It's not just about talking. It isn't easy to see and recognise what happens beneath the surface of children's communication.
Being able to listen, pay attention, play and understand are the fundamental building blocks of communication. Adults play a crucial role in supporting these skills. If a child can't listen and understand, they'll struggle to talk.
Signalong is based on British Sign Language, using unaltered BSL signs wherever possible. The difference between Signalong and other sign-supported communication systems, apart from our much wider range of signs, is the way that they are presented. When the sign has been selected, a description is worked out. This follows a consistent method of handshape, orientation, placement and movement.
Signalong is flexible and adaptable to suit your child by using key-word signing at their level and recording person specific signs in a way that they can be easily understood.
We can provide training to you, your child’s educational establishment, after school clubs and respite providers to ensure that your child can always communicate effectively.
We welcome parents who wish to participate in Tutor Training for those with experience of sign-supported communication who wish to train others. This course is not just about teaching vocabulary but developing the necessary skills to access and perform all of our vocabulary. Most training occurs at our centre in Rochester, however we will deliver training anywhere subject to a minimum of 4 participants. Depending on the size of the group, training will be delivered by 1 or 2 Senior Tutors over 4 or 5 consecutive days. The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 8 to ensure all trainees receive significant supervision and support. We offer reduced fees to parents of £750 at the centre or £950 away from the centre. Further information can be found in Training for Everyone but if you would like to discuss your interest, please contact email@example.com.
Our daughter had been taught at a school with total communication for deaf and special needs children, it came as quite shock that her residential home didn't understand the importance of following this up. Now, (following Signalong training) staff at her home have said our daughter's behaviour has improved immensely. Without intervention, our daughter would still be locked in a world of silence and becoming more frustrated, with escalating behavioural problems."