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.[1][2][3][4][5] Many of the signs are adapted from Irish Sign Language (ISL), used by the Irish Deaf community.[6][7]

History

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Lámh was developed in the early 1980s.[8] It was discussed at the Second European Congress on Sign Language Research in Amsterdam in 1985.[9]

Features

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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.[8]

Lámh is intended to encourage eye contact, develop vocabulary, promote attention to movement, and relieve frustration.[10][medical citation needed]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Jordan, Rita; Roberts, Jacqueline M.; Hume, Kara (July 29, 2019). The SAGE Handbook of Autism and Education. SAGE. ISBN 9781526418951 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ "Lámh (Sign Communication System) | National Council for Special Education - CPD and In-School Support". www.sess.ie.
  4. ^ Fogarty, John (October 8, 2021). "Autism and the GAA: 'You want your child to have same experiences as every other child'". Irish Examiner.
  5. ^ "The mental and physical toll of children's school absence". independent.
  6. ^ "Lámh is extending free of charge access to Lámh Signs Online". St. Michael's House. March 22, 2018.
  7. ^ "Lámh sign system offers free online resources to help parents and carers at home". www.leinsterleader.ie.
  8. ^ a b "Lámh • Athea National School". Athea National School.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ "Lámh – Down Syndrome Centre".
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