Key Word Signing and Proloquo2Go

Elysha and Jake (Companion Dog)

2011-12-31T11:36:00.000+11:00

Today I decided to write a small article on Elysha and her new friend 'Jake'. Jake came to live with us nearly a year ago. Our first anniversary comes up in January.Jake is a wonderful addition to our family and I am so glad that I looked into the idea of a companion dog.

Jake came to us through the Guide Dog Assoc. I contacted them in reference to getting a dog for Elysha. We have never had a dog before - actually I have always been quite scared of dogs and spent many a day walking the long way to school just to avoid the local dogs.

I knew we needed a dog that had already been trained as I had no idea. Why get a dog - quite simply because life can be lonely at times for Elysha and I thought having her own special friend would make a difference. After our initial contact with the Guide Dog Assoc I was called a couple of times and information was shared. Then a wonderful lady from the Guide Dog Assoc came and did an interview. Looking at the whys and wherefores.
It was decided that although Elysha could have a Labrador she really wasn't strong enough to walk one and we didn't want the dog to become 'the boss'.

So we were looking at middle size maybe. We then waited. In all it was nearly two years but we knew this before hand and I started before Elysha finished up at school. Then we got the call - there was a two year old and a puppy. Both had been trained but the puppy still liked to playfully nip at heels. We knew this would scare Elysha and then she would withdraw from his handling so we went with the two year old.
Enter Jake. In comes this cute looking young fella with a bit of this and a bit of that in his breed. Bichon Frise was quite predominant and so we had a dog that a) didn't molt and b) no allergies for Elysha - fantastic.

Another quality we were looking for was a dog that maybe able to do Therapy Pet training with Elysha as we felt this could be a good way for them both to participate in the community visiting nursing homes etc and sharing.
Jake fit the mould perfectly. You have never seen a dog like it. He loves to be petted and is so relaxed we can be holding him and push his gently backwards and he just falls back - paws in the air and waits for a tummy rub.
When he's washed he smells like a wet jumper. We learnt the hard way not to let his coat get too long - being wool it just got so tangled and our attempts at using a clipper left him looking a bit mangled. Time to call in the mobile dog wash people. When they had finished he was looking a bit bald but much improved and very young.

Elysha feeds Jake everyday, cleans up his poos and is up early and removes evidence if he has been naughty and pooed in the back room.
He is perfectly trained and goes to meetings with us and will sit under the table, no noise and wait till we finish. We can take him out and tell him to go to the lou "quick quick" and go back in. So many cafes welcome us and bring water for him and some even treats. He walks right beside Elysha and only has to be pulled back every now and then. Everyone and I mean everyone stops us to ask about him and want a pat he just has that cute dog look.
Doesn't beg for food but will look at you with sad eyes until you tell him to 'go away' then he sits off to the side and just lays his head down and waits till we finish. Can sucker John and Elysha at times.

Faults: hates wet grass and rain. Will not go outside in the rain no matter how hard we work at it - we have taken him out on a lead and stood there with him in the rain but he will not go. We say quick quick and he just looks at us like we are idiots. End result is if its rainy we know he will have done something in the back room (which is an outside enclosed area) and we live with it. We scold him - he looks very dejected and some days we make him stay out but then Elysha just sits at the door and keeps telling us he is sorry. What can you do??

Barked and growled at all other dogs - his tail still going madly in happiness but there he was going berserk. We had no idea what to do - it scared Elysha terribly and I have no working knowledge of dogs. We called the Guide Dog Assoc and they sent a couple of trainers who had worked with him before. Of course he behaved perfectly for them and there were no stray dogs to show what was happening. Went and knocked on someones door - we knew they had a dog but didn't know them. Asked if they would bring their dog out and of course when he growled they pulled him up and he obeyed. CHECK

Next time we went out and he went nuts didn't matter what I said he wouldn't stop. So John took him visiting his mum and her two dogs - bit of work but we got there.

That's it for faults and so minor. REWARDS -ahhhhh so many I don't know where to start. He is Elysha's best friend. He goes with her everywhere -yes even to bed at night - but just till she goes to sleep then he wanders out-like 'yes shes asleep now' and sits with us then goes out to the back room for the night. He has everyone wrapped around his little paw. We have rules and he is very good but he does know how to work all of us. Yes even me - the dog hater has become the dog lover.

John who was adamant we would never have a dog (yes I went behind his back on this but I knew he would change his mind) is the BIGGEST SUCKER of us all. Jake nudges Johns hand and John pats and rubs and if he stops another nudge will get him patting again.
Elysha talks to him, sings to him and dances with him. He sits and listens to her laughter and stays with her always.

In the New Year we will start the Dog Therapy training and hopefully she and Jake will be able to take and share their friendship with others soon.
If you have ever thought about getting a Companion Dog for your son or daughter DO IT. You just cant loose.
Hopefully I will get into doing more posts this year. I know this article isn't really relevant to sign or Proloquo2Go but just wanted to share.

Aileen

PS We have taught Jake the Auslan signs for and he responds to SIT, WAIT, GO. We can get him to sit and wait when there are treats set up around him in a circle and he will wait and go to the treat we point to then wait for next one etc.

Proloquo2Go and Pictello latest release

2011-11-14T07:50:00.008+11:00

Have attached the latest Newsletter from AssistiveWare for your read:

Assistiveware Newsletter

In this month's newsletter it is our pleasure to inform you about the release of Proloquo2Go 1.7 and the upcoming release of Pictello 1.4. Would would also like to inform you about the new Proloquo2Go webinar and two upcoming events.

--- Product News ---

Proloquo2Go - Version 1.7 and 1.7.1 focus on layout customization and organizational improvements

We are happy to inform you that we just released version 1.7 of Proloquo2Go, our Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solution for iPad, iPod touch and iPhone. This free update brings many new features, such as a resizable message window and navigation bar, password protected settings, a bigger back and backspace button, as well as other enhancements. In addition, all Settings are now consolidated into the Option View inside Proloquo2Go. Please see our website for an overview of all the improvements.

We found some issues in 1.7 and most of these are addressed in version 1.7.1 released earlier this week, any remaining issues will be addressed in 1.7.2. If you are experiencing issues with the new Proloquo2Go, please contact support@proloquo2go.com for one-on-one support.

If you like the updated Proloquo2Go, please leave a review on iTunes.

Work on version 2.0 is taking longer than expected. We are hard at work on our new core words-based vocabulary and database architecture for Proloquo2Go. Once these two critical pieces are in place, we will be able to move ahead. The free 2.0 update is expected early next year and will provide two brand new vocabularies, multi-user support, folder and button level control over appearance, simpler and more powerful customization and editing, support for hidden buttons and empty slots on pages, alternative navigation options instead of swipe to scroll. We expect support for French and Spanish to follow in version 2.1. Support for other languages will follow after that.

Pictello - Version 1.4 brings new enhancements

Even though version 1.3 of Pictello was released just two months ago, we are expecting to already bring you version 1.4 next week, based on customer feedback. Version 1.4 of our visual storytelling app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that is available in 23 languages and 5 localizations, will enable you to export your stories to PDF. Moreover, in Edit Mode it will be possible to rearrange the order of the stories. Version 1.4 will be a free update for our existing users. If you like the updated Pictello, please leave a review on iTunes!

Please see our Pictello website for more information and learning material.

-- Proloquo2Go Webinars ---

With the release of Proloquo2Go 1.7 we will organize a webinar on November 14, November 30 and December 7, 2011 to cover the changes and improvements. The webinars are an ongoing opportunity to learn more about Proloquo2Go and we encourage everyone (even if you already attended all six webinars in the first round) to also attend this webinar to stay up-to-date with new features of the app. Please see our webinars page for exact timeframes.

Please use this link to sign up for the AssistiveWare News and indicate you would like to be informed about the webinars.

As a reminder: the previous webinars are available as recorded video podcasts on iTunes.

--- AssistiveWare Events and Meeting Opportunities ---

In the past month, we have given several workshops and attended the Closing the Gap conference in Minneapolis (USA). All were very successful and we would like to thank all participants and visitors for their interest in AssistiveWare, Proloquo2Go and Pictello.

Conference: ASHA Convention 2011, USA

David Niemeijer, Jennifer Marden, Laura Sussely-Pope, Eric Sailers and Nathan Swett will be at ASHA Convention 2011, 17-19 November, 2011, San Diego, USA. Come see us at the AssistiveWare booth, number 616, and attend one or more of our conference presentations. You can find more information about our presentations on our events page.

Conference: BETT 2012, UK

David Niemeijer, Martijn Leopold and Anne Verhulp will be at BETT 2012 from 11-14 January, 2012 in London, UK. We will show all of our products at the Special Needs Section. Visit us at the AssistiveWare stand (SN19) and learn more about our products for Mac and iOS.

follow on Twitter AssistiveWare on Facebook forward to a friend
Copyright © 2011 AssistiveWare, All rights reserved.You are receiving this email because you signed up for AssistiveWare News on our web site.Our mailing address is:
AssistiveWare
Laurierstraat 183Amsterdam, The Netherlands 1016 PL Add us to your address book

Hope this has helped - if you have any questions nows as good a time as any to ask away.

Don't forget to check out the list of Australian words we are compiling for the Proloquo2Go Aussie vocabulary. If you have any suggestions please either email me or leave a comment on the blog and we will add.

Using Proloquo2Go

2011-07-15T12:03:00.007+10:00

Hi everyone. Thought you might enjoy watching these two clips of a young boy using Proloquo2Go to let mum know exactly what he wants.

AUSTRALIAN VOCABULARY for Proloquo2Go

2011-07-14T11:14:00.015+10:00

This is the latest update of words - thanks to everyone who has sent me words - please if you dont agree let me know or if you have more send them on.

Dont complain if words are missing from the final vocabulary if your not willing to take a minute of your time and let us know what you want. Remember the words that get added to the vocabulary will also have symbols drawn for them and it all makes life easier.

That means that if you have some words you feel should be included then I need you to either post within comments here or email me at aileen@handscantalk.com.au . When people give me words I will add them to the main list for others to see.

This is too much work for one person and this is where your support comes in.Again thank you to all of you who have added words so far

Here goes:

PLACES
Australia
Sydney
Melbourne
Adelaide
Perth
Brisbane
Gold Coast
Uluru
Canberra
Chemist
Grocery shops
Dick Smith
JB Hi Fi
Woolies
Coles
Big W
Target
BiLo
Bing Lee
Harvey Norman
Bottle-O
Pub
Preschool
Kindi
Long Day Care
Maccas
Outback
Servo
Petrol Station
Charcole Chicken
Red Rooster
Pizza Hut
Dominos
R.S.L
Opera House

ExServicemens Club
Sydney Harbour Bridge

Salvo's
The Entertainment Centre
Homebush
Vinnies
Kmart

PEOPLE

Prime Minister
Wiggles
Hi 5
Mum
Mummy
Aboriginal
(come on people give me some help here!!!)

THINGS

BBQ
Boot (Back of the car)

Bonnet (Hood)
Footy (AFL)
Footy (NRL)
Rugby
League
Footy club

Esky
NRL - Cronulla (Sharks); Canberra (Raiders); Penrith (Panthers)

AFL -
Bingo
Housie
Rubbish Bin
Fridge
Clothes Line

Texta

Biro (Pen)
School Bag
Loo (Toilet)
Cab (Taxi)
Doona
Holden
Ford
Panelvan
Scratchie
Lotto
Auslotto
Powerball
Monorail

ANIMALS
Kangaroo
Possum
Emu
Platypus
Wombat
Crocodile
Tasmanian Devil
Echidna
Koala
Cockatoo
Kookabrra
Dingo
Wallaby
Mossie
Kelpie
Magpie

FOOD
Vegemite
Nutella
Snags
Mash
Lamington
Pavlova
Bikki (biscuit)
Cuppa
Icy Pole
Ice Block
Paddle Pop
Schooner
Middy
Pint
Pot
Stubby
Vegies
Trifle
Jam -Strawberry, Apricot, Plum
Mango
Kiwi Fruit

CLOTHES
Thongs
Sweater
Jumper
Swimmers
Cossie
Wet suit
Trackies
Undies
Beanie
Singlet
Boardies
Sunnies
Stubbies (Shorts)

SAYINGS
Grouse
Bless you
Aussie
G’day – mmm not sure on that one
Cheeky
Whinge
Shout (A round at the pub)
Ta (thanks)
Barbie BBQ
Bloke
Mate
Sickie
Ute
Cranky
Grotty
Rubbish (what someone is saying)
Sticky Beak
Vego (Vegetarian)

I know I have a million other words to add here but I really have to get onto other things right now so its up to you. No swear words please and remember to think about words because the list cannot be never ending. Also this is Australian Vocabulary - there are already over 7,000 items in the original list. Please lets hear from you

Proloquo2Go - and there's more

2011-07-13T14:25:00.006+10:00

Here I've decided to just add some helpful hints and tips. So here we go:

Use commas and full stops for breaks in sentences.

As I am entering new single words or using things that are already there I will go into edit mode to add full stops and commas to break sentences up or slow them down.

Exclamation and Question marks also help with sentence tone.

You can type in a sentence and once happy with it save under one of the images that have appeared with the sentence or select a new graphic/picture to be the main one for this button.

You then decide which category you want to save this in.

People who type in lots of things or select lots of individual buttons often refer back to Recents which can be reached thru the Options button.

If there are new items in Recents that you want to save you can do so very easily.

Proloquo2Go program can be used without graphics and text only; with graphics; with photos and with imported graphics.

You can import Boardmaker graphics but it can be very slow as each image needs to be saved in the correct format. Thre is no short cut available for that yet.

For photos you can use photos you have saved on the device or collect images from places like Google Image. Collecting images from Google Image is very easy to do as long as wireless Internet is available. A little more complex if doing thru your computer and putting into a folder then saving thru iTunes

Australian vocabulary is not currently available but they are looking for words and would be happy to receive suggestions. Sent to aileen@handscantalk.com.au or go to the page I have added on this blog - add the words to comments and I will add to the list. This category will become available soon.

Prediction is very helpful but can be time consuming. Working out how to make a word sound right can be frustrating at times. I am thinking of makeing a page available that will have words on it that others have already done. These words will have correct spelling then the way it needs to be entered in prediction. What I'm asking is that others help by adding their words as well. Let me know what you think of this idea.

Photo editing needs to be done outside the program before you import into Proloquo2Go. This will be fixed in later editions.

VoiceOver is a new feature available to iPads/iPods and can be great for someone vision impaired but it does remove the choice of scroll.

Items on a page can be moved and placed in the order you want rather than alphabetical.

Space choice within a category is not available yet but will be coming.

Colour choices of more than one colour i.e a red button as emergency button in amongst all White buttons is not available yet but is coming.

If you have suggestions for additions or changes you should get in touch with assistiveware as they are constantly doing upgrades and improvements.

If you become aware that an upgrade is available for proloquo2go please do the download onto your computer then sync your device and download upgrade direct to device. Don't try to upgrade direct to the device thru wifi as the files are too large and may cause major problems.

You need to do upgrades of the iOS which is part of the operating system of the device and iTunes upgrades when asked so all run smoothly.

If you are having problems with anything in the program contact Assistiveware as they always have someone available to help sort out. But they do not do phone support.

Email support is great as they are prompt and always follow up. They will type out steps to take and correct links.

For Australia if you really need phone support then you can call me.

There is a great Newsletter that will keep you up to date with new changes.

There is also a forum to talk to others and Facebook (Proloquo2Go).

Don't buy the program for someone else as Apple will not let you transfer. There are steps you can take to make the account available to others for backup of vocabulary but I will go into that another time.

Webinars have started in America. We can link in - webinars allow 100 people to attend so you need to be there ready to go on the dot. BUT being in America means a very eary start here in Australia - in Sydney its a 5am start and I would be ready to log on 10 minutes before.

Step by step tutorials are a brilliant way to go if you cant attend the tutorials and I put the links of the previous Proloquo2Go update.

Some videos are now available and more coming

If you want to become a resource centre - here in Australia then let me know. If you want to know more about what resource centres are Look on Assistivware website or let me know and I can fill you in.

There are also a number of different cases to use with the ipods ipads and iphones that I will cover in more detail. I have attached a link to one now that I have found very useful here in Australia - iWorld Products . I am currently trying out the Kraken case and think its fantastic. There are limited numbers of the ones available for ipad, and they have come in in only black. iPad2 covers lots of and choice in colours. But it does add weight to the ipad and that needs to be thought about. There are also ipad covers called Big Grip which is bright and colourful for children; Trident Aegis Case for iPad 2 (looks good), Speck iGuy standing cover for iPad/iPad2. There are speakers, headphones, remotes and stands.

There are a number of websites that try out different programs and show either videos on the apps or reviews. These I will add on the next time I come on as its time to start dinner.

Proloquo2Go - KEEPING UP TO DATE - Part 1

2011-06-07T09:35:00.026+10:00

Its been ages and its time to update my information on Proloquo2Go and all thats been happening.

Where to start....... theres been quite a few updates on Proloquo2Go since it first came out and some fantastic improvements. Rather than have you jumping back and forward thru my old posts I thought it would be best to do a refresh on all information of Proloquo2Go on this page.

I will attach links that will take you directly to the information, share some ideas I have found that help with using Proloquo2Go and give some very important pointers. I'll also share some great links where people are looking at and giving their opinion on apps that are available. These sites are a wonderful way of finding out as much as you can before you purchase. Then there are the covers, speakers, ideas to help keep your child in the program, and additional items such as vga cables etc available to use with the devices. Theres lots to cover and I may split this into a couple of pages so I can get the information out there asap.

Will do a seperate page for ideas on an Australian vocabulary. I will start this page then ask you to help me out with additional suggestions. These I will add to the list as we go on.

I am also going to do a Pronunciation List which people who are using Proloquo2Go will understand what I am taking about. I will start the list off with words that I have found I was successful in changing the Pronunciation to that closer to how we would pronounce here. Then I am asking you to help me make this list grow. By sharing with you I would appreciate your sharing back. That way it saves us all having to do the work on our own. As you add to the list with your posts I will update the original file.

Later I will do a seperate post on 'Pictello' - if you like the idea of making your own stories, flash cards, directions, social stories then this program will be worth looking at.

In reference to this blog please remember these are my views only. If you have any questions or views you would like to add please feel free to have your say. My apologies for the gaps between what I am writting, no matter how many times I go in and edit and tidy up when it goes to the blog its all spread out - dont know what I'm doing wrong - rrrrrrr.

Things that I think are really Important to Do with Proloquo2Go

Setting up a New User in Proloquo2Go

1)First you need to make a separate Home Button. This needs to be done before you start to copy, paste or cut etc so you can preserve your original vocabulary that is available.
One for each person using the program i.e. If you are setting up for one person, two or more each will need a home section. How I can set up Proloquo2Go as a New User

So if you are working with a couple of children using the same device you can have a seperate vocabulary available for each. Making whichever one you need available as the default button each time. Very simple and easy step.

2) You can now copy and paste in what ever you want to have available in that section. Just go thru the categories and copy each thing you want to have available (they will stay available up in the message window until you finish selecting, go out of edit, go into your new category and tap on paste. They are now available for you to do with as you please.

3) When you are ready to start using this program with your child/client then you need to make the new category the default button.

4) You now have a small vocabulary that relates to that person only.

5) To do further editing you will need to either work in that category with what you have available or change your home category back to default category to select what you want to copy to take to your new category. Then change the home category to the one you want available.

6) Never delete the original default home and it's categories. Remember you cannot select categories to take to your new home category (even by copying and pasting) unless you intend to keep them exactly as they are because if you delete anything from this new pasted set it will be gone from the original as well.

7)By copying and pasting individual items that you can use or delete at anytime is the only way that the original vocabulary is protected. I know this means things take a little longer setting up but its better than loosing items you could have used at a later date and no longer have available to you. All of this is explained to you in the step-by-step article on 'How I can set up a Proloquo2Go as a New User'.

Backing up onto iTunes
*It's very important to do a back up of changes that you make.

This backing up needs to be done either thru iTunes or your Web Browser using wifi and these will be saved onto your computer.

Please note where the file is saving to. *you need to know this so you can change the file name if you want to remembering to keep the file type the same and *if you want to make a copy of the file to send to someone else thru something like Dropbox or a memory stick or email.

You will have times when the program says it's time to backup but those backups are direct to the device and can be lost in a crash of the device.

Making and Restoring Backups with iTunesʼ File Sharing using the dock connector cable - requires iOS 3.2 or later is here

You can also do Making and Restoring Backups with your Web Browser using Wifi here

Backing up is really very important as it can be heart breaking to loose hours and hours of work thru a problem with the device. I learnt this the hard way and lost approx 30 hours of work and I now make sure I back up thru iTunes on a regular basis as this can be done thru Broadban and without the need of wireless internet which we did not have originally.

Step-by-stepTutorials
Each of these step by step tutorials can be saved onto your computer or printed up for future reference. I found printing up each gave me something to refer to where ever I was if I wanted to work on Proloquo2Go.

The best part about the tutorials is that each covers how to make changes etc within Proloquo2Go. They are easy to understand and make me think of those books that hit the market years ago '.....for Dummies'. They are written in plain English and each step is covered by pictures showing you exactly what you should be seeing. I really am a hands on learner and found these the best way to go.

Links to the other step-by-step tutorials as follows:

The Basic Overall Tutorial This is eight pages and covers all the Basics. The rest of the tutorials are all 1 or 2 pages long.

