Lámh (/lɔːv/, from the Irish: lámh [l̪ˠaːw], lit. 'hand') is an augmentative and alternative system of manual communication used in Ireland by developmentally disabled and neurodivergent children and adults. Many of the signs are adapted from Irish Sign Language (ISL), used by the Irish Deaf community.
History
Lámh was developed in the early 1980s. It was discussed at the Second European Congress on Sign Language Research in Amsterdam in 1985.
Features
Lámh is not a true sign language, as only a limited number of expressions are possible. There are over 500 signs; speech is always used with signs and only key words in a sentence are signed.
Lámh is intended to encourage eye contact, develop vocabulary, promote attention to movement, and relieve frustration.
See also
References
- Droney, Claire; Verbiest, Annelies (October 21, 2021). The Everyday Autism Handbook for Schools: 60+ Essential Guides for Staff. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. ISBN 9781787754294 – via Google Books.
- Jordan, Rita; Roberts, Jacqueline M.; Hume, Kara (July 29, 2019). The SAGE Handbook of Autism and Education. SAGE. ISBN 9781526418951 – via Google Books.
- "Lámh (Sign Communication System) | National Council for Special Education - CPD and In-School Support". www.sess.ie.
- Fogarty, John (October 8, 2021). "Autism and the GAA: 'You want your child to have same experiences as every other child'". Irish Examiner.
- "The mental and physical toll of children's school absence". independent.
- "Lámh is extending free of charge access to Lámh Signs Online". St. Michael's House. March 22, 2018.
- "Lámh sign system offers free online resources to help parents and carers at home". www.leinsterleader.ie.
- ^ "Lámh • Athea National School". Athea National School.
- Tervoort, Bernard Th M. (October 30, 1986). Signs of Life: Proceedings of the Second European Congress on Sign Language Research, Amsterdam, July 14-18, 1985. Dutch Foundation for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired Child. ISBN 9789071700019 – via Google Books.
- "Lámh – Down Syndrome Centre".
External links
Languages of Ireland | |
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Official languages | |
Minority languages | |
Sign languages |