Lámh is a manual, or ‘key word’ sign system. Children and adults in Ireland with an intellectual disability and communication needs use it.
Some people use Lámh as their main way to communicate. Others use it along with speech, sounds, signs, pictures, and technology. This is called the total communication approach.
Lámh and Irish sign language (ISL)
Lámh was developed in Ireland in the early 1980s, so the same signs would be used across the country.
Lámh signs are based on Irish Sign Language (ISL) and natural gesture. ISL is the main language of Ireland’s Deaf community.
Lámh and ISL are used in different ways. With Lámh, you always speak the words and sign only the key words.
Because Lámh is linked with ISL, some people can move to ISL more easily if they need a larger vocabulary or more complex communication.
List of all Lámh Signs - lamh.org
How Lámh can help with communication
Lámh can help with everyday communication. For example, to ask: “Will we go out to play?”, you might sign: 'go', 'play' and 'out'.
Adults often use gestures to help young children understand what they say. Many children can gesture before they can make clear speech sounds, such as:
- waving 'bye-bye'
- shaking their head for ‘no’
- raising their arms to be lifted up
Language develops in everyday conversations. Signing can help a child:
- take part in conversations
- use language
- build their vocabulary
Benefits of using Lámh
Using Lámh signs can:
- reduce frustration, so your child can use signs to ask for what they want, answer questions, or join conversations
- encourage people to slow down, so there is more time to work out the message
- support your child's memory with new ways to learn words
- highlight small differences in sounds - for example, between sleep and sweet, or dog and doll
- be easier to learn than saying a new word
- support communication in a positive way
- reduce pressure to talk, which helps your child build spoken language at their own pace
- encourage eye contact and attention to movement, which supports speech development
Support and information
Training in Lámh is about how to encourage and support your child, as well as learning the signs.
Ask your children’s disability network team (CDNT) about Little Lámh or the Lámh Family Course
Resources
This content was adapted from a guide by Dublin South, Kildare, West Wicklow Children's Disability Network Teams.