The Signalong Group charity no 1039788

An Introduction to Sign Supported Communication

Tracy Goode Development & Training Co-ordinator

Afasic Cymru 2012 What is Communication? The process by which information is transmitted from one person to another

The response of the receiver to that information

Further interaction as a result

Afasic Cymru 2012 Why Communicate?

• To understand what will happen to us • To learn from people and events • To ask for things we need • To show how we feel • To share ideas • To make choices

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• To attract attention • To understand our role in the world • To find out about things and people • To find out what’s going on around us • To be sociable • To say no

Afasic Cymru 2012 How We Communicate real objects

representative objects eye contact objects of reference touch

video proximity & bearing

photographs scent

colour coloured pictures  sounds line drawings

cartoons voice tone graphic symbols gesture

signs music

heard & spoken words written & read words

Afasic Cymru 2012 The Communication Chain

Afasic Cymru 2012 Why Sign?

• Natural • Independence • Reduces Frustration • Facilitates Development • Facilitates Speech • Eye Contact / attention

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• Slows Speech – student • Slows Speech – carer • Key words • Visual • Hearing Loss • Easy to shape • Fun

Afasic Cymru 2012 Types of Signing

• British • Signed English • Paget Gorman Signed Speech • Sign Supported English • Keyword Signing Systems

Voice for Life Welcome to Signalong

Afasic Cymru 2012 Philosophy

Based on adapted for the needs and abilities of children and adults with verbal communication difficulties. Uses one sign per concept, one concept per sign.

Sign–supporting system – used in spoken word order, references link between sign and word.

Total communication – uses speech, sign, body language, facial expression and voice tone.

Key-word signing system – only the essential word in any sentence. Sign at partner’s level and moderate language to ensure that the message is understood.

Start with real objects and real experiences, generalise concepts before moving on to more abstract representations.

Needs led – users determine which vocabulary is chosen, feedback from users helps SIGNALONG to decide on vocabulary research.

Afasic Cymru 2012 Methodology

The four elements that make up a sign

HANDSHAPE How the hands are formed

ORIENTATION How the hands are held

PLACEMENT Where the hands are held

MOVEMENT Any changes in any of the above

Afasic Cymru 2012 Signalong Training

15 hour foundation course

1 day Introductory up to 10 people, 1 tutor up to 15 people, 2 tutors

½ day Introductory up to 10 people, 1 tutor up to 15 people, 2 tutors

Afasic Cymru 2012 Our Tutors http://www.signalong.org.uk/trainers/index.htm

TUTOR LIST Click HERE for details of tutors in your area. Don't worry if you don't find someone local to you - most of our tutors are happy for enquiries to be passed on through the Signalong Centre. Contact Tracy Goode to ask for help.

For further information about Signalong training or to discuss particular training needs please call Tracy Goode on 0845 4508427

Afasic Cymru 2012 Early Years & Play

Afasic Cymru 2012 National Curriculum

Afasic Cymru 2012 Language

Afasic Cymru 2012 Adults

Afasic Cymru 2012 Commissioned Manuals

The initial set up fee is £200+VAT, This includes your first 0-200 signs. If you want more signs it will cost £2+VAT per sign.

Afasic Cymru 2012 Commissioned Posters Commissioned posters are printed in colour on A3 paper. A commissioned poster can contain 12 signs. If requested a school logo or address can be included keep in mind there is a limited amount of space on the poster.

Cost The set-up of a commissioned poster costs £20+VAT, included in this cost you shall receive three of the posters. Additional copies of the poster shall cost £3.50 +VAT each.

Afasic Cymru 2012 LOVE

Cross flat hands over chest, working hand in front.

Afasic Cymru 2012 DAY

Flat hands (palms back, pointing in/up), in front of face, move out in small arc. Valentine's Day: sign "love + "day"

Afasic Cymru 2012 SECRET

Working flat hand (palm in, pointing up) touches bottom lip twice.

Afasic Cymru 2012 TO FANCY

Working index hand (palm up, pointing forward) moves up/back to brush against chest and away to palm back, pointing up.

Afasic Cymru 2012 CARD

Flat hands (palms in, pointing up) held together, move to palms back, pointing up with little fingers maintaining contact.

Afasic Cymru 2012 TO MEET

Supporting index hand (palm forward, pointing up), working index hand (palm back, pointing up) a short way in front; hands move towards each other until knuckles touch.

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The Signalong Group charity no 1039788 www.signalong.org.uk [email protected] 0845 450 8427

Afasic Cymru 2012