persons who use Lámh signs have a way 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 the Person to Try Out New Words
If their speech is unclear or limited, the person who uses Lámh 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
Persons who use Lámh may understand more when they and their communication partners use signs Lámh signs. 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
6th Mar 2023
We are absolutely delighted to hear that Dizzy Deliveries, the first TV series with Lámh signs launched on RTE Jr, has been nominated for an RTS award!...
1st Feb 2023
The Lámh Project: Wouldn't it be great if everyone could say Hello to everyone?
If everyone could sign Hello, what a change that would make for...
27th Oct 2022
Children and families who star in Dizzy Deliveries, the new TV series with Lámh signs on RTEJr, were invited to the Late Late Show to talk to Ryan Tubridy...
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.