Settings - Adjusting the look and feel tutorials
Proloquo2Go Tutorial - Adjusting Appearance 1
Proloquo2Go Tutorial - Adjusting Appearance 2 - Colors
Proloquo2Go Tutorial - Adjusting Appearance 3 - Text
Proloquo2Go Tutorial - Adjusting Interactions
Proloquo2Go Tutorial - Adjusting Restrictions
Proloquo2Go Tutorial - Speech Options

Creation - Creating vocabulary content tutorials
Proloquo2Go Tutorial - Creating New Items and Categories
Proloquo2Go Tutorial - Using Recents to add items

Others - Other tutorials
Proloquo2Go Tutorial - Working with Voices
Proloquo2Go Tutorial - Getting Info About Proloquo2Go
Proloquo2Go Tutorial - Modifying pronunciation

If you have any problem linking to any of these tutorials or you want to download the manual or just want more information then go to Proloquo2Go website .

More links to Proloquo2Go (AssistiveWare)

Resource centres in Australia This list is just starting out and there are to be some great additions coming soon.

If you would rather watch videos taking you thru the steps then AssistiveWare have started producing these. There are currently 4 available here

You can go to the AssistiveWare forum and just read what others have to say or you can join and have your say. This is a great way to keep up to date with things and also to be able to ask others who have been around longer than you how they solved differenct problems or with help with an issue you may have. click here

AssistiveWare gives you all the latest on Proloquo2Go and Pictello. You can also sign up for the AssistiveWare Newsletter.

Then there's Face Book for Proloquo2Go

Come and join us at the Hands Can Talk Facebook page: just go to facebook and in search type in 'Hands Can Talk' - like us and you can follow whats going on in relation to sign language and Proloquo2Go or even have your say.

Time to end this part for today. I have to get back on track - more sign graphics to draw. Be safe.

If you have time to say it, then you have time to sign it.

Its all about Communicating.

LATEST ON ELYSHA

2011-05-28T16:40:00.004+10:00

I just wanted to let you know Elysha is coming along nicely.

She is still in the learning stages with Proloquo2Go as she is still mostly within a signing environment.

She has been at Nova since the beginning of the year. At Nova Elysha is learning skills that will help her to be as independant as possible. Work experience happens on a regular basis and she really enjoys her days there. When I asked Elysha what she likes best about Nova - her answer is 'Kitty'. Kitty started there a couple of months ago, she is deaf and uses sign language as her main form of communication.

Elysha is very comfortable with Kitty and vis versa. And now we have decided its time for Kitty to learn more about Proloquo2Go so she can take Elysha out and about and get her use to using her ipod. She is also to start travel training and the ipod will be essential.

At Christmas time Elysha got her companion dog, Jake, from the Guide Dog Assoc - what a fantastic addition to our family. He has fitted into aour household as though he has always belonged and Elysha loves having someone to watch her movies with and chat to. Soon she will be starting Therapy Pet training and hopefully her and Jake will start working in a couple of nurseing homes.

On a Monday Elysha volunteers at Starting Points (the early intervention services she started out in all those years ago). She helps make sandwiches and cut up fruit for the many hungry little people visiting on the day. After she finishes in the kitchen (where she manages to avoid doing dishes due to her phobia of BUBBLES) she then joins the group and helps with signed stories or songs and does a bit of art work to bring home each week.

Wednesday nights are dedicated to dancing lessons. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are Nova. And of course Elysha always lives in the hope that Tuesday will be a meeting or work day for me cause that means getting drerssed up, going out, meeting people and usually a lunch at a cafe that will let Jake sit under the table while we eat.

The response to a companion dog has been wonderful. And it doesnt hurt that Jake is so well trained that we can go to a meeting for two hours and Jake just sits under the table and patiently waits till its time to leave. Wee's on command, no begging scraps, no yapping, patient, affectionate and very well behaved.(No, that's Jake I'm talking about not Elysha :)

Life is good.

WHERE HAS MAKATON GONE???

2011-02-11T16:26:00.004+11:00

I had to send off another email today explaining why Makaton is no longer being taught, Makaton resources no longer available and who 'Key Word Sign' is so I thought I would copy onto here for those of you who did not see my previous post on changes coming:

It started with a request for some Makaton resources:

My apologies I am unable to provide a Makaton Vocabulary book. I have run out of stock, thought I still had enough, did a total search but they are all gone. I will cancel your order and your card will not be processed. There will be no more Makaton Vocabulary books made available as printing of them has ceased.

response:
Thanks for letting me know, I will try the local library. I am curious why it isn't going to be printed again? Is it no longer relevent or has it been changed?.

EXPLANATION

The reason for no more printing of the book is because Newcastle University and Makaton England had a licencing agreement. For quite a while now final agreements have been under negotiation but Newcastle University decided not to renew the licence and so then of course Makaton withdrew its permission for the Vocabulary to be used, and Newcastle University removed the book from sales as the book contains referencing to Makaton and though owned by Newcastle University would need to have total changes.

Key Word sign - a supp can still be sold but thru me as I am the original author but I will need to remove all reference to Makaton and am currently thinking of the pros and cons on this, and Key sign a supp CD rom can still be sold cause it has no reference to Makaton on it. Plus if you check out our website http://www.handscantalk.com.au/ you will find plenty of other wonderful resources.

Newcastle University has started another group with the same presenters and admin but is now called 'Key Word Sign Australia' as this is what everyone was doing in the first place.

Same signs,
same theory,
same people,using it
same resources only now it will be called ' Key Word Sign' and
a new book, even if different layout and content, to prevent issues of copyright, will be produced.

I am in the process of drawing the graphics for the new book/or books but this will take some time as they have asked for many graphics.

So if anyone has the Makaton book, it is the correct book and will make no difference, other than being called by a different name that is confusing everyone at the moment. You have not spent money on a resource that is usless - it is a perfectly good resource.

If you want to keep up to date with changes and new resources join my Facebook page if you like - 'Hands Can Talk' - if you click on like then when new information comes out ,you will be advised, or, become a follower of this blog and you get the same results except I do longer blurbs on blog but get there less often that I should. Fairly regular updates on facebook 'Hands Can Talk' but shorter.

Well that was long winded and I hope it answered your question. Lewt me know if I have confused you or you need more information.

Now if you are still confused about Auslan, Signed English, Makaton and Key Word Sign please go to an early article that explains it all to you.

Aileen

Technology Gives Young Boy A Voice « CBS Philly

2011-02-09T20:20:00.000+11:00

Technology Gives Young Boy A Voice « CBS Philly

Interesting piece on Proloquo2Go. Check it out.

I'm back and have lots to say

2011-01-12T14:24:00.009+11:00

Well it's been so long since I've been on here I'm not sure where to start. The best thing will be to briefly cover as much as possible then come back and cover each topic with more detail.

Elysha has finished year 12 and received her HSC. Yesterday she started her first official day at Nova which is the service we decided to get her involved with. Elysha was assessed by ADAC who stated she was too high functioning for community access so she is in a preparation for work program.

Nova was the only program in the MacArthur area that had good deaf support so we have gone with that. Another bonus is that two other friends from the very early years are also there so Elysha is very happy with the choice.

Elysha has been accepted for a companion dog from the guide dog association and is to meet a hopeful candidate next week,, Jake. Fingers crossed that they like each other.

The next step will be to then see if the two of them are likely candidates for Pet Therapy training as we feel Elysha would really enjoy this type of job.

Elysha is also volunteering one day a week at Starting Point, a KU program for children with disabilities. Elysha goes in on a Monday and helps out with the lunches.

PROLOQUO2GO

Proloquo2Go is getting better and better. The best improvement to date is that all backing up can be done direct from your iPod iPad or iPhone onto your iTunes account and it's a proper backup and so easy to do.

I am now the proud owner of an iPad and yes I am aware that they're new ipeds etc coming out that will work with window systems and be about a third of the price but Prologue2go will only work on apple devices so the ground. Work there is limited.. I love my iPad.
I'm actually just sitting on the couch typing this up now as I'm watching the TV. It's so light and easy to carry around and apps are very reasonable on it.

PICTELLO

Developers of Proloquo2go have also brought out another wonderful app. It's called Pictello. Cheap 19.95 and sooooo very easy to use. You can make up social stories or talking story books or photo books it is just brilliant. Last night I quickly went onto google image and downloaded pictures I wanted to make up a story or two for Elysha. They automatically went to my photo section. Then went into Pictello started the story and imported photos from my album and made two books up for Elysha. One about her day and one about her brothers wedding. These can then be shared on line thru a network.

MAKATON GONE KEY WORD SIGN HERE TO STAY

Makaton has left our land and Newcastle University has started an organization with all the states called Key Word Signing Australia. So Kim will still be available to take orders but resources are a bit limited at the moment.Also Kim will only be available a couple of days a week at the office this year so if you have enquiries best to check out exactly when he will be in.

I still have some Makaton blue & green books left and some CD roms but once they are gone that's it. I also have a couple of big workshops coming up in the next couple of weeks so I dont expect stocks to last long.

New books will be coming out later this year. There is also a new resource that I am sure you will all love but you will have to wait to hear more.

Yes I will be drawing the graphics for the new books so there is a lot of computer work ahead of me, I am also thinking of cutting back on signing workshops as I am reaching a time when night work is not as appealing as it once as. Lisa will still be doing workshops and I will do some here and there.

Also because of my interest in Proloquo2Go I am finding I am spending a lot of time going to groups and explaining this and showing how to work the program.

So throughout Australia now there are no Makaton workshops they will now be called - Key Word Sign Workshops.

BUT they are the same signs, the same theory, the same everything it will just be a totally Australian based organisation using a different name and a different list or compilation of signs. For your knowledge you will still be using the same information and doing the same thing to support your children just not calling it Makaton. Which I am pretty sure will be happily received within the Deaf community as there is more understanding of Key Word Signing and less confusion in reference to what it is called.

HANDS CAN TALK

I am getting involved in a couple of other projects that I will be able to tell you more about later. All I can say now is that they look really exciting, include technology and will assist in signing.

For myself, I am currently redoing my Tiny Hands book as I sold the last copy and want to put in new better graphics. Have also taken back Key Sign -a supplement to the Makaton Vocabulary as the contract has expired with Newcastle University and as Makaton name cannot be used anymore. Have decided to remove the Makaton wording, see if there needs to be any additions, consider changing to all my own graphics if all are available on this one and it should be available soon.

I am also thinking of redoing the Sign & Sign with me but maybe this is all tooo much at this stage. This is one that can wait but I am very proud to say this book has reached 10,000 sales which makes it a best seller - not bad hey for a little book designed for special needs and never sold out of a shop or advertised.

John & his mate are also working on a music CD to go with the book but I have given up on nagging them - its been 18 months of asking and they are the musicians so I think this maybe one of those dream time things.

We were also talking about doing the next edition of the Sing & Sign with me book for the next age group up but I think again I have streched myself as far as I can and it will again have to sit on the back burner.

We have managed to produce some extra visual sign resources and Deaf Australia Inc have endorsed a number of the See Sign & Say books and some of the Sign Hand Cards. This is a very slow process but we will get there.

Dont forget the website has been updated and you can now shop on line. You can also go to the articles page for interesting articles that I will try to regularly update.

If you would like to you can join us on Hands Can Talk on Facebook - become a follower, have your say, start a topic or ask a question. I do regularly go on there with information but even though I have quite a few followers they are a very quiet lot so sometimes I feel as though I'm talking to myself. Which my children can tell you I enjoy doing at home all the time.

IPAD

Well I found that although I had a great time typing this up on the iPad I could not do spelling corrections or formating on the iPad so had to come back to the computer to finish off. But that didnt matter it was quick and easy getting the main bit done whereever I was and then just doing spell check and tidying up when I was finished.

Will post this now and come back on regularly to give more updated information on what I have talked about. Please let me know if you need anything explained and I hope you enjoy reading whats coming.

iPod, iPad, iPhone Special Education Applications

2010-08-26T15:49:00.006+10:00

Hi everyone. Its been awhile since I've posted anything and I have to say its not because I've been slack just been busy with lots of other things. Elysha is coming up to a very important time in her life - she turns 18 next month, finishes school, finishes Tafe and has to decide where to now. Lots of decisions to make and little help out there on making them.

I will come back to this in my next post but for now I have decided to post a list I was provided at the Inclusive Learning 2010 Technologies Conference in May on Applications available at iTunes for use on iPod touch, iPhone and iPad.

I have posted this list both on my website Hands Can Talk - when you go to the webpage - click on articles - then ipod special education applications and

Facebook page Hands Can Talk( which you find by just going to Face book then typing in Hands Can Talk in search- again sorry tried to add link but got that wrong too) as I cant include the article here as when I paste I loose all the graphs. Sorry still a learner. .

I have been unable to perfect transfering the whole document as is, so you will have the document with the name of the program and a brief description. I have not been able to copy over the link or picture so you will need to go to iTunes yourself to find these programs but at least the list will give you some ideas. Its amazing how much is available now and this list will continue to grow.

Also the prices are reasonable for most applications and in many instances they are free or free trial versions.

Hope you get some use out of the list and enjoy.

Storybook app first to include sign language mode

2010-08-25T10:41:00.003+10:00

Just wanted to share this. Its wonderful. YES its for iPad only and YES its in ASL so dont rush out and buy it but it shows what I have been saying for years. Books on the ipod and ipad with sign language hold so much potential. ITS WONDERFUL WONDERFUL - Have a look and make sure you look at the demo

Storybook app first to include sign language mode

Latest Update on Proloquo2Go

2010-07-05T15:13:00.003+10:00

I am on the forum that receives emails on a daily bases when people are asking questions in relation to Proloquo2go. There seems to have been a lot of questions in relation to the upgrade of the IPOD SOFTWEAR iOS4 program that has recently become available.

It appears to be conflicting with Proloquo2Go so think very carefully before you download this update. some of the common problems appear to be

'we use the message window all the time and yes we do clear it regularly, actually she clears it after each message. :-). One thing I had mentioned in an earlier post just after updating to iOS4 was that I noticed p2go seem to run slower and that when I added a new button I sometimes had to back out of the page and then come back before the button showed up. I had no problems with anything like this prior to upgrading the OS. The thing is, we are using 2 different ipods and the same issues are on both of them.'

'Apparently many people are experiencing slow downs with the upgrade to iOS 4 with a variety of applications. So most likely this is not Proloquo2Go related but OS related. I can't remember where I have read how people resolve this issue. '

' I have found a few apps that didn't work with the new OS but not many, all the ones we currently have are working fine. I should be thankful that so far they have been going out at different times and not at the same time as I can at least look at the other one to see how to put things back "exactly" like they were so ......... There is plenty of room on both ipods so space isn't an issue. All I know is that these particular issues on both ipods was not seen prior to updating the OS.'

'If there is a general slow down of certain operations this could delay start up. One Proloquo2Go related possible cause for slow start up is an extremely full message window (which does not seem to be your problem) another one can be if you exit Proloquo2go while very deeply nested. Such deep nesting can occur if you have loops in the vocabulary where for example you have an animal but with dogs in it and then animals in dogs and then go from dogs to animals to dogs to animals, etc. instead of going back or using the home button.'

There may be other causes ......

' I think you are right about it being an issue starting up at times. P2go is fully customized as in adding our own pics and has a lot of folders so I don't know if that is a problem or not. We have added a few more things since upgrading the OS but not that much so I don't know if there is a limit on how much P2go can hold (so to speak). I was able this morning to capture p2go as it was loading and that is the same thing we get when it crashes so the loading issue makes sense to me.'

'I agree with you that the problem is happening at loading. In principle it should not matter how many pictures you have. Above I mentioned some possible causes for slow loading. The only way for sure to know what is up (and even then not always) is seeing a crash log saved by the device when it returns automatically back to the home screen after it feels it has waited long enough for Proloquo2Go to startup'

'have updated my iPod to the 4.0 OS, but I don't use P2G on my iPod, other than for testing things out. I have had lots of crashes of other apps since switching, when I previously had no crashes at all. I'm one of the people I guess you could call 'app addicted' because I had so many apps I could not add more without deleting some'.

' My experience with the crashes leads me to believe there is some problem with OS4 which is causing the crashes. I will try using P2G on my iPod today to see if I can generate some crashes. What were you doing when the crashes occurred? Programming or just using it to speak?

Anyway, the crashes in other programs is why I have not updated my daughter's iPod yet to OS4 '

'Just to add my 2 cents to this discussion, I have not upgraded to the new iOS 4 because my son, who is the IS manager for a small company, said that it has a number of problems--being slow is one of them and crashing on certain programs is another. Since this is also a problem for the iPhone, he has told all of his sales personnel not to upgrade until they fix the problems.

So this page is to keep you uptodate with whats happening and maybe help you decide before you just automatically download.

But please remember this is the up grade for the Ipod NOT the Proloquo2Go program that I have told you you do need to upgrade if it is still the old original one. Talk soon

Aileen

Proloquo2Go and where we are up to

2010-06-26T01:01:00.008+10:00

Okay I have been very busy setting up the Ipod for Elysha to start using. She still doesn't need it yet as she is still at school in the Hearing Unit and has an interpreter at Tafe. But she will be finishing school soon so it will be time to put to use. First test out will be when she goes away for a week with friends in the school holidays as they don't sign.

In May I went to the Inclusion Conference on the Gold Coast, met some great people, saw some other interesting uses for Ipods in education and met David who is one of the designers of the Proloquo2Go program that works on the Ipod Iphone and Ipad touch. Got to see an Ipad and have a bit of a play. I WANT ONE!!!!!!!.

Anyone thinking of setting your child up with a communication device should seriously think about the Proloquo2Go program. I am going to call it p2g from now on as its much quicker. If you don't know much about this fabulous program then go back to previous posts and read all about it.

Basically p2g is a voice output program that works on an ipod touch iphone or ipad to help a child/adult who is non verbal for what ever reason communicate. People everywhere are using this program with great success. No matter how severe physically or developmentally if there is a speech delay for some reason or other this program can help.

Of course now that the Ipad has come out there is also the thought there that this would be a great way for teachers and students to interact within the classroom. Of course we will have to think of ways to protect the ipad touch from destruction due to dropping or knocking of desks and there is no speaker case at this stage like there is for the ipod touch.

It is slightly louder and you can attach speakers but not that same versatility at the moment but I do love the big work area and the idea of a child being able to clearly see and participate during class.

And just as an aside as I am an avid avid book reader (but terrible terrible speller) I love the idea of having thousands of books in this slim line gizmo that barely weights anything and doesn't irritate my aching hands. Oh I could go on for ever about the book side of it but that is digressing.

Back to the versatility in the classroom - image your child being able to press a key letting the teacher know they have something to say - no matter what it is - they can say it

'I need to go to the toilet"

'I know that'

'Can I get some help please'

whatever you want

you program the buttons and the categories. You or the teacher can add sections relevant to whats going on in the classroom so that more participation can go on.

If Elysha was still in Primary school I would honestly be looking at having both I think - the ipod touch for communication on the go as its much smaller and portable and good speakers etc. the ipad for the classroom as its bigger and easier to use because of that. up to 5 machines can be synced to the same program.

You can enter and change categories and lock so that your child cant go in and wipe what you have done.

I mention this most often for a child cause I still think mostly in child terms but by no means is this limited to a child - child or adult and any one with a non verbal life could use this.

Image as a deaf adult who signs and is not comfortable using voice, but needs to go out at say the butchers - you already have it programed with the meats you buy - amounts etc so all you have to do is look at the meat then hit the buttons :

type of meat

quantity

ask how much

thanks that's it

Image if you have suffered a stroke and cant talk but you know what you want to say this program can be set up so easily that it could be used to allow conversation to be in the here and now. Cutting out isolation, allowing instant response and input.

- - another great thing about this program and the ipod is realistically they don't cost the earth.

After looking into speech output devices and realising that to get a good compact one for Elysha we were looking at over $4,000.00 to start with and there was no guarantee this would be right.

This way we spent $500.00 and if it didn't work well Elysha got an Ipod touch out of it and we would have been out of pocket $260.00 for p2g and speaker case..

Some people have argued that Iphone is a better option as the use of the camera is available there. Being able to take a photo at the time and then simply bring straight into p2g and giving a label certainly has its benefits. Also being a phone is another benefit and of course another is internet access. But the down side is that it is a very expensive benefit.

Ipod touch is now less than $250.00 as compared to over $1,000.00 for the phone. I decided to go with the ipod touch myself. Others have gone both keeping the iphone for themselves and getting ipod touch for their child so having both benefits.

Having the program on two machines can also be a benefit as if one gets accidentally wiped or the machine freezes or just something goes wrong you have the other to fall back on for backup. Of course this means you must keep both machines backedup regularly and not get confused so you delete what you have just done on one version of p2g. Backup regularly also means you dont have the heartache of loosing changes you have made.

Please please if you bought the P2g program in the early days go onto iTunes and update. The features changed, the look changed slightly, there is a difference. You can use the program in landscape and portrait.

ADDING IMAGES FROM GOOGLE IMAGE
Friend showed me the other day just how easy it is to collect pictures of google images. Follow these steps okay

First step of course is you have to have Internet access for your ipod touch -
we have done this by setting our laptop up as the wifi computer so it has wifi setup but we use the broadband connection for our access
(if that confuses you imagine how much it confused me but John got it working)

It meant we have to leave our access open to anyone looking for free access in the area at the time but it is short term and we flick the switch as soon as we are finished.

once the computer is hooked up to wifi I get internet going on ipod touch: ipod does not have to be connected to the computer to go on line just as long as there is a computer connected to wifi.

Settings - WiFi - then once on click on Safari (remember ipod will not look for think thru internet explorer as it is a apple device).

Anyway once on Safari - go to Google - then google images - type in the image you want - look thru choices -

tap on the one you want - it takes you to a bigger version.

move finger on screen you will see words appear above picture on left is choice to go back to where you were.

On the right is the choice to 'View full size' - you need to click on this as it takes you to the picture proper not just a Giff file. Sometimes it wont take you to another screen and that's because the picture has been protected in some way to prevent downloading in full size.
Most times you will go into another screen and the actual picture will look smaller than what you were originally looking at.

This is the correct image.

