what is signalong? . . .

signed communication!

Signalong is one of the UK's most important signing systems which offers children with learning disabilities and those around them
a valuable aid to communication. It has been widely adopted by local education authorities. Successful communication combats frustration,
builds self-esteem and a sense of achievement for everybody. Signalong achieves this through sign-supported speech.

Only the most important words are signed. The use of key words simplifies sentences. You say the word as you perform the sign.
Since signs often pictorially echo their meaning, they help clarify the subject. The action of signing slows down speech
giving more time for comprehension. Facial expression and body language further enhance communication.

This multi-pronged approach means that most children of all abilities are able to sign before they are able to talk,
provided signs are used consistently with speech.

Signalong has published over 12,000 signs. Researching and generating new signs is ongoing. Signalong has analysed these signs
(which are based on British Sign Language but may be simplified) and has developed a consistent way of describing them based on
hand shapes and orientation. Once the terms are mastered, these descriptions mean that any sign in any Signalong manual
can easily be performed; signs can even be described over the phone without the need for a picture!

Signalong runs workshops, publishes manuals and has been involved in producing CD-ROMS.

Sign a song is Signalong's first official venture into video. After all,
Communication has never been simply a matter of words!