The Lamh sign language is used in creches, preschools & schools around the country. However, a significant number of parents, carers and teachers expressed concerns to IDK (now Sound Advice) about being unable to give children full access to the Lamh language due to its current training structure. To promote discussion, we are sharing a recent comment an IDK mother left on this blog. Please contribute to the discussion.
While I appreciate all that Lamh are doing, they should look to the Makaton website and start being more open with the parents who are trying to use Lamh with their children. On the Makaton website (the British sign language equivalent to Lamh) parents can find tons of information, FREE downloads for all the signs needed for special holidays and links to DVDs.
Lamh Needs A DVD Series
We are using Lamh with our son, but the package of hand drawn signs is not great. A DVD would be great. The training is good, but sometimes it’s as if the Lamh organisation operates as a secret society. They should remember they only exist provided the parents use Lamh with the children.
The Lamh DVD is a start but the production was not the best, particularly with the technology out there. Why can’t they approach Macnas or the colourful theatre based companies out there to give their time for free and develop something that actually can capture a child’s attention? My son is 3 1/2 and is glued to Something Special, the BBC show for children with special needs. When I put on the Lamh DVD, it really didn’t hold his attention for very long. Was this tested on a focus group before it was released? I do think the DVD was a step in the right direction but the production of it could have been so much better. Why aren’t there real children in it? The animation isn’t that great.
Lamh Needs To Be More Open
While it is a step in the right direction, I do think the Lamh organisation needs a bit of a shake up and reorganisation to be more open. Their website is awful and totally un-parent friendly. My son’s Irish sign language tutor had never heard of Lamh??? WHY??
I do hope that the feedback Mary Cullen receives will help move this organisation into the future with a more open, user-friendly approach. ”
Regards,
Christine Harmes
Further Reading
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