Now you hold your finger on the image and a screen will pop up from bottom offering 'save' 'copy' - do either and you will find a perfect copy in your photos section and you can move around and rename later. you cannot choose at this stage.

If you see a picture and you want a closer look, tap on it to seperate it from the other images or select in your album.

then you get get your finger and thumb place tips together on spot on photo then flick them apart -

the picture increases in size - pick and choose where and what you want to increase.

and use thumb and finger and place on picture spread apart then pull toward each other and then the picture reduces in size. Its fun and great way to look at photos with lots of detail!!

Now that's given you something to play with and remember IF YOU HAVE NOT UPDATES SINCE ORIGINAL PURCHASE PLEASE CHECK TO SEE YOU HAVE THE LATEST VERSION OF PROLOQUO2GO AS IT IS BETTER.

Next week I will talk about backing up and what you need to do if you are on broadban as backup is only possible thru wifi. Any questions or comments would love to hear from you - know your all out there though sometimes I feel as though I'm writing this to myself.

Signing Social Group & Networking

2010-06-22T09:25:00.003+10:00

I know I talked about it before but nothing much has happended so I am going to get up on the old soap box and bring it up again.I think it would be wonderful to start a social group for our kids/adults that use sign language to augment their communication and have developmental delay.

There are so many out there in little pockets using sign language and one of their biggest problems is their isolation - not knowing enough people to communicate with so why not try networking. If everybody started getting intouch and at least sharing email contacts we could start that way.

Then there could be ???

Skype

Social events

Weekends

Building of skills

Sharing Ideas

All I know is that when Elysha met Maria's son who has Down syndrome and is deaf and also uses sign language there was an instant repoire between both of them. They were just so comfortable with each other and I have found this before. I always feel its the communication - they feel comfortable - they have someone who understands what they want and where they are at.

I have met other parents out there and now I have decided it is time to network. to begin with come to my 'Facebook' link Sign Language and we can get going from there. This page will be an interactive page - you can start your own discussion, ask a question or just follow whats happening. From here people will be able to network. There will only be three criteria:
1. Your child/young adult or person you work or volunteer with using sign language to help them communicate. It doesnt matter how much or how little. It doesnt matter how great or small your or your young persons skills are you are welcome. From the very basics of Makaton to those who have gone on to use Auslan.
2. Your child/young adult or person you work or volunteer with is speech and/or developmentally delayed.
3. You are willing to put in a bit of effort and most importantly be ready to enjoy yourself.

I am going to design a flyer - send me an email and I will send to you so you can forward on to anyone you think maybe interested. Remember distance is not an issue. For those not living near us there is Skype and email and special events.

The best part about this will be the networking - being able to speak to others about issues and successes. Getting help and support.

Our children are very special in that they not only have a disability to deal with but they also have a form of communication that works very well for them but it does have its limitations within mainsteam society. We can help by doing the networking for them and laying out the ground work for them and others to come.

Come on people I want to hear from you and soon.

Child With Autism? Boost Developmental Skills Using Sign Language!

2010-06-20T21:02:00.005+10:00

This is a great article I came across on Autism and using sign language. I also came across a great website that has articles and I can place these on my blog as long as I dont change the content. If anything I may add a comment at some stage but always in brackets and in different colour. Remember most of these articles are written overseas as this one is. Written about using ASL which is American Sign Language. We dont use ASL - we use Makaton theory borrowing signs from the deaf community here in Australia- Auslan. So dont go buying resources from overseas as the resources will not be relevant to the country. But certainly the article is.

By MJ Williams MJ Williams

MJ Williams is the founder of Little Hands Express Inc, carrying degrees in Child Psychology, Sociology, and American Sign Language Linguistics; and has taught ASL ... Article Word Count: 787 [View Summary] Comments (0)

According to the Autism Society of America autism is now considered the fastest-growing developmental disability. This disability affects approximately 1-1.5 million individuals in the United States. For many individuals with autism their physical and cognitive development appears normal during infancy and early childhood. However, usually between the ages of two and three parents begin noticing a delay in speech production, as well as avoidance of social contact. There are currently no standardized medical tests to determine if an individual is autistic. A battery of screenings and observations must occur in order for a professional to diagnose autism.

Autism and the individual child

Autism and the accompanying symptoms vary greatly for each individual. Autism is only one of the disabilities that exists on the Pervasive Developmental Disorders spectrum, and implies variations in functioning for each individual diagnosed with a disorder on the spectrum. Other disabilities on this spectrum include Asperger's Syndrome, which typically includes higher functioning individuals with impaired socialization skills, and the more debilitating Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

These pervasive developmental disabilities impair many areas of development including socialization, cognitive functioning, and physical ability. Autism tends to greatly impair the individual's ability to develop speech, as well as to interact socially (and appropriately).

The abilities of those with autism vary greatly. Some people with autism are able to acquire spoken language and are taught to use that language appropriately. More often alternative communication systems are necessary. Depending on the individual's level of functioning, many different techniques have been used to encourage communication. Assistive technology, picture exchange communication systems, and American Sign Language have all been used effectively for people with autism.

Sign Language Options for Children with Autism

Those with autism, who cognitively understand conventional communication systems, can benefit greatly from acquiring a sign system. There are various signing options, depending on the individual's level of functioning and overall ability. Those that exhibit higher cognitive functioning can learn traditional American Sign Language (ASL). American Sign Language has unique syntax and grammar, entirely different from the English language; however, it may be easier for a person with autism to learn because of its visually compact structure. Fewer signs are necessary when signing in ASL versus when using Signed English or spoken English. ASL utilizes facial expressions, body language, and contextual cues more than in English, where words are depended on to communicate expression.

Signed English is another option when introducing a communication system to an individual with autism. The difference between signed English and American Sign Language is that signed English tries to maintain the same grammatical structure and syntax as spoken English. Signed English can also promote spoken language acquisition by teaching the individual the pragmatics of the English language. By pairing the sign with the spoken word individuals can begin to associate objects with their English title. This sign system works primarily with physical objects. It is much more challenging using Signed English to teach abstract signs (i.e. thoughts, feelings, etc.) as they can not be seen.

Modified sign language is also used often for individuals with autism. Modified sign language uses conventional American Sign Language signs but tailors the signs to the physical and cognitive ability of the person using sign language. This signing system has many benefits for lower functioning individuals who are unable to acquire conventional signing skills. While it may be difficult for the individual to sign "bathroom" because of the dexterity necessary to place the thumb between the first and second fingers, they may be able to place their thumb on the outside of the first finger, and from that point forward that specific gesture would indicate that they need to use the bathroom, replacing the conventional ASL sign. Imagine the freedom and pride your child will feel with the extra independence achieved!

Autism augmented with sign language - added benefits

Teaching sign language to those with autism has many benefits, the least of which is providing the individual with a "voice" to communicate their wants and feelings to others. It is common among those with autism to display disruptive and self-injurious behaviors, often because of their frustration in their inability to communicate with others. Learning sign language allows these individuals an outlet to communicate appropriately and in a conventional manner, greatly reducing one's frustration.

There is typically a noticeable decrease in the rates of abusive and destructive behaviors once a communication system is in place. Above all, teaching a sign communication method opens the door for human interaction and socialization. While those with autism typically do not seek out opportunities for socialization, they will now have the means to do so since they possess a conventional communication system.

MJ Williams is the founder of Little Hands Express Inc, carrying degrees in Child Psychology, Sociology, and American Sign Language Linguistics; and has taught ASL to various university students; conducted baby sign language workshops, video conferences, and seminars to child care educators, providers, staff, and parents.

For more research information on the benefits of babies, toddlers, and children with autism using ASL, please visit: http://www.babies-and-sign-language.com/autism.html. For a helpful easy-to-follow signing glossary, please visit: Free Child Sign Language Glossary

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MJ_Williams (Remember the resource recommended here is not for Australia). Also when he talks about ASL we substitute Auslan; American Signed English - well we had Signed English or Australasian sign here but very few people still use it and of the course what we use for people with speech and/or developmental delay here in Australia is Makaton/Key Word Signing using Auslan signs borrowed from the deaf community. (refer to previous articles for more information on sign language)

AILEENS COMMENTS
Great article as it gets past that buzz of not using sign language with someone who is autistic. It can and does work for many different children. My personal feeling is always that we should try sign language first as this means an instant form of natural communication. Spontanious and so natural looking and such a part of our lives that the sooner we start using it the soon our child can start to communicate. Communication cuts out the frustration, isolation, and anger of not being understood.

The History of Sign Language

2010-04-28T12:24:00.017+10:00

'I came across this article on a very interesting link http://deafvillage.co.uk/ that I have gone to a number of times, and felt it was worth putting here to give people a better idea of where sign started from. Found that the article then went back to a site that I am allowed to borrow articles from so have no concerns about posting. Felt I would leave the Deafvillage link in as well as it is quite an interesting website and you may enjoy a peak. Also I have a bit of a rant that I add on at the end of the article on sign language in schools in Australia at the moment'

"The history of sign language is littered with shocking events. At several points in history, some not long ago, deaf people were strongly oppressed. At one point, they were even denied their basic rights. How their language, sign language, was treated during these oppressive times is directly related to why the deaf place such a high value on sign language today.

The first person to make a claim about deaf people was Aristotle. He theorized that people are only able to learn by hearing spoken words. Deaf people, then, were seen as unable to be educated.

Deaf people were denied their basic rights because of this claim. They weren't allowed to marry or own property. The law actually labeled them as "non-persons."

During the Renaissance in Europe, the claim was finally challenged. After 2,000 years of believing that deaf people couldn't be educated, scholars made their first attempts to educate deaf people. This point in the Deaf history was the beginning of signed language development.

The Beginning of Deaf Education

An Italian Physician named Geronimo Cardano recognized that to learn, you do not have to hear. He found that by using the written word, deaf people could be educated.

In Spain, Pedro Ponce de Leon around the same time was educating deaf children. He was a Benedictine monk and was successful with his methods of teaching.

Juan Pablo de Bonet was inspired by Pedro Ponce de Leon's success and used his own methods to teach the deaf. He was a Spanish monk and used earlier methods of teaching the deaf that included writing, reading, speechreading, and his own manual alphabet. Juan Pablo de Bonet's manual alphabet represented the different speech sounds and was the first known manual alphabet system in the history of sign language.

Until the 1750's, organized education of deaf people did not exist. Established in Paris by Abbé Charles Michel de L'Epée, a French priest, was the first social and religious association for the deaf.

There is a popular story that has been retold throughout Deaf history about Abbé de L'Epée. The story claims that while L'Epée was visiting a poor part of Paris, he met two deaf sisters. The mother had wanted them educated in religion, and she wanted L'Epée to teach them. L'Epée was inspired to educate them after he discovered their deafness. Soon after this encounter, he devoted his life completely to the education of the deaf.

In 1771, Abbé de L'Epée founded the first public school for the deaf. The name of the school was the Institut National des Jeune Sourds-Muets (National Institute for Deaf-Mutes). Children travelled from all over the country to attend this school. The children who attended the institute had been signing at home and creating a sort of "home sign language" with their families. Abbé de L'Epée learned these home signs and used them to teach the children French.

The signs L'Epée learned from his students formed the standard sign language that L'Epée taught. More schools for the deaf were established and the children were bringing this standard language home to their communities. This standard language became the first standard signed language in Deaf history and is now known as Old French Sign Language. More and more deaf students were becoming educated so this standard language spread widely throughout Europe.

Abbé de L'Epée established twenty-one schools for the deaf and is known today as the "Father of Sign Language and Deaf Education."

Abbé de L'Epée is also often credited with being the inventor of sign language. This is inaccurate. Sign language was invented by deaf people. Even before they were formally educated, deaf children were signing with their families using home made signs. However, Abbé de L'Epée was the first to bring together these signs and create a standard sign language to educate the deaf.

Abbé de L'Epée claimed that sign language was the natural language of the deaf. However, a German educator named Samuel Heinicke thought different. He supported the oral method of educating deaf children. Oralism is the term used for educating the deaf using a system of speech and speechreading instead of sign language and fingerspelling. Samuel Heinicke taught his students how to speak, not sign. While he spoke, he had his students feel the vibrations of his throat.

Oralism was the first major roadblock after all of the positive advancements with the history of sign language. Abbé de L'Epée is known as the "Father of Sign Language" and Samuel Heinicke is known as the "Father of Oralism."

American Sign Language

American Sign Language is traced back to 1814. Dr. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a minister from Hartford, Connecticut, had a neighbor named Mason Fitch Cogswell. Cogswell had a nine-year-old daughter named Alice who was deaf. Gallaudet met Alice and Gallaudet wanted to teach her how to communicate.

Gallaudet did not really know anything about educating a deaf child. So, he raised enough money to travel to Europe to learn their methods of deaf education.

Gallaudet met Abbé Roche Ambroise Sicard who was Abbé de L'Epée's successor and the head of the National Institute for Deaf-Mutes in Paris. Gallaudet also met Jean Massieu and Laurent Clerc, two accomplished teachers of the deaf from the same institution.

Gallaudet attended classes with Sicard, Massieu, and Clerc at the Institute. He studied their methods of teaching and took private lessons from Clerc.

Preparing to return to America, Gallaudet asked Clerc to join him. He knew that Clerc would be instrumental in starting a school for the deaf in the United States. Clerc agreed to travel with him back to America.

The American Asylum for Deaf-Mutes (now known as the American School for the Deaf) was established in 1817 in Hartford, Connecticut. This was the first public school for the deaf in America.

Deaf people from all over the U.S. travelled to attend the school. Just like at Abbé de L'Epée's school in Paris, children brought signs they learned at home with them. From these signs and the signs from French Sign Language that Gallaudet learned, American Sign Language was created.

A Deaf College

In 1851, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet died. However, his two sons, Thomas Gallaudet and Edward Miner Gallaudet succeeded him and continued work in deaf education.

Edward wanted to establish a college for the deaf, but the funding always stopped him. In 1857, though, Amos Kendall donated acres of land to establish a residential school in Washington, D.C. called the Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind and wanted Edward to be the superintendent of the school.

Edward accepted the offer, but still wanted to start a college for the deaf. So, he presented his idea for a deaf college to Congress and Congress passed legislation in 1864 allowing the Columbia Institute to grant college degrees.

The Columbia Institute's college division (the National Deaf-Mute College) opened in 1864. In all of Deaf history, this was the first college for the deaf.

The National Deaf-Mute College was renamed in 1893 and again in 1986 to the name it still has today-Gallaudet University. Gallaudet University was the first and is still the only liberal arts university for the deaf in the world.

Oralism versus Sign Language

Sign language was spreading widely and was used by both deaf and hearing people. However, supporters of oralism believe that deaf people need to learn how to speak to be able to function in society.

The Institution for the Improved Instruction of Deaf-Mutes was founded in New York in 1867 and the Clarke Institution for Deaf-Mutes was founded in Northampton, Massachusetts. These schools began educating deaf children using oralism only. If that wasn't bad enough, these schools encouraged all deaf schools to use only the oralism approach as well. The oralist methods of teaching speech, listening, and speechreading spread quickly to schools across the nation.

Alexander Graham Bell was one of the strongest supporters of oralism. In 1872, he established a school in Boston. This school trained teachers to use oralism to teach deaf children.

Bell established the American Association to Promote the Teaching of Speech to the Deaf, Inc. in 1890. This association is now called the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf.

From 1880 to 1990, the sign language versus oralism debate intensified. Meeting in Milan, Italy in 1880, the International Congress on the Education of the Deaf met to address this issue. Many leaders in education attended this conference that is now known as the Milan Conference.

Oralism won the debate at this conference and Congress then passed a declaration stating "the incontestable superiority of speech over sign for integrating the deaf-mute into society and for giving him better command of the language."

Because of this conference, the use of sign language in deaf education declined drastically over the next decade. Some oralism activists wanted to eradicate sign language completely.

By 1920, 80% of deaf children were taught using the oral method. Teachers of deaf children were once 40% deaf and 60% hearing. By the 1860's, only 15% of teachers of the deaf were deaf.

Outside of the classroom, however, sign language was still widely used. The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) was established in the U.S. and supported the sign language method of deaf education. The NAD argued against oralism saying that it is not the right choice for the education of many deaf people. They gained support and kept the use of sign language alive during this time.

Amid this great debate, William Stokoe, a hearing Gallaudet College professor, published his claim that proved American Sign Language is a real language. He proved that ASL is a language separate from English and that it has its own grammar and syntax.

American Sign Language was then finally seen as an important national language.

Congress issued the Babbidge Report in 1964 on oral deaf education that stated oral education was a "dismal failure." This quote dismissed the decision that was made in Milan.

In 1970, a movement began that did not choose between signed or oral education. The movement was called Total Communication and attempted to mix several methods of deaf education. Total Communication gave deaf people the right to information through all possible ways. This method of teaching can include speech, sign language, fingerspelling, lipreading, pantomime, computers, pictures, facial expressions, gestures, writing, hearing aid devices, and reading.

The changes that have occurred throughout the history of sign language makes sign language and the lives of deaf people what they are today. Deaf people have experienced great hardships as well as great achievements to bring sign language, the language of the Deaf, the respect that it deserves.

The fact that deaf people have a history is only one reason why they also have their own culture-- Deaf Culture. You can also learn sign language, the natural language of the Deaf, for free at http://www.start-american-sign-language.com.

Grayson, Gabriel (2003). Talking With Your Hands, Listening With Your Eyes: A Complete Photographic Guide to American Sign Language. Square One Publishers: New York.

Van Cleve, John Vickrey. (1999). Deaf History Unveiled: Interpretations from the New Scholarship. Gallaudet University Press: Washington, D.C.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_J.

I hope you enjoy this read. Also went to Michelle J link and found she has written some very interesting articles. You may enjoy a look. Again you need to remember the offer to learn sign language free is for ASL not Auslan which is what we use here in Australia.

AILEENS RANT

Having read this article and seen what PCDE Deaf NSW and Deaf Aaustralia and many others are going thru trying to stop the Department of Education from shutting down hearing units within public school system and you can see it is a vicious circle that continues throughout history.

As the Department of Education sits there claiming that parents dont want units and only want their children in mainstream I shudder as I think of my daughter and think of how well she did in a hearing unit and how little she would have learnt main stream.

No matter what the Department of Education says we all know the truth as they shut down each unit and funding disappears it gets harder and harder to get anything to support our children.

They claim they will support our children properly in mainstream BUT we all know this is total bullshit (sorry but it needs to be said) the support will not be adequate whether the child has cochlear implant, hearing aids, is oral or signing the true settings and trained teachers and auslan trained staff will not be forthcoming.

They will continue to take from our children because they can - because we do not have a loud enough voice.

Then you add to that cocktail children who are using sign language because they are speech and/or developemtnally delayed and what do we have - nothing - no rights at all. There are children everywhere who do use sign successfully and others who could learn to sign and communicate and cut down on behavioural issues within schools if the department bothered to give these children their basic human rights.

Why is it sign language is being taken away as a form of communication - why isnt total communication automatically offered to any child who is unable to communicate - mmmm what are your thoughts on this - dont just read this and close - think deeply on it okay.

Proloquo2Go is available on Ipad

2010-04-09T16:49:00.008+10:00

Proloquo2Go is already available to use on Ipod touch and Iphone now it can be used on the new Ipad. Absolutely brilliant.

Proloquo2Go 1.3, now also for iPad April 02, 2010
Proloquo2Go, the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system that has taken the world by storm, is now available on the iPad. Proloquo2Go is latin for speak out loud and that’s exactly what it helps people do! It is pronounced “Pro” as in professional, “lo” as in low, and “quo” as in quotation. The “2Go” means mobile.

Proloquo2Go version 1.3 has been optimized for the iPad and will be a free update for existing users. Check out the photos here.

New Features and Enhancements include:

Universal App that will run optimally on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.
Added additional items sizes for iPad.
Support for both landscape and portrait view plus device rotation.
Redesigned toolbar for easier access to core functions.
Additional Appearance Settings for a fine-tuned user experience.
Rewritten core grid engine for higher performance.
Proloquo2Go has been helping individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, down syndrome, developmental disabilities, ALS, traumatic brain injury, aphasia, apraxia, and more.

One comment I have read

:
To Samuel & The Team -

The new version with P2G for the iPad works awesome! (I did not need to import a previous set up, as another user reported on this list)

I have tested out a number of other "for iPad apps" over the past few days - by far, the P2G is the best engineered out of all of them! It is fast, responsive, and works wonderfully. I expected to find a bug here or there, and I am sure they will come up, but so far (and we have been driving P2G on iPad pretty hard) not a single bug. Well done!

I did notice that under the Education category in the App Store, P2G is the 2nd highest grossing (revenue) App. Well deserved!

My daughter (almost 4) was trying to use P2G on the iPhone, but because her pointing is not steady enough, she would get discouraged more quickly. With the iPad, she is not discouraged, and is using P2G (and other apps) as we had hoped last year when we purchased P2G for iPhone. (We also have a 32" LCD wall mounted TV with a touchscreen on the front of it, hooked up to a Mac Mini, put together just before the iPad was announced. Bigger screens have made all of the difference.)

My daughter is being evaluated by the school district for an AT (AAC) device. While the ones they have shown me are nice and fancy and some very specialized features, the $8K+ price tag may be fine for the school district, but not for us. A $700 solution (iPad + P2G) is what we can do ourselves.

Thank you to the P2G team. You guys are AWESOME!

The above review is like so many I have read posted on this product and to these two guys. Sensational, awesome, brilliant are commonly used words.

That about sums up how we all feel. Honestly Samuel & David, you have both done such a wonderful thing for us. For so many peoples lives to be changed. To be able to communicate exactly what they want or don't want. I have spent the last 15 years working with adults and children and my own daughter teaching sign language for use with children/adults with speech and/or developmental delay and it has been such a battle taking on the education system. Not that this will change things in that sense but it has now opened another option that can be put into use with the sign language. Using both together can only improve communicate needs and at long last there is the lower price range which will allow many others to be able to try out this option.

