What is Lámh?

Lámh is Ireland's standardised manual or key word sign system.
Some adults and children in Ireland choose to use Lámh as their main method of communication.

It is their way to understand the world, express themselves, make choices and decisions, and build relationships. Others choose to use Lámh along with other ways of communicating, for example, pictures, technology, or speech.

Many children and adults benefit from using Lámh Signs to communicate

Communication is key for living a good life. It allows us to create relationships with other people and to interact in our communities.

Key features of Lámh are

Signs are always used with speech

With Lámh, speech is always used with signs and key words in a sentence are signed

Total Communication Approach

Lámh works alongside speech, gestures, pictures, and other communication methods

Standardised Across Ireland

Ensures consistency across different settings and regions

Irish-Based System

Many Lámh signs are based on or adapted from Irish Sign Language (ISL), the natural language used by the deaf community in Ireland
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Benefits of using Lámh

With Lámh signing, the person can see as well as hear what is being communicated.

Signs emphasise small differences in spoken words, for example between ‘sleep’ and ‘sweet’ or ‘dog’ and ‘doll’.

Signing naturally encourages people to slow down a little so there is more time to work out the message.

Signing encourages eye contact and attention to movement; skills that are important for supporting speech development.

Using Lámh signs can reduce frustration, as the Lámh user is able to use signs to ask for what they want, to answer and to take part in conversation.

Watch Lámh Tutor and Speech and Language Therapist Caroline Nolan show us how Lámh signs can be used in the garden.

Who Uses Lámh?

Children and Adults

Individuals with communication needs who benefit from visual communication support

Families, caregivers, and communication partners

Teachers and Special Needs Assistants

Speech and Language Therapists

Healthcare and social care professionals