Now we have a bigger appliance that can be used for our little ones that need to be able to have a bigger work area, to be able to see more. I feel as though there are so many options appearing before us . So many ideas bustling around in my head its going to explode - I don't know where to turn. No its alright I've calmed down, just need to get stuck in a see what can be done. Back soon

TEEN SOCIAL CLUB

2010-03-15T11:17:00.029+11:00

FOR TEENAGES WITH SPEECH AND/OR DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY

USING SIGN LANGUAGE TO COMMUNICATE

Just need to give a bit of back ground here first : Maria and I decided to meet up on Saturday and so she came over with her two kids.

Maria's son, Jacob, is 15 has the cutest smile and as Elysha patiently explains to me he is very shy. Jacob, like Elysha, also has Down syndrome and is hearing impaired (or in Jacob's instance profoundly deaf).

Jacob liked me the minute we met - how do I know - cause he gave me the biggest smile; signed away in response to my signed questions and settled into the house as though he had been here many times before. This was a first time visit for Jacob.

He and Elysha were instantly at ease because they could communicate - yes they were signing at different levels but they were totally comfortable with each other. The evening was a total success with all of us playing Alphabet (Deaf) Bingo; talking; eating MacDonald's; colouring in and playing chuzzle on the ipod touch. When they left and Jacob blew Elysha a kiss and she looked at me and signed 'Jacob likes me'. I said do you want them to come visit again and of course the answer was YES.

Maria and I were blown away with the instant companionship and comfort levels between Elysha and Jacob as both are rather reticent when in company. One thing I have noticed with Elysha in the last year is that if someone signs they automatically go up a level in her book and I felt with Jacob that this was also happening.

When I told John (when he came home from fishing) about Jacob blowing Elysha a kiss, and he stirred Elysha about maybe Jacob was in love with Elysha she gave him such a grown up look, shook her head ' dad, you silly, he my friend, he like me'

As Maria and I were discussing the success of the night and planning the next one and talking about the isolation of our children we started throwing around some ideas. So now I'm writing this and Maria will do her bit and we will see what responses we get back.

Children with speech and/or developmental delay are being schooled in special needs schools; in IO & IM units within main stream schools;in hearing units; in main stream schools. Some very successfully and some not. Some have great social lives and some don't. I do know that there are lots of others like Elysha who is in a unit within a main stream school with lots of other kids who have special needs but she is the only one with developmental delay who is using sign language to communicate.

Some schools (and I use that term very loosely as they are very much in the minority) are supporting sign language for students with speech and/or developmental delay. Some with very very basic key word signing and some with great signing support going as far as schools like Elysha's that has a teacher who uses Auslan and signed English were appropriate. Although this teacher is there for the deaf students she has worked with Elysha for the last 6 years and has achieved an unbelievable amount (bit of a side track there, just had to get in a pat on the back for Carrie Ann).

Now the kids in Elysha class all use sign language and that's because they are all deaf and they all communicate and socialise with Elysha at school and school life is brilliant. But her social life is not so great.

Elysha can hear, but is hearing impaired, so sign language helps her to understand what she hears. Elysha can talk, but sign language helps her to be clearer when she talks. When in class Elysha doesn't talk, she signs - fluently I might add because the teacher and students are deaf. But when with hearing she signs and talks. But if she doesn't see sign she doesn't do sign and communication falls over. Unless of course people ask her to sign it but we are still teaching people that.

She doesn't like being stared at because she sounds different and hates that people say 'what' 'pardon' or look at me with that????? so she just withdraws.

Though Elysha has some lovely friends at school they are only deaf, not developmental delayed. They are boys and girls that want to go out, learn to drive, go to deaf club, text each other and go shopping and just do stuff that Elysha isn't doing (yet).

Maria talked about the same isolation for Jacob. So enough of this whinging. Lets see how many more kids out there want to join a social group.

Please get in touch if you have a teenager who is speech and/or developmentally delayed and using sign language to assist in communication. It doesn't matter how fluent they are or you are.

I talked to Elysha's brother Aaron and his girlfriend, Rachael and they both want to be involved too.

If we get enough expressions of interest we will find a central venue. Somewhere to meet, relax, get to know each other, find out what the kids want to do at their social club and go for it. It maybe that to begin with parents will need to stick around while the kids socialise, but hey, there's nothing wrong with a coffee or two and a good old chat.

Come on lets get our kids out meeting others like themselves.

Someone they can talk(sign){communication with} to.

There is too much isolation going on these days.

While the kids are dancing, drawing, talking, playing Wii whatever we can be talking, sharing, enjoying, joining in, whatever.

Inquiry into Hearing Health In Australia

2010-03-12T12:46:00.005+11:00

Now I'm sure most of you have heard about this, BUT, then there are also those of you who havent, OR, who had and thought you had missed out. Well you havent - the date has been extended again - till the 13th May 2010.
You can go to this link http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/clac_ctte/hearing_health/index.htm

and read all about it.
You can also read other submissions so you have an idea on whats required.

One very sad fact, that I found from the number of submissions I read (and I did not read all, just a selection) but very little was mentioned in support of the use of sign language for deaf/hearing impaired in early intervention. I plan to go back and read some more but felt I should say something here.

Though total communication has always been shown to be very successful, a very minimal number of people who are responding to this inquiry are saying this is so.

If you are or you know of someone who is deaf/hearing impaired and you want to have your say please do so before its too late.

Inquiry into Hearing Health in Australia
Terms of reference
Download this document (PDF 9KB)

On 10 September 2009 the Senate referred the following matter to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by the last sitting day in February 2010: (Now May 13th 2010)

Hearing Health in Australia with particular reference to:

the extent, causes and costs of hearing impairment in Australia;

the implications of hearing impairment for individuals and the community;

the adequacy of access to hearing services, including assessment and support services, and hearing technologies;

the adequacy of current hearing health and research programs, including education and awareness programs; and

specific issues affecting Indigenous communities.

The Committee is seeking written submissions from interested individuals and organisations preferably sent electronically by email to community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au as an attached PDF or Word format document. The email must include full postal address and contact details.

Alternatively, written submissions may be sent to:

Committee Secretary
Senate Community Affairs References Committee
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Due to the interest generated by this inquiry, the Committee will continue to receive submissions throughout the inquiry.

Submissions become Committee documents and are made public only after a decision by the Committee. Publication of submissions includes loading them onto the internet and their being available to other interested parties including the media. Persons making submissions must not release them without the approval of the Committee. Submissions are covered by parliamentary privilege but the unauthorised release of them is not protected.

Information relating to Senate Committee inquiries, including notes to assist in the preparation of submissions for a Committee, can be located on the internet at http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/wit_sub/index.htm.

For further details please contact the Committee Secretariat by phone: (02) 6277 3515, fax: (02) 6277 5829 or email to community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au.

Enquiries from hearing and speech impaired people should be directed to Parliament House TTY number 02 6277 7799. Adobe also provides tools at http://access.adobe.com/ for the blind and visually impaired to access PDF documents. If you require any special arrangements to enable you to participate in the Committee's inquiry, please contact the Secretariat.

For further information, contact:
Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia

Phone: +61 2 6277 3515
Fax: +61 2 6277 5829
Email: community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au

Breaking Point - Four Corners

2010-02-15T09:41:00.007+11:00

“Breaking Point” -- Four Corners, 15th February at 8.30 pm on ABC TV.

Comment from Aileen

"If you are near a TV tonight take the time to watch this program. An issue that rears its ugly head again and again. Will the Federal Government do anything or will this Productivity Commission just be another in the long list of our current Prime Ministers "Inquiries".

Less talk and more action would go a long way, but how many words will be bandied around and will we see another non solution. More than likely -hate to be a pessimist but having a child with dual disabilities I get so sick of watching these politicians patting themselves on the back for such little effort or outcome.

By watching this show you raise your awareness and then you talk to others and maybe somewhere along the way people will start really looking at whats going on here.

Here is a government happy to use up families till they are burned out or die then finally step in with a pathetic solution that more times than not is totaly unacceptable but what choices are left."

This week on Four Corners, “Breaking Point”. The heart-rending story that tells what it’s like to live with a disability, or to care for someone who is disabled, in Australia today. Reporter Wendy Carlisle meets the families the nation has neglected.

The system of assistance for people with a disability in Australia is broken. Carers know it, charitable organisations know it and so do the governments. Now the federal government says something must be done. It’s holding an Inquiry, with the intention of creating a new and fairer system. It’s even considering a national disability insurance scheme. But will the system be reformed in time to save the families now at breaking point?

***********

In Sydney, 65 year old Dick Jones showers his profoundly disabled son Robbie. It’s a task he does willingly but at his age he doesn’t know how long he can keep giving his son the care he needs. He’s been told the only way to get more help would be to abandon his child and leave him in the care of the state.

Amanda Royle’s 9 year old daughter Rosie is deaf and blind, cannot speak, and is intellectually disabled. On her own with two other children to look after, Amanda is in desperate need of assistance that the system cannot provide.

The Nguyen family has twin boys with severe autism. At thirteen they are intellectually disabled and need to wear nappies. Three years ago one of the twins was given a place in a special school. For the family it was a god-send. Now the funds have dried up and the school is threatened with closure.

These families are desperate and they are not alone. Across Australia it’s estimated that there are 1.5 million people with a severe disability. Only a small proportion of them receive any direct physical care from government or charities. The vast majority rely on family and friends to help them survive.

“It doesn’t matter where you look across the sector, across the states of Australia, the system is broken.” Bruce Bonyhady, Independent Panel Member, Productivity Commission Inquiry into a National Disability Support Scheme

The reasons for this situation aren’t hard to find. Thirty years ago governments radically reformed the system of disability care in Australia. They promised to set people free from institutions, and at the same time they promised a major boost in funding so that people with disabilities could be supported to live at home or in community settings. Instead those services have been starved of funds leaving carers, many whom are now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, to carry the burden. It’s a terrible situation as Dick Jones told Four Corners:

“We were told... the only option you have, is when you are in a wooden box , that’s probably the only time that Rob [his adult son] will get any accommodation.”

The Federal Government accepts the system needs reform and has begun to allocate extra funds for services and carers.

Most significantly, the Federal Government has set up a Productivity Commission Inquiry to recommend systematic reform and the establishment of a comprehensive National Disability Support Scheme. The problem is if the Inquiry recommends a new scheme and the Federal Government agrees to act, even the best estimates suggest real change in Australia would take five to seven years to implement.

“There’ll obviously I think be more meat on the bone for a scheme towards the end of a second term. When the scheme could finally be implemented, I don’t know.” Bill Shorten: Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities.

For thousands of people this is simply too long to wait. Four Corners reveals the growing number of people who are packing their bags and going to live in countries where the support system is better resourced. These people are being called “disability refugees”. Reporter Wendy Carlisle goes with one young mother to Britain as she investigates the possibility of moving her family back there so her daughter could be better cared for.

While the Government recognises the need for fundamental reform, many families of the disabled are at ‘breaking point’.

BREAKING POINT goes to air on the 15th February at 8.30 pm on ABC1. It is repeated on the 16th February at 11.35pm.
It will also be available online. http://abc.net.au/4corners

A public online forum with some of the people from the story will follow the screening on Monday night starting at 9.30pm AEDST. An invitation is extended to all to join in.

Breaking Point -What Did You Think??

2010-02-05T22:43:00.006+11:00

Well I watched the show and have to say I sat and fumed thru lots of it. Listed to stories that continue to mount - reasons why our governments are so disliked. Can anyone say they came away from watching this show feeling light hearted and reassured. Certainly not me. And to list to those stories and look at those families - Dick Jones and family. What can I say - I felt like crying cause it just shouldn't come to this. Then for a family to have to decide which child gets the support and which misses out.

Watching families that have to fight so hard for basic human rights. Our special needs children getting dismissed out of hand and so easily passed over by government after government. Families that hardly cope; families that grow older and their worries just keep increasing and the most inhuman thing to come out of this is

'If you want help for your child/adult you must sign away all rights as the parent before you can be helped'

As for the closure of Kingsdene School where will these children go?? And the wonderful people who work tirelessly with them?? And the parents?? And the thousands of others who need help. Schools don't need to shut, obviously more are needed. Why do our children mean so little to a government that is constantly patting itself on the back for the assistance given to countries all around the world in need.

Many many families try to do the best the can with the little they have available. But it is a process that wears down even the best and proudest of these parents.

For myself, I love my daughter beyond belief but there have been times when I would have liked to know that there was somewhere or someone out there for us. We have never used any form of respite care, as I felt that Elysha was too mild to tie up a place that was needed for someone else in much more need. But last Christmas life just got too much for me and as I sat there trying to workout what I could do I realised I had no where to turn at such short notice. My parents took Elysha to give me a break but I soon realised they are just getting too old to cope and were struggling. A friend ended up offering an idea that made Elysha ecstatic and meant that each year I can have a bit of a break without feeling guilty.

As Elysha gets older I do find myself thinking what are the options for her in the future. How can I guarantee she will have a good life, with all the comforts, entertainment, enjoyments, security etc in life.

Then I sit and watch stories like 'Breaking Point' and take on the hope that things will change, as at least the media is paying some attention.

But what about those decision makers - the politicians - the ones who find it so easy to take from minority groups. Because the politicians know that, although there are many out there who have special needs, they are all subdivided within other groups and that gives the politicians the power to move in - remove the support - and disappear into the night with very little reprisal.

Minister Bill Shorten- you should be ashamed of yourself - all this talk of we are doing this and we will do that - its the same old game you all play.Another (yes another) productivity Inquiry. Whether its labour, liberal, democratic or green it all comes down to broken promises and taking away far more than you ever gives us.

What happens when families decide they cant cope anymore -

the mum or dad that takes their child's life because they done see any other course available.

The parents who have to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their rights as parents to ensure their child gets the support they need.

The child/adult who ends up wondering what they did wrong for their family to just leave them?

Why is it, that a country like England can implement such a fantastic support system for high needs children and recognises their rights as human beings. What is happening here for Children's Rights other than those politicians using words with no meaning.

Angela's story

2010-02-05T17:56:00.014+11:00

Angela's Story

The following is an article writtle by Angela Blaxston who is an Age journalist currently on maternity leave.

Also included is a fantastic photo taken of Gabriel. Photo taken by Penny Stephens

This is the article:

For Down syndrome, the wheels of genetic testing are turning ever faster.

They should not outpace the ethical and moral debates, writes Angela Blakston.

LIKE most Australians, I felt triumphant for the Horsham doctor Bernhard Moeller and his family when, swayed by public outrage, the Federal Government made an about-face and granted them permanent residency. The family's original application had been rejected on the grounds that their son, 13-year-old Lukas, who has Down syndrome, would cost the health system too much.

In granting the family residency, decency and fairness had prevailed. We could give ourselves a little pat on the back, in our support for the family, for being guided by what is good and true.

I wondered where that same goodness and truth had gone this week after reading an article entitled "More Down Testing Would 'Halve' Births (The Sunday Age, December 7), in which experts believe that every pregnant woman in Australia, regardless of age, should be offered screening for Down syndrome.

Currently, screening is mainly offered to women over 35, who are perceived as having a higher chance of such a pregnancy. Down syndrome, or Trisomy 21, because of the extra 21st chromosome, is the most common genetic condition, present in one of 800 live births.

The tenor of the story was that if all women were offered screening, then even more women found to be carrying a baby with Down syndrome would have the opportunity to terminate. And, in so doing, Down syndrome births "would be halved".

I feel saddened that, on one hand, we could see the unfairness and prejudice of the Moeller's situation. On the other, we send a message through the push for uniform, national screening that the life of a person with Down syndrome is, essentially, not worth living.

I know it's on this point that many people will disagree. It's all about informed choice and the right of a woman to be given the opportunity to decide whether to proceed with such a pregnancy, right?

Well, yes, that's true, in a sense. And this is where I want to stay clear of difficult territory. I can't say what's right or wrong for another woman. Or stand in judgement. But I can say that whatever "choice" a woman makes, either way, is rarely simple or easy.

Studies bear out the fact that many women who terminate a pregnancy for a particular reason suffer depression in varying degrees as a result of their choice.

Equally, in the case of the minority of women (about 3 per cent in Victoria), who choose to proceed with a pregnancy, knowing they are carrying a baby with Down syndrome, it is rarely without profound levels of grief and soul searching.

I'm one of these women. Now, having worked through some incredibly difficult emotions and issues, I am the proud mother of a beautiful 16-month-old boy, Gabriel.

Almost two years ago, at 36 years old and 12 weeks' pregnant, still not even showing, I was gently told by a sonographer that I had a one in four chance of carrying a baby with Down syndrome.

For my husband and I there was never really a choice about whether we would keep this child. As hard as it was coming to terms with the news, I swayed between firmly knowing and desperately hoping that there would be a place in our family for this baby and that, as corny as it might sound, love would conquer all.

We decided to find out definitively so that we could better prepare for the pregnancy, birth and any immediate health issues the baby might have. An amniocentesis at 16 weeks confirmed what we already seemed to instinctively know.

I believe it's only a matter of time before screening for all women becomes standard practice. The wheels of genetic testing have been in motion for some time, and are set to accelerate with the introduction in as little as two years of a blood test for Down syndrome for a woman as early as six to eight weeks' pregnant.

One of my main concerns is the "informed choice" that will become more readily available to women will exist perfectly in theory but will be little more than a subtly biased justification for termination.

For a choice to be truly informed, it must provide the full picture, the negatives and positives. While no medical professional ever openly questioned or disparaged our decision, any positive information, particularly early on, was generally conspicuously lacking.

This is the common experience of other women I've since met who knew they were carrying babies with Down syndrome.

It's easy to lay blame with the medical profession. That's not my intention. While I do believe it's the job of medical professionals working in prenatal diagnostics to be properly informed on advances for people with Down syndrome and other genetic conditions. I also feel that much of the diagnostic and scanning technology (throughout all stages of pregnancy) is in such a nascent state that the medical profession, and society in general, has not properly worked through the ethical and moral dilemmas it throws up.

For instance, I have been amazed at the number of seemingly well-meaning strangers who, when they see my son has Down syndrome, will ask me straight out whether I "knew" before he was born. And then proceed to tell me what they would or wouldn't do in the same circumstance. In the past, I've been left hurt and angry, feeling I somehow have to justify my child's existence.

Will uniform national scanning serve to further marginalise people with Down syndrome and their families, particularly those "who knew"? We decried the barbarity of institutionalising people with disabilities and fully dispensed with that model only two decades ago. Is uniform scanning that different in its intention: dispense with the "problem", a so-called easy fix?

I often ponder the irony that while prenatal scanning becomes more sophisticated and endemic, there has never been a better time than the present for a baby with Down syndrome to be born. There are the heart and other operations and medications available to ensure a high quality of life. There is the realisation of the crucial role of early intervention, with various physical and cognitive therapies for children. It is no coincidence that many children with Down syndrome are being integrated into and graduating from mainstream schools and beyond.

This is a large side to the story that is rarely told to expectant parents. My hope would be that any policy developed for uniform scanning would aim to keep abreast of advances in Down syndrome and clearly communicate these changes to expectant parents.

The Moeller's situation encouraged me to think that we can be an accepting and caring society, that there is room for people with Down syndrome, including Gabriel.

This was brought home to me more so when my son underwent surgery for a heart condition almost two months ago. The operation itself was a success but less than 24 hours later Gabriel arrested because of an aggressive reaction to a staph infection. We nearly lost him. Through the days on life support, the trips back to theatre to have his chest cleaned of the infection, and countless other complications, the nurses and doctors, particularly his kind Russian surgeon, assured us they would, as with any child, do whatever it takes to nurse Gabriel back to health. And they did.

These days my biggest encouragement, however, is Gabriel. And here's something all the scanning and technology in the world couldn't tell me: just how much I would love my boy for who he is, extra chromosome and all, and how truly wonderful he is. That love, as corny as it sounds, can conquer all.

Angela

Aileen:

After talking to Angela the other day I asked if I could post this article on my blog. Then I decided to add my two cents worth :

Seventeen years after having my twins I have seen some great changes in my local communities views on children with disabilities. I have met some fantastic people who have gone thru the same and some times more than us. I have met professionals who have made me realise that there are many who are good, caring and all giving.

But as human beings we still have a long way to go, when it comes to understanding, that each person has a right to as good a life as possible, and that none of us can afford to sit here and dictate what another person should or should not do.

I have to say I was so lucky that I didnt have any tests done, therefore elimanating my need to make a choice. I started to misscarry at 12 weeks and did everything possible to keep this pregnancy going, so any testing that could put my babies at risk were not an option to John and myself.To be honest the thought of having a baby with special needs never even entered my mind.

In the last 17 years I have had people ask me on many occassions if I knew before Elysha was born that she had Down syndrome, and then tell me what they would have done. I'm still amazed to this day that people who at times are virtually total strangers feel the need to ask this and then tell me their thoughts on the matter.

Of my four children I could never have known that having Elysha would change my and my families lives so profoundly. I see my sons who are totally comfortable with my many friends and their childrens special needs. No one is singled out or excluded and everyone is protected and included by their siblings thru lifes joys and hurdles.

My own achievements, and they have been many, I know would never have happened or even come to life without the birth of my beautiful, cheeky, artistic, clever girl. Elysha. Elysha helped me become an outspoken parent who has learnt not to blush (too much), help myself and others and push my own goals much higher than they ever were.

I'm so glad I never took the negative information I was given to heart, in those early years.. I went looking for and found the support and encouragement I needed to help Elysha start reaching for the stars. The negatives in life are so small and at times barely different from those I go thru with the three boys. There are no guarantees in life - its all about just giving life a go.

The professionals who arent giving future parents all the facts and helping THEM to make the right choice for themselves by being totally informed - change your policies. Shame on you.

Back to School & Back to Work

2010-02-04T12:23:00.007+11:00

Here I am, back again. Thought I would just throw in a few thoughts and whats happening at my place. Had a wonderful Christmas and a real break this year. Stayed with friends in Canberra and we just relaxed, drank, ate, gossiped and started the process again each day.

Now Elysha is back to school - year 12 and its time for me to approach the school about Elysha staying on for an additional year. Will let you know what happens. School has been wonderful for Elysha and her main teacher, Carrie Ann, is fantastic. The end of year report for Elysha last year contained comments from all her teachers like

'Elysha is a very enthusiastic student'

'Polite, considerate of others and always happy to give anything a go'

and my most favorites which were mentioned a few times

'Elysha is to be commended - brilliant results'

This was the great start to the holidays.

But two weeks into the holidays Elysha was already asking when is it time to go back to school - she missed for friends, teachers and what they do at school. This is a place that she loves to go and every year we see such fantastic progress but there is plenty of room for more.

Developmentally she is still a primary school student so there's no worry they will run out of stuff to teach her. I still don't know where Elysha would like to go after school, there will be so many major changes in her life. Her friends all finish school this year as well - there will only be one younger student left. The saddest part is that the other students are only 'deaf' so the workforce and life they go into will be different to Elysha's.

Elysha's love of school leads me to believe it would be best to try for another year. Apart from the educational benefits, this will lesson the changes in her life and make transition easier (I feel). There will be different students in her class but most of the routines will be the same. Tafe probably wont be an option, as she will have finished her two year course thru the school this year, but the school routine will be part of the process to help her adjust.

Makaton is now calling itself 'Key Signs Australia' and you can read more about that in a previous blog. Eventually there will be new books called 'Key Word Signing' - these will be very much like the Makaton book in signs chosen but Will have some additional features. I am drawing frantically so all the signs will be available on request.

'Advance Australia Fair' A1 (HUGE) size poster is now available and it looks superb.You can see it on my website that has now been redone. Tara and I are very please with the end result.

Early on the release of this poster we were contacted by someone involved within the deaf community. When asked why it was not the same as the deaf community version of 'Advance Australia Fair' our answer was quite complex and some of it is covered below. I decided to put this here as I am sure we will be contacted again in reference to the layout.

' this resource has been develop for use by schools . Many schools have children using sign language for speech and/or developmental delay and although the children use 'Auslan' signs they are used in the 'Key Word Signing' way

always use voice when signing.
only sign the key words in a sentence.
always sign and talk in correct word order

All of our resources are developed along this same idea. Tara and I both have special needs children and our involvement as always been with children/adults using key word signing.

It is also interesting to note that I have seen a couple of different versions of 'Advance Australia Fair' signed by deaf people. The signs can vary again through regional difference of signs and the actual interpretation of the words being used in the song. To try a sell a resource to services working with children with no hearing loss and using key word signing I feel they would end up totally confused by the signs and syntax. But that is just my feeling.

When conversing you are signing the words that are needed to make a point, describe an action, give a name to an object etc. Keeping the signs and sentences simple and short so as not to confuse someone who has speech and/or developmental delay.

SING & SIGN

When signing with singing we are adding actions to the words and sometimes if there are too many signs close together teachers/parents and children can get confused and we want the song to sound good and the signs to flow well.Sometimes with songs we may sign a word that is not necessarily a key word and is more a filler word but that is because:

Of course we have also found that schools, ,early intervention and early services enjoy using our resources as well. Though they may have no children using sign language to communicate they have still found our resources helpful.

If you look at the 'Nursery Rhyme' posters and the 'Sing & Sign With Me' book available thru 'Hands Can Talk', you will see that they are done using a mixture of signs and natural gesture. This is done for enjoyment not necessarily as they would be done if singing and signing to a child who is deaf/hearing impaired.

We are still in the process of putting all the products on line so check us out every know and then. Tara was fantastic - she decided to move on and do the website for me. Its light and bright and looks fabulous. I cant thank her enough for her time and effort. As I said there is still plenty to do but still worth a look right now http://www.handscantalk.com.au/ .

This site will not have all the fancy features that I was planning but at this time in my life I have realised that there's so much to do in life having the basics there is what matters.

FLASH CARDS

Again Tara has helped me in producing some wonderful resources using cards that are laminated, rounded edges:

50 First Words a beautiful colour photo & sign language graphic on one side and the written description on the other.
50 words (slight difference in words chosen and photos include images of teemages and adults. Colour photo & Sign language graphic and written description on opposite side.
50 First words - With sign and written description. (no colour photo)

GAMES - Animal Bingo; Memory; Colours; Fingerspelling Alphabet - read more at www.handscantalk.com.au .

Have to get back to the website now and do some work.

Makaton Australia

2009-12-11T09:23:00.005+11:00

There are big changes coming. Makaton Australia will be no more!! That is Makaton Australia which was licenced by Newcastle University will be no more.

Starting January 2010 Newcastle University will be going from Makaton Australia to 'Key Signs Australia'. Yahoo -

Its about time - hopefully now a new book can be brought out that will look at necessary words for the Key Sign Vocabulary Australia - in alphabetical order- fantastic - and adding words that are used or needed if living in Australia .

From University of Newcastle:

"The University of Newcastle has been trying to arrange a new agreement with The Makaton Charity (UK). Unfortunately there has been no progress to date. It has been decided not to pursue a new licence agreement.

In order to continue to assist and support children and adults with communication difficulties in Australia, a new organisation will be set up under the auspices of the University of Newcastle. The new body will be known as Key Signs Australia and Key Signs Resource Centre. Key Signs Australia will provide a range of quality resources and support various state bodies to provide training of parents, carers and professionals in order to assist people with language difficulties.

These changes will bring both benefits and challenges. We look to the future in a positive light and we hope for a continuing close relationship with all the Makaton state branches. Where possible we would like to assist with any transition."

END

Back to me now:

What does this mean to you and those of you using Makaton Resources - probably very little - just another name to remember and more confusion between Auslan Makaton Key Signing Key Word Signing Signed English Australasian sign - the mind boggles at the thought of people all trying to remember which is which, why we do this or that and NOW we have another title and type to remember.

On a more serious note - if you are using the 'Makaton Vocabulary' Book or 'CD ROM' or 'Key Signs - a supplement to the Makaton Vocabulary' or 'Lets Play With Sign' don't panic. Continue with what you are using and go with the flow.

Once University Newcastle gets Key Signs Australia and the Keys Signs Resource Centre established and running they will be looking at their resources. Covers may change and names may be adjusted and words like 'makaton' taken out but they will be the same resources. The main book 'Makaton Vocabulary' of course cannot be changed as it belongs to Makaton UK.

So in this instance a new book will be developed - very similar I would say as it contains so many needed words. There will be some differences and those we will wait to see. For now just wait and see. If you have any questions contact me or Newcastle University.

Remember there is no change to the idea of Key Word Signing

Always use voice when signing
Speak & sign in correct word order
Just pick the key words to sign
Use the signs available in the book you are using
Expanded vocabulary borrowed from Auslan

Makaton and Auslan

2009-12-06T18:07:00.007+11:00

Okay today I have decided to cover a subject that constantly comes up - in workshops; people with no or little signing knowledge and just in general discussion. And during conversation within the Deaf Community as Makaton is very rarely understood clearly there.

Is Makaton a different sign language to Auslan?
My child has a speech/developmental delay and I was told to use Makaton only.
Makaton sign language is the best sign language to use!
I need to learn Makaton sign language!
Makaton uses Signed English doesn't it?
What does Makaton stand for?
Isn't all sign language the same all over the world?

The best way to cover all these questions and statements is to let you read Teena Caithness's article she wrote in 2001 in response to so many peoples inaccurate responses to and about Makaton.

I have attached the article below. Please read this and if you are still confused write to me and lets see if we cant clear up the misconceptions on Makaton. I will post questions if they come in with a response as a new topic so people can keep up with the conversation.

Why MAKATON Signs don’t exist!
Teena Caithness, Speech Pathologist MAKATON NSW © 2001

Margaret Walker, Tony Cornforth and Kathy Johnston are the MA, KA and TON of MAKATON. The Makaton Vocabulary was created in the 1970s in the UK.

The idea was simple. Teach signs to adults who were deaf and intellectually disabled and living in a large institution. Gradually, MAKATON Principles* were developed.

These were:

to speak and sign concurrently,
to sign the key words and
use the sign production techniques of directionality and placement.

Another central principle not often highlighted is that of

using the signs of the host country. This gives individuals working with Key Word Sign and natural gesture, and using the Makaton Vocabulary, the ability to use the same signs that are used within their country.

Makaton Principles *

Speak and sign concurrently
Sign the critical words
Use the sign of the host country (In Australia was Signed English now Auslan)
Use sign production techniques (directionality, placement)
Designed for users and communication partners

* taken from MAKATON PRESENTER TRAINING PACKAGE 2001 by Karen Bloomberg, © MAKATON Victoria

It is often thought, by people who have no association with the Deaf Community in their country, that all sign used by the Deaf is the same. People may be surprised that there isn’t one sign language across the world.

Many express great concern that the Deaf Community should really get organised and ensure that there is one sign language to make it easier for everyone to communicate. However, people who do not use sign to communicate forget that there are a variety of spoken and written languages used around the world.

Also, that within these spoken and written languages there are differences in what vocabulary is used. This will depend upon a variety of factors, such as where you live, what interests you have, how old you are and what life experiences you have shared.

Consider a grandmother who says she heard something on the wireless or an aunt who refers to her transistor radio as a “tranny”. When listening the grandmother or aunt, the listener does not correct their use of “wireless” or “tranny” . The words they have used are an indication of their age and are taken into account by the listener.

It is the listener’s job to then translate the message into what they know to be the meaning i.e.: They were both listening to the radio. The same subtleties seen in spoken and written languages are seen in sign languages used across the world. This makes sense for any language.

So, how does this relate to MAKATON?

The MAKATON Vocabulary is a list of words/concepts.
This vocabulary was originally presented in nine short stages of approximately 350 words/concepts.
The MAKATON Vocabulary used the sign of the host country. Therefore, British Sign Language was used in the UK.
It was assumed that each Makaton Presenter would teach the sign used in their own country. As there were often regional variations in sign, agreement would be made as to what signs were used.
Then the MAKATON Vocabulary Stages were used as a guide to ease of learning words and concepts using sign (and/or symbols) of the host country.

Prior to 2001, the MAKATON Vocabulary in Australia was based on the signs from the Dictionary of Australasian Sign Jeanes & Reynolds (1982). This Signed English based text was the only printed resource available when the original Makaton Line Drawing book was published in 1984.

The Dictionary of Australasian Sign was the first attempt at printing a book of signs used in Deaf education. Particularly, the signs that were used when signing and speaking English in educational settings for children who were Deaf.

The signs in this resource were often unknown by the Deaf community across Australia. They did not reflect regional variations and many Deaf believed that the signs were “southern” or “not Deaf”. This dictionary listed words and signs in alphabetical order.

Frequently, the book listed only one sign for a word that could have multiple meanings (e.g.; can = can of drink + can I help you?). To people using AUSLAN as their primary language, the signs in the book did not reflect the sign language they used in daily life.

However, since that time there have been the publications of AUSLAN dictionaries, including the AUSLAN Dictionary Johnston (1989) and the book with CDrom Signs of Australia Johnston (1998). These texts document those signs used in daily life within the Deaf Community and if appropriate give regional variations.

AUSLAN is the sign language of the Deaf Community in Australia. As resources are now available for AUSLAN – AUSLAN is more accessible for the general public. AUSLAN is a living language and constantly acquires new signs and gradually the less frequently used signs become redundant.

What signs do we use with the MAKATON Vocabulary?

Makaton Vocabulary Auslan Edition (2001) uses AUSLAN signs as well as some original Signed English signs.
Where possible, concepts have been simplified to reflect the needs of individuals who have language difficulties.
These simplifications make the signs in the vocabulary more consistent for those using Key Word Sign and natural gesture to aid language comprehension and expressive skills.
The single vocabulary item may have sign (1) and sign (2) listed. By providing two options for a vocabulary item, the states may chose which sign is to be used in their region.
This will assist in creating a sign vocabulary that is appropriate to common useage in the Deaf Community.

What signs do I tell people I am using if I’m using MAKATON Principles*?

Work out what vocabulary you are using.
Has it been personalized to an individual/setting or is it one that is commonly used?
Select the vocabulary from the list provided or add your own.
Then make a clear statement that includes MAKATON Principles*, the vocabulary you are using and where the signs you are using can be found.

We are using Key Word Sign and natural gesture with the

Interactive Vocabulary
MAKATON Vocabulary
personalized vocabulary
WA Preschool Vocabulary
WA School-Aged/Adolescent Vocabulary
WA Adult Vocabulary,
our own school/early intervention/centre/residential vocabulary

and using signs from both AUSLAN and Signed English.

All new vocabulary items will be taken from the AUSLAN Dictionaries or directly from the local Deaf Community in our region.

We are using Key Word Sign and natural gesture to assist comprehension and aid expressive language for individuals who have difficulties in using speech.

Although this is a long, complex statement, it is certainly the most accurate as MAKATON signs don’t exist!

References:
Line Drawings for Use with the Makaton Vocabulary (Australasian Version) 1984 Cooney, A., Cowley, J. & Knox, G. (Eds) Makaton Australia Newcastle
The Makaton Vocabulary Auslan Edition 2001 Ryan, A., Keesing, E. & Cowley, J. (Eds) Makaton
Dictionary of Australasian Signs 1989 (2nd Edition) Jeanes, R., Reynolds, B. & Coleman, B (Eds) VSDC Melbourne
AUSLAN Dictionary (1989) Johnston T. Deafness Resources Australia Sydney
Australia NewcastleSigns of Australia (1998) Johnston T. Deafness Resources Australia Sydney

Now its your turn if you feel you have something to add to or question from the above article. I love the way Teena wrote this article and has summed it all up.

For myself there is one point of interest I would like to bring up. Personally I feel there are no 'Signed English' signs in the Makaton Vocabulary (Auslan Edition) or Key Signs a supplement to the Makaton Vocabulary books. This is my reasoning:

When Makaton decided to change its original book from Signed English to Auslan each state consulted with people and organisations within their deaf community and got feed back. All final choices were verified as Auslan signs.

One thing that was decided at that time was that in some instances more than one version of a sign was made available and in other instances Makaton committee chose to pick only one version of a sign. So in some instances we have had people refer to the signs chosen as 'Signed English'. Also interestingly I have had friends tell me that the signs we using are those you would use with a child, the simplified versions.

I have also found that a sign commonly used in say Melbourne will be referred to as Signed English when used in NSW.

I have found over the last 19 years no matter where I am or who I am talking to at some time I will be advised that 'that is not what we use here' or 'that is Signed English' and we use this one.

As Teena said there can be many different words for the same item, idea, concept etc and the more we learn the better.

My Tafe teacher was from Melbourne so some of my signs were more southern and referred to as 'Signed English' in NSW' And then I have been with an older friend who signs different again to someone young. I have been in Melbourne and then NSW signs have been called Signed English and theirs Auslan. For me I try to go with the flow and learn and remember as many versions as possible. The more you learn the easier it gets and the more you understand.

For us with Elysha we went far beyond the idea of Makaton by the time Elysha was in second class and needing more social sign and understanding. Elysha signs fairly fluently not using voice when with deaf friends and in class but certainly adding voice when hearing are involved in the conversation. Actually she understands all about Makaton principles and also Auslan quite well I think.

School Spectacular

2009-11-30T20:56:00.003+11:00

Elysha appeared in her 5th School Spectacular this year. She was with students from Hunter region and Penrith area. All of these students are deaf/hearing impaired and they performed 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' signing along with other students that were singing.

Only Elysha and Phung were from Lurneah High this year. They all performed wonderfully and looked sensational. This year the kids were all dressed in white and had rainbow lights constantly playing over them. I went in on the Friday to help out and stayed in town Friday and Saturday night. My family and friends came to see the show on the Saturday night with John and myself. Every part of the spectacular is sensational.

To all of you out there - you need to make a point of going to the school spectacular just once in your life whether you have children performing or not. Many of the people I got talking to have been coming for years and have no one performing that they know they just love the show. It is so professionally done.

The costumes, the music, the talent, the choreography, the enthusiasm, the pure wonder of the evening is worth every cent of the $50 adult tickets. The show is on for 2.5 hours and there is entertainment before the show outside and during intermission in the foyer.

How the teachers manage to organise the costumes and children is a wonder. Here we see the true dedication of teachers in the public school system who put much of their own time into organising, teaching, getting kids to each show, looking after kids from outback areas, making or organising the making of costumes. They could never be praised enough - remember to say 'thank you' if you know of a teacher who is involved.

Elysha loves every minute minute. the practices, the song being signed, the new friends, the dressing up, the performing, the being told how wonderful she looks etc. These are all absolutely wondrous things to my Elysha. How we will ever get her to understand that next year is the last one I have no idea. This will be just one of the many major changes coming into her life. Have some wonderful photos of the signing choir but of course I cannot post as I forgot to get everyones permission so you will just have to believe me.

The spectacular will be on ABC on Friday 13th -I hope I got that date right -anyway keep your eyes open. It will be the shorter version followed the next week on ABC2 with the full version.

If you decide to come to the spectacular at some time in your lives remember ticket sales start in September (I went on line to buy tickets 2 says after tickets were released and options were not great for seats). You need to jump on line ASAP to get good tickets. Take the kids (half price) they will love it too. Just imagine 3,500 school children performing to entertain you. The only get together for the first time on the Thursday before dress rehearsal on Friday of fist show yet it looks as though they have planned and practiced for months.

Next time I come on line I will post a couple of articles on signing and Makaton and Auslan so my apologies to all those of you who have followed my blog in hope of sign information and instead have been putting up with my personal information. We are getting back on track.

Also remember if you want information on anything in particular please let me know cause I can only post what I feel people want to know. Cheers for now

Bits and Pieces

2009-11-11T11:00:00.000+11:00

I cannot believe how long it has been since I wrote anything in my blog. Since last I wrote I have been to two conferences.

KU Children's Services conference was the first one. At this conference Tara and I had a table each displaying whats available thru Hands Can Talk and Prompt Education. I also did two workshops on Key Word Signing. In the first workshop I decided to teach signs relevant to the song 'Through My Eyes'. What a wonderful song - click on title to go to link and listen to the song. I taught everyone the signs and we ended the workshop with everyone singing and signing to it. It was just fantastic.

We were very busy at the conference showing off the new resources, catching up with old friends and of course doing two presentations. The second presentation was briefly about new sign language resources and the Proloquo2Go then finished off with teaching signs people wanted to know.

Next day I repacked the car and went to Tara's and we did the ECIA conference for two days. At this conference it was just catching up with people, showing resources and hoping to sell enough to cover costs. Was a bit slow at this one but I did enjoy catching up with friends and old clients.

Since then lots has been happening. Elysha did her stand at a local fete and had a wonderful day. We had (Elysha, Vai & I) worked so hard to make lots of window clings made and didn't sell as much as we had hoped. BUT we had a great day, Elysha made some money, we made some new friends, of course we spent money too but for Elysha the real highlight was getting TWO new DVD's - made it all worth while to her. So now she has lots of window clings for Christmas presents and people have been dropping in and buying from her at home.

PCDE had their AGM last Sunday and there were quite a large number of families who came. There was a BBQ and swimming for the children before hand and everyone enjoyed themselves. Kate & Anna did a great job organising everything. I think there were about 40 adults and about 38 children - all a mixture of deaf and hearing. The new president is Mark and we have three new committee members and I decided to just be a general member this year as I wasn't able to give as much time as I wanted to the committee.

Teena who has been the Co-ordinator of Makaton NSW for quite a few years is leaving Sydney and moving back to Melbourne. We are going to miss her immensely.

Leigha and Rebecca will be the new join Co-ordinator's and I know they will do a brilliant job. They have been involved with Makaton NSW for years giving much of their time on the committee and organising and helping with Makaton Training each year we have had it.

Cant imagine life without Teena being involved here, so feel Melbourne is very, very lucky to be getting her back. She has been an inspiration and fantastic Co-ordinator for many years. Also a great friend and I will miss her very much.

The battle continues with PCDE, Deaf Australia and Deaf NSW trying to lobby and get signing support in schools in NSW at a much better level and trying to stop the shutting down of Hearing Units. It really does look inevitable that the Department of Education will succeed in getting the hearing units closed as their constant argument is it is what parents wants.

There is so much side stepping and evasion going on. Teachers and teachers aids (teachers special) of course cant talk to us (the parents) about what is going on as it would mean their jobs.

Yes there are parents who want to main stream their children but there are also parents who want hearing units and why both cant be available in a school I don't know. The more effort and help our children receive in the early years the less they will be reliant on support when ready to leave school. There are so many children out there struggling with literacy and being placed with teachers who don't always have the necessary skills to support them.

I can see the future of all children being mainstreamed with support, then the money will be cut, the support less and eventually we will have even more children struggling to understand literacy.

I wonder if anyone high up from the department of education even bothered to come to the Teachers of the Deaf Conference and listen to the concerns that were being voiced. Children who are deaf/hearing impaired are coming out of school with lower primary school skills in literacy. Yes there are some children who are coming thru succeeding very well at school but there are an unbelievable number not doing so well. By closing down Hearing Units who is going to be monitoring these children who disappear into mainstream classes. How many will end up being called children with behavioral problems I wonder??? Total communication works so well and helps children to understand the English language much better. But while there are the cynics out there pushing the non signing agenda our children will suffer. I think one of the reasons Elysha and the others in her class have done so well is that their teacher is deaf, signs and also has great oral skills and she understands what these kids need.

On a more positive note Elysha is off to the School Spectacular next week so anyone who is going remember to keep your eyes open for the signing choir and look for the shortest one there (thats my girl). She is very excited about going as this is a wonderful experience for her and she has been performing at each school spectacular since year 7 at school.

Aaron also use to perform in the choir and he started in year 6 but decided in year 9 that it would be his last. The choir is made up of deaf/hearing impaired children from the Hunter region, Penrith, Lurnea High and Robert Townsen in Raby.

Students who are deaf/hearing impaired have performed at each spectacular since it started and Elysha teacher performed in the first choir at age 8. Her mother has led the choir for 25 years and does a wonderful job. Last year some of the original students performed with the now students and they did the song that was performed for the first time 25 years ago. I of course go along Friday and Saturday to help out were I can and we go to the Saturday night show along with family members and friends. It is a sensational night out. Worth every cent. Everyone should try at some time in their life to get to a performance.

Time for bed - hope I managed to give you something informative in this blog. Rereading it I think it was a bit more personnel than I meant to make it. The new web site is finally moving along and I don't think it will be long before I can tell you to go look. This has been the longest on going project I have ever been involved with.

Sign Language Resources Graphics

2009-10-19T15:22:00.000+11:00

Still battling away at the new website. Hope we have it up and going soon.

Was hoping to have the pictures up for the new resources by now but I have been out of action for a few days with migraines and of course flat chat now getting ready for the two conferences coming up.

During the holidays while Tara was away enjoying herself and soaking up the sun, I was stuck at home drawing sign language graphics. Cant believe how quickly I ended up churning them out. These ones are for the 'Advance Australia Fair' poster.

So now as well as the gorgeous A2 posters of 5 Nursery Rhymes, that Tara designed and laid out, we now have a Wonderful A1 (that's full size poster) of the song 'Advance Australia Fair' with sign language graphics (not the colourful children for this one - just outlines. Don't have a small image to put in yet so will have to wait.

It looks sensational (Tara on layout and colourful pictures) and has some nice little colour pictures around it and in the background. Also included in purchase price are separate sheet with the sign language graphics together with written descriptions for all of the signs included.

Like any song that follows the Sing & Sign theory you can add or delete signs and do as you see fit. Sometimes for beginners we will only do a sign or two for each line, then as your talent, and the talent of those you are teaching improves you can add more signs. You may feel you know a sign that you feel is more appropriate - if so go with it.

Although we have used (Auslan) signs borrowed from the Deaf community we have not laid out the song the way it would be done by someone from the deaf community.

The signs are done in correct word order, and by looking at the meaning of the word, so not necessarily the sign you would normally do with that particular word. And of course as you sign the song we expect to hear you singing to the best of your ability.

This wonderful poster is bright and colourful and should have you all signing along to the National Anthem in no time at all, at all. Enjoy as Tara and I have certainly enjoyed working on it and pulling it all together.

PS If you are going to the KU or ECIA conference drop on by and have a look. We will have one for viewing and orders if you want. Was hoping to have available for sale at the conference but its not going to happen.

We will have the new See, Sign & Say editions - Transport; Baby's First Words; Places to Go and Sports available. AND we have been ab;le to reduce the books by $2 each.

Will also have the new Laminated cards and

I have finally managed to change the Baby/Toddler sign language Instant Reference Chart into a A2 poster - images are larger and clearer. Written information is supplied separate and the chart is now called 'Hands Can Talk' Instant Reference Poster Baby/Toddler. and

I have also enlarged the Alphabet Poster from A3 to A2 size - just as bright - now graphics are even easier to see and have included a row of useful signs at the bottom.

Come on by and say hello.

ELYSHA'S WINDOW CLINGS

2009-10-14T23:15:00.000+11:00

Just thought I would do a quick update so you don't all think Ive fallen off the edge of the earth. School holidays have seen us all sick for a day or two each. Good old bug dropped in and ripped thru the household then moved on to my grandsons homes.

Enjoying the second week of the holidays. We (Elysha, Vai & I) have been very very busy getting ready for Elysha's next Market stand. We will be having a stand at the Wattle Grove School fete at the end of this month. Vai comes in a couple of afternoons a week and draws outlines for Elysha's clings. Elysha joins in while Vai is here and fills in with her colour schemes and tells Vai what to outline next.

I find myself joining in as much as possible to keep Elysha interested as its seems that as long as someone else is doing something Elysha will too. There are a fantastic collection of Christmas decorations; cartoon animals and lots of "I love you" hand signs; butterfly's, dragons and lots more.

If you get a chance come down and say hello. Elysha loves the day - takes her a while to warm up but once relaxed she joins in the fun and activities around her. We find this a brilliant way to keep her involved and out in the community. Also building on her maths (working out how much change is needed and giving it to people) and buying a bit here and there).

If your not sure what Window Clings are I will give you a brief outline. Sometimes called window clings, sometimes Window Art these items are outlined onto a plastic sleeve with what is referred to as leading paint (bit thicker than the filler paint). We put drawings or pictures we have found under the plastic sleeve for Vai to work from. Once these outlines are dry - Elysha fills with another paint that is specific for this art. Once it drys some of the paint dries with a transparency, others are a bit more dense but the sun shines on these on the window and they look wonderful.

When these window clings are dry - approx 24 hours - you can peel of the plastic sleeve and place where you want. They can be peeled and moved when ever you want. The paint is kind of rubbery.

Best look is windows but can also look great on mirrors and while or pale tiles. More sunlight of course better look - it looks like stain glass. Elysha has used this holographic white on her Santa's and Snowmen and glitter paints on things like christmas baubles and they look wonderful and even better when looking in from outside as the holographic and glitter paints pick up the light and just glow - hard to describe - they just look wonderful.

Elysha has her own colour techniques - I once had the hide to actually try and tell her what colours to use and to show she did not want to be told Elysha the next day got up at about 5am and filled all the previous outlines before I got up (Thats telling me mmm).

I use to draw the outlines but have found with the osteoarthritis it just was too much for my hands. Then I met Vai. She is great - Loves to sit and draw outlines, chat with Elysha; help to tidy up some messy bits here and there and totally gets enthusiastic over the whole thing. Elysha loves nothing more than being told what an artist she is and what wonderful colours she has chosen. We have decided together (Elysha & I) that it would be good to do some markets a few times a year - we just have to decide which ones. We of course cannot set up where cost is high as Elysha does not make much from the day - its the pleasure that goes with it and the skills she is learning to use that matter the most. Well almost - Elysha does like to know that she can order lunch once or twice if she sells enough. In some instances Elysha is offered her spot for free or at a discount and we truly appreciate this fact. Paints we use come from America (the good, longer lasting in colour vibrancy colours do anyway) and are not cheap.

All of this is going towards Elysha learning to build on her fine motor skills (painting); social skills; money skills; working for result; keeping working hours; assisting with all aspects and mostly having a great time.

I too get to have a great time (though by the end of the day I truly wonder why I even thought it was such a great idea). I always know that give me a day or two of rest and I can think of all the positive things that come from this venture. I think Aaron (Elysha twin) and his girlfriend Rachael are planning to help us with this one!!!!

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING - Website is getting closer to completion - YAHOOOOOOO. There are two conferences coming up - KU Children's Services and E.C.I.A - presenting twice at KU one and having a stand along with Tara (Prompt Education) at both - see you there.

Its been a very busy year - we of course end off with the School Spectacular at the end of November - will be screened on ABC in December. Elysha's second last one.

Don't forget if you are going to the spec to keep your eyes open for Elysha. - she's the shortest in the choir ('I no like short, I want tall' has been a fairly constant comment at home as Aaron has now shot up to join his brothers in the 6' and over level). Being tall myself I can only say - 'sorry petal, you take after your Aunt Cis (dads sister) who was lucky to hit the 4'10 level.' 'Short is good' - keeps her happy till the next 'I no...... and it starts again. Cheers - its time to hit the sack.

Proloquo2Go Latest Information

2009-10-04T22:08:00.000+11:00

Number Three:(look at older posts for more information on the Proloquo2Go and YouTube links). First here is a refresher with some changes to the original. Note you can now have British voices as well as American. (at this time you are only able to download using Wifi with the iphone or ipod touch)

Key features

Full communication solution with a default VocaSpace vocabulary of over 7000 items
Choice of list or grid view
Built-in natural sounding text-to-speech voices from Acapela Group (one language, initially only British and American English). The current version includes North American English male, female, girl and boy voices. These can be swapped for British English voices, which can be downloaded over Wifi from within Proloquo2Go. Support for other languages and voices is in the pipeline.
Supports picture and/or text-based communication
Close to 8000 built-in symbols from SymbolStix LLC.
Automatic conjugation of verbs
Automatic plurals and possessives for nouns
Extensive customization options: item size, color, interactivity, restrictions, speech.
One-button addition of new vocabulary items and categories
Easy cut, copy and paste of items
Quick access to recently spoken items for the last 15 minutes, last hour, all the way up to one week back
Typing view for typing full paragraphs

There are a few changes in reference to Proloquo2Go.

The price has gone up a little as it is no longer at introductory price. Now approx $249.00 so still very competitive.
Proloquo2Go is available directly from the iTunes store in Australia and New Zealand. Spectronics can provide accessories , such as the iMainGo2 speakers and the Pogo Stylus
Spectronics no longer sells the Proloquo2Go program. You need to go to iTunes store and buy direct - it takes a couple of hours to download.
Proloquo2Go is purchased from the iTunes store. This is because this software has to be installed on the iPod touch using the computer that it will be backed up to. To install Proloquo2Go you will need iTunes installed on your computer (Windows XP/Vista or MAC OS X). You will also need an existing iTunes account or you will need to create an iTunes account. You will then need to have an internet connection and be able to download the application through iTunes.

Proloquo2Go 1.1 released with major new features September 21, 2009

Version 1.1, a free update for existing users, brings lots of new features and enhancements:

Items can now be fully re-ordered in both list and grid view.
Easier to use for people with limited fine-motor control (no accidental scrolling in grid view if you hold down an item longer) and enhanced visual feedback when pressing items in grid view.
Now supports connecting to a computer over WiFi to copy vocabulary backups to the computer and restore from such backups. Also allows transferring a complete vocabulary from one device to another.
Added support for downloading additional voices over the internet, initially this includes an extra American female voice, two British male voices and two British female voices.
Added voice personalization allowing the user to make a voice sound deeper or higher and even to make an adult voice sound like a child voice.
Major performance improvement for category loading and scrolling.
Major performance boost for the symbol chooser.
More complete symbolization of text when saving from Typing View.
Text spoken in Typing View is now added to Recents View.
Several categories are now ordered more logically, including money, days of the week, months and numbers.
Many other bug fixes and enhancements.

Now I just want to say here that unlike other voice output devices you are unable to try before you buy. So please dont rush out and purchase all the bits and pieces without some thought first.
Just some suggestions:

See if there is someone you can borrow an ipod touch or iphone from to see if you or the person you are thinking would benefit from this device is able to navugate thru the ipod touch or iphone itself first.
Will they need to use something like the pogo stylus
Can they use the ipod or iphone enclosed in the iMaingo2 speakers case.
Do you need to remove the plastic cover from the speaker case to allow better accesss.
Does someone have this device and program that maybe you could borrow or experiment with first just to make sure weight and access are okay.
Remember you will need to play around with the spelling of some words to get the voice to pronounce them properly.

There is now a forum you can go to to look for freuqently asked questions & answers, to chat with others on line; to introduce a new topic.

Join the AssistiveWare Assistive Technology Community forum.
This is a great way to check out whats new, whats happening, changes or discuss issues. There is always someone around who can help you out. Enjoy

Hearing Units in NSW

2009-09-18T11:54:00.000+10:00

The Journey to Educate Our Beautiful Elysha.

Elysha, our beautiful daughter who has Down Syndrome, coupled with deafness, has been educated successfully in a hearing unit in Sydney for the last 10 years. Next year is her final year at school.
Elysha has done so very, very well at school because her teachers have been there behind her, pushing every step of the way. Her teachers aides have pushed her to reach for the stars and I have refused to accept the limits that were placed in front of us as she started school. Of course most importantly, Elysha is an achiever and is always willing to try anything once.

Life has dealt Elysha a bit of luck (where we happened to be living), a bit more luck (teachers and teachers aids backing her all the way and believing in her) a Mum who already knew how to sign, so I have always been just a couple of steps ahead of Elysha. When Elysha was born I was a quick learner when it came to being told what Elysha was entitled to and what would actually be offered. I realised it was always better to go back again and again armed with knowledge and ready to listen but not always ready to accept the status quo.

Preschool was a breeze. The one I approached had an Auslan trained Director and staff that were happy to come along to after work sessions and let me teach and teach. Life in the preschool was good.
Early Intervention was good. Speech therapy worked well one once I found a speech therapist who believed in AAC and sign language.

Her first year at primary school was pretty much a wasted year She was babysat more than taught . It was not easy for me trying to accept the fact that I had to drop Elysha at the door and the teachers knew best what was needed for Elysha. I was still pretty placid in those days - accepting authority and what they said as correct and of course teachers can be a bit scary, the special needs teachers at the time in particular!. Then I started to question things and one of my first lessons in school life was that there are people within the school environment who will tell you what’s what and the truth but they cannot be upfront about it or will lose their jobs, so you have to find other ways to get to the truth.

I bucked the system in Primary School by asking that Elysha spend part of each day in the Hearing Unit to help her with English and also to provide some social signing. This was so successful - Elysha's learning came along in leaps and bounds.

We had always had speech therapy for Elysha, weekly in the early years up to high school- But we realised by 4th class that spoken English was going to be a problem for her.
Between her hearing loss and her Down Syndrome she really struggles to make others understand her, and to understand people talking to her. With this in mind we pushed for as much sign support as possible which she got from both the hearing unit and the IO unit - everyone working hard to get the best possible education for her.

Now you must understand that this did not come easy as there were obstacles put in our way. At one stage there was the threat of "if it doesn't work in the hearing unit then Elysha may well be out of the school as she may loose her place in the IO Unit." Even though the speech therapist was there backing up my argument, there was a fear that she would be disruptive in class.. I was struggling to understand this attitude since there had been no problems with her behaviour at all prior to this.

It was then decided that we try a couple of hours a week and see how she goes. Of course after one week she was offered approx 3 full days a week alternating between the IO Unit and the Hearing Unit. What a win!

In 6th class the real battle came, with where to send her to high school ?What we were offered was not realistic and was totally frustrating. I knew that there was a High School that would be perfect, for her needs and the school was happy to have her. The problem was that it was out of area and she was not entitled to go there despite it being perfect for her individual needs.. This was not taken into account.

We were given the choice of a school with an IO Unit and NO SIGN SUPPORT or a Hearing Unit at a large mainstream school that didn't have any other children with additional needs that she could socialise with.

I knew the school (my boys all went there) and I knew she would become a target. She loves to go off by herself and talk to herself and at this time had no skills in standing up for herself.

I hadn't realised that in primary school her twin, Aaron, had taken upon himself to be her guardian without saying anything to us. Also Elysha had a couple of great friends at St Andrews who also had additional needs. Of course if we lived in a perfect word kids in the mainstream would have been Elysha's friends but with her language problems she has always steered away from others who tend to look at her funny preferring to be with people who don't judge -more often than not special needs kids.

The kids in the hearing unit were good with Elysha in class but they were a bit wary of her, not understanding all that comes with developmental delay. Class talks about her special needs tended to confuse them more than solve any problems as they were struggling with language and communication themselves at the time.

I persevered, and talked to anyone I thought could help out and eventually won the day with Elysha being enrolled in the Hearing Unit out of area under special consideration. This meant each year we had to fill in paper work to justify her staying in the unit! That stopped after year 9 when her place was confirmed at last.

Elysha is a fluent communicator - loves to have conversations with me where we just sign - these are private conversations. At all other times she signs and talks. In the class she just signs to the other kids - they're all deaf so why use voice!!!!. Her teacher signs and uses voice. She uses Auslan, voice and in English classes uses Auslan in English word order. When Elysha signs and talks her language improves about 100% - clearer, remembering to add sounds she cant hear, separating her words -its just wonderful what a difference sign language makes to her spoken language and her confidence.

What does all that mean?

It means that Elysha can read, spell and understand conversations. She has done very well at school in all subjects with Maths being the only really hard subject for Elysha. She won an award at the end of year awards-night, last year for her work during the year. She also got 'a letter of commendation' from the school this year for her work in Science, History and Geography.

She also goes to Tafe one day a week and is doing a Catering Certificate (modified) and has an interpreter with her at all times. The Tafe staff inform me she is doing exceptionally well and I need to give her more jobs at home to build on her skills.

Next year is her last at High School and she will be finishing along with the majority of the class. I think there will only be 1 child left and a couple of new enrolments.. I suspect this unit is going to disappear along with others that have gone the same way.

Looking around NSW I see Hearing Units in the public school system, disappearing at an astonishing rate. Signing and Oral Units. Elysha's Primary school lost their Hearing Unit a year or so after Elysha left. Children are not being enrolled in these units so the Dept of Education is justifying closing these units. They state that it is because it is what parents want, their children to go main stream.

Yes there are lots of parents who want their children to go mainstream and for lots of kids it works but there are also children who start mainstream, then need to find a unit as they struggle and drop further behind the others. What happens when parents want the support of a unit- but are told that there are no units in their area. The only option for a lot of children is mainstream with support.

Ahhhhh yes that word - with support. IF a child is using sign language as their main form of communication and way of learning, how much “support” can they expect? The answer is very little and that gets reduced each year. Children with High support needs get funding.

The Department of Education thinks they can replace interpreters with staff with minimal signing skills or computers or note takers.

Children who have hearing loss and not using sign language still need as much assistance as the kids using sign language. They are all struggling within the school environment - classroom crowding; not enough additional support; teachers not understanding protocol when it comes to deaf children; noisy environment; being teased because they are different, minimal technology, out of date technology etc.

Literacy skills in many children who are deaf/hearing impaired are way behind those with full hearing.

One of the main points raised at the Teachers of the Deaf Conference earlier this year was that everyone agreed these children are struggling with literacy and many are finishing year 12 with primary school levels of reading and writing.

The Department of Education needs to stop and listen to the teachers & aids of deaf/hearing impaired children and their parents and work out a better system .
I would recommend:

Keep in place an adequate number of hearing units.
Making sure there is access to Hearing Units.
Making sure parents are aware of all the benefits of attending a unit. Children do not have to be isolated because they are within a hearing unit - there are always subjects that they can do in the mainstream.
As a child's skill grows they can be integrated more and more.
Communication leads to less behavioral problems.
communication leads to better learning.
Kids also need to be linked better so they know they have someone to talk to who is going thru or has been thru the same thing as they are. There are lots of deaf/heraring impaired children out there but often they may be the only one in a particular school or year so feel isolated.
Maximum effort in the early years by the Department of Education means these children can come out of school with a good education and lead independent and rich lives.

Come on everyone. Get involved in this issue! Don't let us have another generation come through our education system that can’t spell or read.

Sign Language Resources

2009-09-03T10:18:00.000+10:00

Hands Can Talk (yes thats me) have produced some wonderful new resources and they are not up on the website yet.

We are currently having the website redone so its bright modern and easier to use, has more information on it and you can do your shopping on line but that is underway so the information on resources is out of date.

To help people know more I decided I would put some information on the blog so if you want a new order form you can email me and get me to send to your email or call and order over the phone 02 9824 8332 Monday to Friday 9 till 5pm.

Here goes These first are a joint venture between Hands Can Talk & Prompt Education.

18 wonderful A5 See, Sign & Say Booklets each with a collection of twenty signs with one sign to a page together with a bright colourful photo relevant to the sign. In some instances there are two versions of a sign provided and we suggest you check in the Makaton Vocabulary or Key Sign - a supplement to the Makaton Vocabulary books for which sign you should be doing or check with your local deaf community. These books have a coating on all pages called cello glaze that provides a bit of protection against wear and tear. The booklets are spiral bound and all have ISBN numbers. They are printed on 300gsm cardboard and I personally feel that they look wonderful.

We have had an overwhelming response to these booklets and are onto our 4th run since September 2008. These booklets are available thru both Hands Can Talk & Prompt Education- For Hands Can Talk just email aileen@handscantalk.com.au or call 02 9824 8332 and request an order form or order over the phone.

Booklets available in the See Sign & Say Series are:

Emotions
Teen Feelings
Baby Animals
Animals
Opposites One
Opposites Two
Verbs
Preschool
Primary School
Food
Colours
Objects
Directions
Transport
Places to go (hold up on this one at the moment)
Sport
Baby's First Words
Alphabet - Fingerspelling

Cost $22.00 or purchase any 5 -9 get 10% discount; 10-19 15% discount; 20 or more and 20% discount; we also provide book sellers discount + postage.

Alphabet Chart A3 size has now increased to A2 size -
Bright and colourful cart showing the Australian Fingerspelling Alphabet including some day to day signs at the bottom of the chart. Cost $5.00 or buy 5 or more and get a 30% discount + postage As this is a large item it can be folded twice to fit in A4 envelope or sent by tube (additional cost of $7.50 for tube & its postage)

'Tiny Hands' Instant Reference Chart has now been changed to a poster. A3 size poster. All sign language graphics are drawn in black with second move and arrows in red to make it easier to understand. Basic written description for each sign. 45 signs in all. Looks great and priced at $10.00 it's a steal. As this is a large item it can be folded twice to fit in A4 envelope or sent by tube (additional cost of 7.50 for tube & its postage)
MEMORY CARD GAME: Game consists of 12 pairs of laminated cards with colour picture and sign language graphics. There is also a sheet of written descriptions for the signs covered on the cards together with signs used to play the game.

The aim of the game is to lay out the matching cards, face down and mix them up. Going in a clockwise direction around the group, each person gets to have a go, choosing two cards and trying to find pairs. Each time a picture is turned over the adult signs and says the word and gets the child to mimic. We also use signs like same, different, remember, turn etc. This all helps the child learn turn taking, practice their signs, work on their memory skills. Fun, interactive game using words of interest to a child.

Cost $25 (inclusive) plus postage.

Fingerspelling Alphabet Cards
Cards are 10cm x 7cm, laminated with rounded corners and each is done with hand formation and letter of the alphabet in capital and small. Vowels are shown as different by printing font in red. Cards stored in A5 clear zip lock bag.

Cost $25.00 a set or $35.00 for a double set + postage. Double sets can be used for games like memory and fish.

Colour Cards
Cards are 10cm x 7cm, laminated with rounded corners and each card is done with cartoon style girl wearing the appropriate colour doing the sign and written word underneath. Where there are state variations both have been included in the set and you will need to remove the one not needed. Also included are the signs for Colour, Rainbow, spots, pattern and stripes. Written descriptions on how to do the signs are also included. Cards stored in A5 zip lock bag.

Cost $25.00 a set or $35.00 for a double set + postage. Double sets can be used for games like memory and fish.

Animal Bingo/Lotto Game
Game includes:
Eight boards, each A5 size – six beautiful bright colour photos of animals on each board and each is different. Laminated and rounded corners.
On reverse side of each board sign language graphics for animal signs.
Laminated card of each animal.
Laminated card of each sign.
Laminated cardboard circles sized to cover images on boards.
Written description for each sign in game plus an additional list of signs needed to play the game.
Instructions on how to play bingo/lotto game in a number of different ways depending on the skills of players.
Cost $25.00 + postage.. Packaging A4 Zip lock bag.

50 First Words Double Sided (Photo & sign language graphic)

List of words:
apple, ball, banana, bath, bed, bird, biscuit, book, brother, car, cat, chair, cold, come, dad, different, dog, drink, eat/food, feeling hot, finished, go, happy, help, hot, house/home, like, more, mum, no, park/playground, sad, same, share, sick, sister, sit, sore/hurt, sorry, table, teddy, thank you, toilet, wait, water, what, where, who, yes

Each card is laminated. On the front of the card is a colour photo, the written word and the sign language graphic (drawn in black with red arrows or second move in red). On the back of the card is a basic written description.

You can use these cards to help both you and the child learn and remember the signs and words or use the cards as visual prompts.
Have also had people put various signs up with With Velcro dots or blue tac in areas where they are most relevant.
Another idea is to punch hole in top corner of the card and attach what you want to lanyard or retractable keyring (for an extra $6.00 we can punch holes and send with either lanyard or retractable key ring).
Buy a double set and you have 100 cards that you can use for card games like fish or memory.

Cost $45.00 plus postage.

50 First Words SIGN LANGUAGE GRAPHICS only

List of Words: Same as above list

Each card is laminated. On the card is the written word and the sign language graphic (drawn in black with red arrows or second move in red). Underneath is a basic written description.

You can use these cards to help both you and the child learn and remember the signs and words or use the cards as visual prompts.
Have also had people put various signs up with With Velcro dots or blue tac in areas where they are most relevant.
Another idea is to punch hole in top corner of the card and attach what you want to lanyard or retractable keyring (for an extra $6.00 we can punch holes and send with either lanyard or retractable key ring).
Buy a double set and you have 100 cards that you can use for card games like fish or memory.

Cost $45.00 plus postage

50 words (for teens and older) This list varies only slightly to the 50 first words BUT we have also changed the photos to include images of older teens and adults doing actions.

List of words:
bag, bath, bed, biscuit, book, brother, car, chair, clean, cold, come, dad, different, dirty, drink, eat/food, feeling hot, finished, go, happy, help, hot, house/home, like, look, more, mum, no, please, room, sad, same, school, share, shop, sick/ill, sister, sit, sore/hurt, sorry, table, thank you, toilet, wait, water, what, where, who, work, yes

Each card is laminated. One the front of the card is a colour photo, the written word and the sign language graphic (drawn in black with red arrows or second move). On the back of the card is a basic written description.

you can use these cards to help both you and the child learn and remember the signs and words or use the cards as visual prompts.
Have also had people put various signs up with either Velcro dots or blue tac in areas where they are most relevant.
Another idea is to punch hole in top corner of the card and attach what you want to lanyard or retractable keyring (for an extra $6.00 we can punch holes and send with either lanyard or retractable key ring).
Buy a double set and you have 100 cards that you can use for card games like fish or memory.

Cost $45.00 plus postage

Hoping to make these cards available so that people just select what they need and payment per card (reducing cost as card numbers increase) at a later date.. Watch this space!!!

Sign Language Cards on Belt Retractable Clip

List of Words: car, drink, eat/food, finished, house/home, lister/hear, more, please, quiet, sad/upset, school, shop, sick/ill toilet, wait, wash hands, what, where.

This resource has 18 cards that have had a corner punched thru and a retractable belt clip attached. Each card is laminated and has rounded corners. One the front of the card is the sign language graphic and a colour photo. On the back of the card is a basic written description on how to do the sign.

Carry around in your bag or in your pocket.
Person who is non verbal or struggling with spoken language can carry around in their pocket or bag.
clip can also be attached to bag so cards don't get lost
retractable clip has a good length to it so either :

you pull out the cards to refer to to help you sign or
you pull out the cards to show to person you are helping to communicate
or person who is non verbal can select sign or picture they are trying to communicate
or non verbal or someone struggling to make others understand can show relevant card to others.

Cost $25.00 plus postage

Nursery Rhyme Posters
Five beautifully drawn nursery rhyme posters A2 size each poster is done so that

you can read the nursery rhyme;
the words to be signed or done in natural gesture are underlined;
the sign language graphic is above the word (or words) that need to be signed.
These same graphics are provided at the bottom of the chart with a basic written description

The posters have been illustrated and layout by Tara from Prompt Education.

Posters include : Baa Baa Black Sheep; Jack & Jill; Twinkle Twinkle Little Star; Hickory Dickory Dock & Humpty Dumpty.
All are printed on A2 150 gsm gloss. Would look great on both classroom or preschool walls.

Cost $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00 plus postage (tube postage is $7.50)

Also remember we sell

Makaton Vocabulary (Auslan Edition) book
Makaton Vocabulary (Auslan Edition) CD ROM
Key Sign - a supplement to the Makaton Vocabulary
'Lets Play With Sign' scripting Makaton book

Sing & Sign With Me Nursery Rhyme Book
Sing & Sign With Me Nursery Rhyme Music CD Rom - coming soon
Tiny Hands -Australian Sign Language for Baby to Toddler (240 signs)

Okay going to leave here. Hope I haven't left anything off. If I have mis priced or described anything my apologies in advance. Always check prices and availability first.
Call Aileen 02 9824 8332 or email aileen@handscantalk.com.au and heres hoping that the newly designed website is up and running soon.

PCDE (Parent Council Deaf Education) & POD Macarthur

2009-09-02T20:21:00.000+10:00

First I want to say that I am on the committee of PCDE ( Parent Council Deaf Education) and have been for the last 3 years. The reasons I am on this committee are two fold - my daughter Elysha has Down syndrome and is Hearing Impaired so I am making sure I am up to date with what is available for Elysha out there.

The other reason is that I think this organisation has a lot to offer to parents, family members, siblings, extended family and professionals involved with deaf/hearing impaired children/adults.

Although the organisation is called Parent Council Deaf Education I think you need to realise that the title is a bit misleading as the organisation is there for anyone looking for help or assistance or support for them or their family in any issue involving deaf/hearing impaired.

Whether you have your child going mainstream with minimal support or you have your child in a special needs school with high support. Whether your child has a mild loss; a profound loss; dual disabilities; cochlear; hearing aids or full signer we like to think we can be there for you and your family to assist in any way possible.

Each of us on the committee have one or more children with hearing loss and we have all gone with different methods of support for our children at school and home. Each feels confident with their choice of communication mode and decisions for schooling but we have all found that at some stage we can feel full of doubt or fear that we have not made the right choices. Don't go feeling that you are all alone out there trying to decide what is best - remember we have had to look at some of the same decisions as you and can at least try to help by providing information and support along the way.

Now I also need you to understand that this is my blog and has no link with PCDE organisation or their actions. These are totally my views.

I wanted to explain about PCDE because not enough people know about the organisation or that it is there to assist where possible.

I only wish I had joined many years earlier but was not sure that this was the right organisation for us because I thought that they would look at the disability first rather than her deafness. But having met the committee I instantly joined and wished I had done years ago. I had missed out on so much information not having joined.

But I have also learnt so much and enjoyed the last three years with my involvement with PCDE. I have made some wonderful friends and meet some wonderful people not only at PCDE but thru other organisations that have a link in someway thru hearing loss/deafness. I have recently met a wonderful mum who has two children that are deaf and I am getting to play adopted grandma and loving every minute of it.

In the Macarthur/Liverpool area PCDE has started a POD group. This group meets once a month and anyone that has any connection to someone with any form of hearing loss is welcome to attend.

PCDE have been running the POD support group once a month at night but have now decided to try alternating with a day group one month, and a night one the following month to best cater to more people.

Please if you know of anyone out there that would like to join PCDE or POD Macarthur have them contact me aileen@handscantalk.com.au and I can pass on their information or help with questions or call Kate 02 9871 3049 at PCDE or send an email thru PCDE link. POD Macarthur would love to grow in number and think that they can provide support and knowledge and assistance where possible.

Whether its a family with a newly diagnosed child; a child starting preschool; school; work; socialising; information on matters from technology; oral programs; signing; cochlear; teenagers and all the baggage that comes with teen times PCDE would like to think they can be helpful in someway.

PCDE and POD Macarthur

Provide information on their website that is relevant to you
PCDE have links to websites relevant to hearing/deafness
POD Macarthur invite guest speakers on all different issues (so far there have been speakers on technology; deaf speaking about their life; teen issues; school finished -where now; sign language resources etc)
PCDE will look into any issues raised and will try to find answers
POD Macarthur have had fun days for families with lots of fun activities for the children (all children in the family)
PCDE can link parents into workshops like CPCK and Being an Advocate.
POD Macarthur are happy to just sit and chat
POD Macarthur will try to help you find what you want and hope that by coming along you will meet up with and find someone you feel comfortable talking to and hopefully can help solve some of your unanswered questions.
You can come along and inspire others with your stories
You can share what you know so we all know more

Best of all you can come along, have a coffee/tea and just relax and enjoy. Interpreters are provided if we know one is needed.

Again please if you know anyone from Berrima to Liverpool/Fairfield, who you think would like to know about PCDE or POD Macarthur please pass on Kate's number or the PCDE link.

If you are a professional and you feel you have something to offer the POD or PCDE please get in touch. New parents; professional; Sibling; Extended family; grandparents; Foster parents - everyone welcome.

Proloquo2go on Ipod touch or Iphone No.2

2009-08-13T15:54:00.000+10:00

Okay this is the next part on the proloquo2go information.

Firstly if you are not aware the Proloquo2Go was updated on ITunes so you can go to the store and check to see if you have the latest version. If not then you can downlaod at no extra cost. found the newest version runs a bit quicker.

To backup your information:This is really important as there is nothing worse than finally getting a whole section set up for someone to then find that you have lost everything - we all know what thats like - typing away on the computer - feeling great - nearly finished -and pow its all gone and you have to start again. IT is really really important so go to Backup information

We have received the Imaingo2 speakers and they are fantastic. Make all the difference - speech is lovely and clear and can be heard quite well. We have not had to cut the clear plastic off the front of the case as Elysha has so far had no problem navigating thru the clear plastic. Can have as loud or soft as you want. Remember to turn off power to speakers when not in use to conserve battery power. Battery life is meant to be 30 hours. Best to get rechargeable so you can change and recharge batteries on regular basis.

Still cant wait for English voices as I feel that the American lady is hard to work with at times. Getting her to pronounce a word how we would pronounce it can be fiddly at times. I will type in word i.e. fries for french fries and it sounded like frees then found that by spelling fryyes the word came out sounding like fries so always have to think about how to spell for sound. Aileen became Aylean before it would sound the way I pronounce my name. Lots of trying different spelling - just think about how it sounds.

On the Proloquo2go chat group a question was asked about whether what is written for pronunciation can be changed once done so words shown are correct and Dora explains how to do:

Can "text to speak" and "label" be two different things, and the answer is yes. When you create an item, enter the desired pronunciation in the "text to speak" field. So I might write my friend's name "E lee see ah" for text to speak. Then enter the desired spelling in the label. So then I would write my friend's name "Elesia" on the label. So I now would have an item that correctly spells my friend's name on the screen, and correctly speaks her name when I press it. In order to get both the text to speak and label fields, you need to edit an existing item. So if it's a new item, you need to create the item, add it, and then edit it, or just press the "add and edit" button.

Another idea I found was that if I was doing quite a long sentence it was best to put a full stop part way thru - this then gets the voice output to slow down and can sound better. i.e. I might put Hi, my name is Elysha Walker. and I am 16 yrs old.

When asking questions remember to put in question mark - it appears the question comes out sounding like a question - or thats how I feel as I listen to playback.

I am gradually building up her personnal vocabulary and it wont be long before she starts travel training at Tafe and can start using this when out. I am so use to interpreting for Elysha that I dont even think to take the Ipod touch with us when we go out and I have to train myself as well as Elysha to remember to take with us and give her as many opportunities as possible to use it.

I was at the Asia pacific Autism Conference last week - it was huge - over 2000 participants; people everywhere. I was working with Tara and we had a combined stand "prompt Education" and "Hands Can Talk". We got to meet lots of people and show off our latest new products - Sign Language posters A2 size - 5 different nursery rhymes. Great response and sales.

Also got to talk to quite a few people about the Proloquo2Go program. It would have been a perfect venue to show off the program. Just from chatting to people know of three that have gone off and bought the ipod touch and program and are on their way with building up their skills.

Talk again soon

What is Auslan

2009-08-04T10:51:00.000+10:00

The following selection I have copied direct from the Deaf Australia website and there is a link below. This is an explanation on Auslan, Signed English, signing in English, Fingerspelling, Makaton and Contact signing. I could not see the point in rewriting what has been explained perfectly by Deaf Australia.

What is Auslan?

Auslan is the sign language of the Australian Deaf community. The name Auslan (from Australian sign language) was coined by Trevor Johnston, author of the first Auslan dictionary, in the early 1980s but the language itself is much older.

The name is written as Auslan, not AUSLAN.

Auslan has evolved from the sign languages brought to Australia during the nineteenth century from Britain and Ireland. Its grammar and vocabulary is different from English. It is not the creation of any one person. It is a natural language that has developed over time.

Auslan is the primary or preferred language of the majority of Deaf people who have been severely or profoundly deaf since early childhood.

It is the native language (i.e., the language acquired from birth) of only a minority of Deaf signers. Deaf children who are born to Deaf parents who use Auslan appear to acquire Auslan in the same way as hearing children acquire spoken language from their parents and other family members.

However, for most adults in the Deaf community, Auslan is acquired either as a (possibly delayed) first language at some time during their school years, or as a second language in later life.

Thus an important difference between Deaf communities and other linguistic minorities is that, in most cases, the language is not passed on from parent to child, but often from child to child, or is learned by children from adults outside the family. Some Deaf people also learn Auslan as a late-acquired language in early adulthood.

Auslan was recognised by the Australian government as a “community language other than English” and the preferred language of the Deaf community in policy statements in 1987 and 1991.

Auslan exists in a complex linguistic environment and there are different forms of signing which are used in different social situations. However, not all of the signing behaviour that one may observe individuals engaging in is properly characterised as “Auslan”. Rather, several distinct varieties of signed languages exist within the community.

Natural sign language – Auslan

Deaf people in Deaf communities use signed languages which (a) are not identical to the majority spoken language of the majority hearing community, and (b) are not identical to the signed languages of other Deaf communities. Auslan is the name given to the natural sign language (or native sign language) of the Australian Deaf community. Signed languages, including Auslan, fulfil all the criteria of a natural language.

Like other minority languages in the Australian community, it is impossible for users of Auslan to avoid contact with English, the majority language of the country. Consequently there are several distinct types of English-influenced signing behaviour, as identified below.

Artificial sign systems – Signed English

An artificial sign system is developed with the specific purpose of representing the vocabulary and grammar of spoken languages using manual signs. They have generally been created by educators in order to increase deaf children’s exposure to spoken language by making it visible. When using an artificial sign system, one makes a manual sign (or uses fingerspelling) for each word and word ending of the spoken language, almost as if signing were a type of writing. In most cases, this signing is presented simultaneously with the spoken message.

The sign system that educators introduced in Australia and New Zealand is a single, standardized system called Australasian Signed English, more often referred to as Signed English.

Unlike a natural language that grows naturally within the community that uses it, Signed English was devised by a committee in the 1970s as an exact representation of English in signed form. Although many of the signs are drawn from Auslan, the signs are standardized for specific English meanings. In some cases, this usage does not always reflect the sign’s original meaning in Auslan. (e.g., the sign for ‘checked pattern’ in Auslan is used for all meanings of the English word ‘check’; the sign for ‘light colour’ in Auslan is used for all meanings of the English word ‘light’.) These standardized signs were combined with invented signs (e.g., for ‘the’, ‘him’) that represent English determiners, pronouns, prepositions and other function words necessary to represent English grammar.

Studies have shown problems with the use of artificial sign systems. In Australia, Greg Leigh (1995) showed that while some pre-school teachers seem able to represent English accurately using Signed English in interactions with very young children, the greater linguistic demands of upper primary and secondary school education lead to much lower levels of accuracy in the simultaneous use of signed and spoken English. His study showed that less than 30 per cent of all utterances signed by secondary school teachers using Signed English were considered to be grammatically acceptable representations of English in signed form.

Signed English is not widely used in the Australian Deaf community, and overseas research has reported that deaf children in schools using an artificial sign system may not always use it to communicate with each other. The effect of Signed English on Auslan has not yet been researched but there is some evidence that it has had a significant impact on the Auslan lexicon, especially for younger Deaf signers who live in smaller communities outside the larger urban centres.

Fingerspelling

Fingerspelling is the use of hand configurations to represent the letters of a written alphabet.

It is regularly used as part of a natural sign system and in Auslan even as part of the native sign language.

The fingerspelling system widely used in Australia is the two-handed alphabet that has its origins in Britain.

Though fingerspelling is an important part of a signing Deaf person’s manual communication skills, virtually no signer uses fingerspelling exclusively to communicate.

Alone fingerspelling is a manual code for representing the letters of the English alphabet and is thus not a signed language in and of itself. Fingerspelling is generally mixed in with signing and is especially used for spelling nouns (place names, people’s names etc) or for spelling English words that have no direct signed equivalent. It also often occurs even when there is a perfectly adequate signed equivalent, perhaps to achieve some communicative effect (e.g., to emphasis some point, impress one’s audience, or to hide your meaning from an onlooking child etc).

There are also other complex ways of using Auslan:

Signing in English

There are situations where Auslan signers will use Auslan signs (with their Auslan meanings – e.g., different signs would be used for the English word ‘check’ according to the context) to sign something in English (e.g., a letter written in English or what a lawyer is saying in a court of law). Signing in English is a natural sign system that develops naturally and spontaneously within the signing community, and differs from contrived artificial sign systems such as Signed English.

Signing in English requires the signer and the audience to have a good understanding of both Auslan and English.

Contact signing

Signing Deaf communities are excellent examples of communities which are characterized by language contact because Deaf people always represent small minorities which are embedded within larger speaking and hearing communities. Whenever two or more speech communities come into contact there will inevitably be linguistic consequences, such as lexical borrowing. Language contact can also lead to the development of new varieties of language.

In Australia, Deaf people are constantly exposed to English, albeit imperfectly. Because of this, there exists a form of signing that ‘combines’ aspects of both Auslan and English.

This information has been copied from information available at Deaf Australia.

Please click on link for more information on Auslan and the Deaf Community. Wonderful website with lots of information to offer.

Does Signed English have a place in education

2009-08-04T09:51:00.000+10:00

Today I want to talk about Signed English and if it has any benefits within education. I will be talking from a purely personal view looking at what we found with Elysha. Signed English is a topic that can cause hackles to rise and lots of people have their own views on this subject. After attending the Teachers of the Deaf Conference one issue that came up again and again was the struggle deaf students have with literacy - reading English being difficult and way below standards and written

English being even harder. How do you get someone to understand the concept of written English??

how does one understand the types of words: was, is, the, then are etc.

How to understand the concept of have, had and has when the same sign is used for all?

Why do words have ed, s and ing on them?

The English language is huge and on top of all the additional words we love to use when talking often saying a paragraph where a sentence would have sufficed or when we use words that others have to think about to understand when really a basic English word would have done.

Now Auslan:

Auslan is the language of the Deaf Community in Australia. The name Auslan is an abbreviation of Australian Sign Language. It is an officially recognised Australian language, in the same way numerous Australian Indigenous languages are.

Like any other language it has its own grammar and structure and is not universal. Auslan has its origins in British Sign Language (BSL) and over the years has adopted or borrowed some signs from other sign languages such as American Sign Language (ASL).

Auslan is a visual spatial language, which consists of hand movements, facial expressions, body language and fingerspelling. There are five parameters or linguistic building blocks that make up Auslan signs; these are:

* handshape
* orientation
* location
* movement
* non-manual features (e.g. facial expression)

This section has been copied from the Deaf Society Webpage. (For more information please click on link)

for more complete information on Auslan read blog 'What is Auslan'

Now to explain why and how we made use of Signed English & Auslan when teaching Elysha to read.

When Elysha started doing sight words at school I found that showing her the words and trying to get her to remember them just didn't work. I then found that if I split the list and showed her the signs to go with the words she did a bit better but it was still difficult. I ended up

* typing the words into the computer - printing up nice and big. Then I copied the sign graphics and printed up to approx same size as word cut out. placed side by side and laminated with sheets of self laminate that I got from Big W. Cut these to size and added a Velcro dot. Bought a sheet of cardboard that I stuck on wall and put the opposite pieces of Velcro dots so I could stick up words.
* If there was no sign available in Auslan but there was one in Signed English I used it especially for those words like he she was are.
* Once I felt she was picking up on these words by looking at the graphics to remember them I cut and separated the word and the sign.
* We played a number of different games.

1. left the sign part stuck on the board - showed Elysha the word - if she didn't recognise the written word I would sign it and she would place written word next to sign language graphic.
2. Then reversed written word on wall and graphic for Elysha to look at and link.
3. Another way was we played memory - one card with written word and one with sign language graphic.
4. Next Elysha would go thru group of words and match to signs on chart.
5. Then I would ask for a word and sign it and Elysha would find it - first in the sign language graphic
6. then in the written word.

* Success rate 48 out of 50 in sight word list - BRILLIANT

Reading - Teacher would give us a book to work on each term - one with lots of repetition . Found Elysha was just mimicking me and really struggling.

I tried to stay with Auslan but found
(a) to get her to finger spell a word that didn't have a sign meant that word had no meaning for her. The concept was just tooo hard.
(b) A lot of times she couldn't hear the difference in words and would look at what I was saying with a sign and pick a word she thought it was through my mouth shape and the fact that she had learnt a particular word that went with that sign. As an example HAVE HAD HAS - same sign for all and similar mouth movement so although spelt differently has and had became have.

We introduced the Signed English signs if no Auslan sign available.By doing slightly different signs (as in direction of sign) for has and had (Signed English) we were able to get her to understand that there was a difference in these words.

Of course on the negative side when signing things like tomorrow or today for quite a while Elysha would sign 'to' (Signed English) + tomorrow sign or today sign but this did sort out later.

Now I found she still needed more to really get her to learn to recognise and remember these words in a story.

* So I typed up story on my computer then
* added the signs about each word -
* did in landscape style to lines to a page.
* Added all the signs - Auslan, Signed English, Fingerspelling for names and endings ed, ing, s.
* Found she was reading the story by basically reading the signs then linking the signs to the words so then remembering the words and able to take away the sign language graphics.

He teacher in the IO Unit was not real sure about the idea but said she would try if I gave her a copy so each term she gave me the books to be read - I typed up - added signs and gave back to her. Her response was so positive it was great (she wanted more done and worked even more on her signing skills) cause not only Elysha but the others in her class who were struggling with reading and didn't sign found this visual system truly worked.

Children with disabilities have such good visual skills that sign language is just a given - of course it works and works well.

Looking back on Elysha education by the end of 2nd class we realised Elysha needed more sign support than she would get in the IO unit even though her teacher and teachers aids did a brilliant job learning as much as they could.

Elysha needed social sign and teachers with a fluency in sign language were not available in the IO unit so started pushing for Elysha to go part time in the Hearing unit. Elysha did this all the way thru primary school.

What the teachers (hearing and deaf) were doing to educate the children in the hearing Unit, the children in the IO Unit could have benefited from. Not saying the teachers in the IO Unit didn't do a good job (they were one and all fantastic, enthusiastic and gave Elysha their all) but Sign language is so visual it has many many benefits for children with speech and/or developmental delay and to have teachers that are fluent in communicating in sign language has to be a benefit..

By 4th class we as a family realised that for Elysha spoken language was always going to be difficult between her hearing loss and the down syndrome she was struggling to be understand and understand others unless sign was being used.

Don't go thinking we just decide to take sign option instead of spoken language - we knew how hard it would be for Elysha and spoken language would be best as she is living within a hearing community and has additional needs. Elysha has done speech therapy since she was 18 months old. But for all the hard work that has been done, and we continue to do, we realised that sign language would make her life much easier when communicating. We didn't realise how much it would also help her understand, learn and comprehend reading and writing the English language.

Spelling Words were done in much the same way.

* Each word learnt with a sign - getting her to understand its use and place in sentences.
* Practicing finger spelling a list each week - sign it, say it, write it and finger spell it.
* Practice with me or dad.
* Teacher would also practice the words and comprehension of the words meaning and use during the week then
* Monday was test day.
* Elysha has a constant success rate of at least 90% correct and if she practices each day then we know it will be 100% correct.
* Some words I find myself thinking what is the purpose of this word especially to her (and I'm not saying keep the language too basic or simple but sometimes there are English words that are just a waste of time i.e. adjective, pronoun - how much use would they have within her life!!!)

Elysha loves to read and write out stories - either stories she is reading or stories from her imagination. Her writing gets better all the time, her spelling si constantly improving and her imagination is wonderful. Elysha loves to try spelling things that she sees around her as we drive along, can easily read a TV program (very very important), basic recipes, letters written to her and children's stories. She can read and understand signs posted around her on walls, side of the road, building etc and magazines when at the doctor, dentist etc and most important of all she can read the captions on the TV allowing her to watch and understand so much more on the TV whether its educational, news, movies or cartoons..

Sometimes her language gets a bit mixed up with bits of Auslan and Signed English thrown in together. In her class there is very little spoken language as the teacher, teachers aid and all students sign so Elysha doesn't talk. But when around people who talk Elysha talks as well so she is aware of the different ways her signing is used.

In High school her teacher is wonderful. Carrie Ann is deaf and uses both sign language and oral skills when working with her deaf students. Elysha got into her class through a lot of pushing on my part as I knew Elysha had achieved what she had in Primary school thru the joint input from her teachers in the IO unit and the Hearing Unit combined.

This is what I wanted for Elysha in High school but to get her in the school she went in via the Hearing Unit and was to move around as she had done in Primary School.

This school was not a local school but was the best I had looked at. Teachers use to working with deaf/haring impaired and developmentally delayed children. After a battle and a half with the department we got Elysha into the school as a special consideration.

Elysha flourished and Carrie Ann and Jay were both very happy with her progress. It was felt it would be best to keep her in the Hearing Unit and she has continued to grow and grow. Each year the special consideration forms are filled in.

Next year is her final year at school and already I am looking to see what services are out there to best support Elysha (with fluent sign skills in staff?????)

Elysha is currently doing one day a week at TAFE with an interpreter there supporting her and we know we can continue on with TAFE support for further learning so that is an option to look at. Carrie Ann will loose all but one student after next year as there appear to be no students for the hearing unit (or should I dare say to parents aware of the availability of this unit) and I suppose the unit will join many others that have shut down over NSW (Department of Education Initiative ) and a brilliant teacher lost to Deaf/hearing impaired students.

Now thats another whole kettle of fish and will have to wait for another day. Please feel free to comment, add your thoughts or ask questions. I hope I haven't jumped all over the place - I tend to start with one thought - jump - go back and even loose it at times. All the best

ANZCED Educators of the Deaf Conference

2009-07-15T16:15:00.001+10:00

What a brilliant conference. Teachers from Australia and New Zealand meet up for a conference Friday 10th to Sunday 12th July in Sydney to discuss lots of different topics involving Deaf/Hearing Impaired students.

I was lucky enough to be able to attend with some other parents from PCDE (Parent Council Deaf Education) and we all attended a variety of different presentations so should have a good coverage.

We also had a table at the conference so as to meet new people, give out plenty of information and catch up with old contacts. Raised teacher awareness of PCDE which is great because its often the teachers we rely on to pass on our information.

Will give a brief overall view of the conference then write more in reference to some topics covered. Of course this overview is mine and does not reflect on anyone who has a link to my blog or PCDE. I'm raising this issue as I don't want anyone going back to any organisation and saying you said ........ when it was actually just my view - okay!!

My feelings are that the conference was organised very well. The venue spectacular, food delicious and the choice of talks to attend many and varied.

The only downer on the whole experience was that I got a migraine on the Friday night - had no migraine medication with me so had to wait till 8.30 in the morning for the chemist to open. Thank goodness I had a prescription with me. took a tablet then got a couple of hours sleep - so I missed the key note speaker on the Saturday morning but dragged myself out of bed and to the rest of the talks.

Of course my main interest is sign language so I went to any talks that I felt related in one way or another. Each time I walked out of a talk I had more to think about -it was wonderful. Jam packed with information, great guest speakers from America, Canada, New Zealand or Australia and lots of wonderful people to meet. Also met teachers from all over Australia and a few from New Zealand.

One big issue that came out of the conference and raised its head a number of times was the struggle deaf/hearing impaired children have with literacy. Reading struggling to reach high school levels and writing even more so.

The fact that whether children are oral, signers or have cochlear implant they all need as much visual stimulation as possible. To help with comprehension, discussions and all parts of the class students need more visual communication.

They need everything that can be provided - voice, sign language, natural gesture, facial expression, body language, visuals such as photos, video clips, drawings ect.

Then there was the point brought up about the need to re-look at Signed English. This was not to say use as it was in the past, but maybe re-look at what is there and see if it can in some way be included/ changed/ rethought so that deaf/hearing impaired students can be given a better, or maybe I should say, easier understanding of the English language for both reading and writing.

Alright enough for tonight. Back as soon as I can to add more. If you were at the conference please feel free to add your comments.

Proloquo2go on Ipod touch or Iphone update

2009-07-06T14:29:00.000+10:00

While looking on YouTube I found some great video clips on Introduction to Proloquo2Go and how to set up etc, so I have just made a link here for you. Check them out for yourself if you are interested in this fantastic device.

We are still waiting very impatiently for the speakers to come so Elysha can really try out when she goes out.

Okay, here goes

Introduction to Proloquo2Go http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_85IAi1FK4

Introduction to Proloquo2Go Vocabulary (1of 3)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHwIP6SaQI k

Introduction to Proloquo2Go Vocabulary (2 of 3)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHP5P0EWe4g

Introduction to Proloquo2Go Vocabulary (3 of 3)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWKZab26zX4

Appearance Display (1 of 4)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDLAWQwOs1s

Appearance Colour (2 of 4)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pbb_OKlwQk

Appearance Text (3 of 4)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km8Uoz73Tnc

Appearance Images (4 of 4)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fMHMnmFesY

This link is to a video clip made by a mum whose daughter is using proloqu2go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nVUY5eQze0

Thats it for today. Talk soon.

Proloquo2go on Ipod touch or Iphone

2009-06-18T22:57:00.000+10:00

Anyone interested in the Proloquo2go program read all about it on their website, join the chat group to learn all you can. http://www.proloquo2go.com

their discussion group is http://www.proloquo2go.com/Support/article/community-discussion

The designers are both involved with the chat group as well.

If you are interested in buying go to the iTune store on line and download - cost is around $189.00 (Australian dollars) - you will need to have Ipod Touch or Iphone to be able to use it. The Ipod touch is around $320 for 8G and I don't reckon you need any larger - thats plenty of space.

I have just ordered the speakers to go with it - sound is not loud enough for voice output without external speakers. I ended up going with imaingo2 which fits around the ipod touch - people recommend cutting the plastic screen cover off for easier access to screen and sensitivity. Still waiting on the speakers but from peoples comments they are the way to go. Watch out you don't get the Imaingo - without the 2 in descriptive as this one does not fit Ipod touch. Approx cost on speakers is $70.00 .
Please make sure you shop around for Proloquo2go as there are different prices being offered and you don't want to get ripped off - the best price I have found was direct with iTunes online - didn't take long to do and then download - thats in Australia of course.

Since buying this program I try to add something each day for Elysha.

It is amazing how much you need to think about in each area - an example is I was thinking "Elysha goes to a friends on a regular bases in Canberra for a break from the family. Now as she can be there for two weeks there are things Sue ( or another family member) may need to know -
I'm going to have a shower -
do i need to wash my hair? -
I have run out of shampoo -
I use a special shampoo -
Can you buy me some Neutrogena -

Each one a separate choice.
There are common questions or answers or statements that can go just about in every category so she doesn't have to go back too much thinks like I need; I want; No; Yes please etc. You will learn as you go.

So you don't go overboard it may be worth asking a speech therapist who has worked with these types of devises before or at least AAC so they can give you a general idea on how to layout best for your child.

Key features

Full communication solution with a default VocaSpace vocabulary of over 7000 items
Choice of list or grid view
Built-in natural sounding text-to-speech voices from Acapela Group (one language, initially only American English). The current version includes North American English male, female, girl and boy voices. British English voices will soon be available as an option. Support for other languages and voices is in the pipeline.
Supports picture and/or text-based communication
Close to 8000 built-in symbols from SymbolStix LLC.
Automatic conjugation of verbs
Automatic plurals and possessives for nouns
Extensive customization options: item size, color, interactivity, restrictions, speech.
One-button addition of new vocabulary items and categories
Easy cut, copy and paste of items
Quick access to recently spoken items for the last 15 minutes, last hour, all the way up to one week back
Typing view for typing full paragraphs

Sometimes you have to misspell a word to get the voice on the ipod to say the word properly and hopefully they will fix that soon so you can put the correct spelling on the screen.

Every time I get emails from the chat group something always gets solved or a point I hadn't thought of comes up. Another choice you have to make is whether your child can have access to editing or whether this would mean you loose things (you can lock the editing).

People with young children appear to be deciding not to have any games or music on the ipod as the kids would rather play than work on conversing.

I think this program and the small natty, trendy, cool looking machine will be a hit for lots of people and has a great future. If you have tried it and have any comments, comment away - same if you have any questions. When my new website website is up and running I will put links and more info on there for you.

How we got started Key Word signing with the Twins

2009-06-13T16:11:00.000+10:00

Once we found out Elysha would need sign language to help her communicate we decided to use sign language with both the twins, so Aaron would be able to communicate with Elysha as well. Elysha was a week old when we found out that she had Down syndrome - one of the problems they said Elysha would have was with speech. That there would be a delay in her speech which often happens with children with developmental delay. Also having Down syndrome she would have low muscle tone, larger tongue and with very small ear canals there was higher chance of glue ear.

All of this could delay her spoken language. The paediatrician recommended we help Elysha by using sign language together with spoken language as she would be able to use natural gesture and signs easier and quicker than spoken language therefore allowing her to communicate.

I couldn't believe it - I had actually started learning (Auslan) sign language to use for interpreting at work, as we had a very long waiting period for an interpreter when one was needed. I had decided to learn so we had someone at hand whenever we had a deaf client come in. Towards the conclusion of the first year I found out that as I had a hearing loss myself I couldn't be a NATI interpreter but I still felt I would be able to offer a better option at work, even if it was only till a fully trained interpreter was available.

And now with having had Elysha it was like "of all the things for me to decide to study" (and not being the worlds quickest or smartest student) I was amazed that I had started and enjoyed this subject so much. I was also amazed that I had something there that I could do with my daughter to make her and our lives easier.

My pregnancy had occurred in the second year of study, so I had to take a bit of a break and planned to go back shortly after the twins were born. Of course there was no planning that came to the front when we were told I was having twins other than a feeling of "of well best to take a year rather than 4 months from work".

I continued with my studies having missed 1 term. after the twins were born, and trying to catch up and managed to get my Certificate in Language (Auslan) and then did another year of term by term Auslan classes to build on my skills.
My teacher at TAFE was wonderful - Ian pushed all of us to reach the best we could during our time at TAFE. But to really build your skills you need to meet and socialise within the deaf community. I started by going to Deaf Club and met and made friends with a wonderful lady , Julie, who is deaf and lives near me. Julie has always been there for me and was very much then in my first year with the twins. She came with me to so many of my appointments so she could help out with the twins during physio, speech, OT and just days out. Julie was also very patient with my signing skills and helped me build upon my language and my understanding of the deaf community.

I in turn worked on explaining and helping Julie understand the difference in what we were hoping to achieve with Elysha by using sign language. Explaining about the fact that when signing we always used voice as well, that sign language was only being used short term to help Elysha bridge her language delay. Explaining that for Elysha she needed sign language just till her language got clearer, and that she needed only the key words and voice to understand and that with her use of this style of signing she would not be going into the deaf community. Rather just taking advantage of a fantastic way of communicating to facilitate her early years.

We started signing with the twins at 6 months of age and Aaron was doing his version of signs within 7 weeks of our starting. Elysha took till she was 16 months old. I sometimes wonder if we had used the sign for ice cream whether she would have started much earlier. Anyway even though it took so long for her to start, once she got going she had 20 signs within a month and this number just constantly kept increasing.

At one stage we had to back off on what we were teaching the twins as they were learning more than they were truly understanding. Sign language was absolutely fantastic for both of the twins and of course for us as a family.We all signed consistently with the twins and it made for a happy home environment.

Children who need sign language support

2009-06-09T22:06:00.000+10:00

Over the last 30 years there have been so many changes in technology, I can carry a computer around in my pocket, I can connect to the internet and find out any fact within minutes.

My children can access and play interactive games with people all round the world. My sons have access at school to technology, science, photography, half a dozen languages and an education in any future they would like to pursue.

But children who struggle with our spoken language and have shown that they can and do successfully use sign language, yet they are denied this basic form of communication.

That these same children struggle thru their school years because they are denied their basic rights as human beings. These children, that can successfully sign, are given no, or very inadequate sign support, therefore their education achievements are low, therefore the government justifies spending less on our children. Then suggests our children would be better in special education settings, yet this is still done without the sign support they need.

Yes I am talking about children that may be speech and/or developmentally delayed. Children who for one reason or another have not been able to communicate verbally. Children who have shown themselves able to communicate with sign language then denied this same form of communication with their education because they are not deaf or deaf enough.

At this time I would like to point out that children who are deaf hearing impaired are not receiving the proper sign support within schools either.

I know that there are people who will read this and feel very strongly about deaf children's rights being denied and I am fully behind that. And I am fully behind the battle at the moment to raise awareness of the lack for children that are deaf/hearing impaired and not receiving full Auslan support in education.

But the lack of sign support for children with speech and/or developmental delay is felt just as passionately within our area and today is my day for special needs.

The fact that no one can understand their language, that they may be mute, unable to speak for one reason or another and sign language is very successful for them has absolutely no standing within the department of education. Why are our children denied their basic human rights - is it because

As parents we are scattered around and when one or a few of us speak up we are easily silenced.
Is it because Disability does not affect everyone therefore its easier to ignore.
Our government - both State and Federal is so cold and calculating that they couldn't give a toss.
Do we even register on their radar.
Is it because disability has always been such an easy area to take from rather than give funding to.

My daughter Elysha is 16 years old and she has received the education and sign support she needed. Why?? Because I wouldn't go away, take no for an answer, or accept anything but what I felt was best for Elysha. I looked into the schools in the area and around the area. I talked about what was available and what was offered then I found what I wanted and went after it. And here I have to say, luck played a part there too, as there was a school within driving distance that had a Hearing Unit that used sign language and had a teacher that was deaf and signed.

Today I read another blogg: http://tearsfortaylor.blogspot.com
and all I could think was not another one. Over the last 15 years I have worked with and met many parents who have battled to get their child the proper sign support they need. Some (not many I am sad to say) have succeeded. Please read the tearsfortaylor blogg and add your support.

I feel totally fed up with a government that is cold and calculating, that spends our tax money on the most ridiculous things then pulls the same old stunt - there are so many that need money - we cant help everyone - where do we draw the line blah blah blah.

Let them live in our children's worlds even for a day, tape their mouths shut so they cant talk, no pen and paper and lets see how they go trying to get anyone to understand what they want.

Time to stop my rant I think. Just reread what I had written - must admit the thought of our prime minister or the state premiers (any of the parliament actually) all sitting in parliament to vote on an important issue, trying to get peoples attention, with their mouths taped shut and no pen or paper - what an interesting session that would be!!!!!!

Communication is the right of every child

2009-06-06T20:31:00.000+10:00

Sign Language is one of the ways to help a child that is not talking, or cannot speak clearly, start communicating.

Sometimes children are identified very early as being children who will have speech delay due to a particular disability i.e. Down syndrome, Rhett syndrome, Autism, CHARGE syndrome.

But for some children the diagnosis does not come as early and its not till they quite literally have been left behind by their peers that parents truly realised that something is wrong. With friends assuring them that they know someone who didn't talk till ..... or Nan saying oh Tommy he was always a very quiet boy.....

For others they know something is wrong but because their child is not showing definitive signs of this or that disability they keep getting brushed off by the medical profession, therefore delaying intervention.

There can be many different reasons for a child not talking and too many to go into here.

What we are looking at is, a child that it is hoped will one day, be able to talk or speak clearly enough for others to understand.

So then parents are told to look at AAC - which is Augmentative and or Alternative Communication. There are different types of AAC both in aided and unaided types.

For some children they will use AAC very short term, others may go thru the early years aided, while others may use AAC all their lives. Some will use only one type ie Symbols, and then there are others that will use multiple types throughout their lives ie Sign Language + Pictures + voice. Some will find their spoken language becomes clear enough on its own to be understood yet others may use very little if any spoken language because of its difficulty to be understood or produce.

Key Word Signing (also referred to as Makaton {using Auslan signs}) can often be suggested as a great way to get your child communicating quickly. Depending often on who first gets to speak to and explain to the parents, the benefits and drawbacks of different forms of AAC.

I have found over the last 14 years that I constantly meet parents who's children are truly struggling thru their lives because they are so limited in their communication. These parents have not been told about Key Word Signing or have been advised against it. This, I am sad to say, in this age of technology that allows for proper research, is occurring with Professionals not doing enough research or allowing their prejudices to show thru.

To anyone out there that is a doubter remember this - one of the most important things in a child's life is to be able to communicate.

Not speak - that will come when and if possible at a later date but for the here and now in their lives they need to be able to let you know their most basic needs, pleasures and wants. What a parent chooses to do for their child is their decision and no one else has the right to dictate what they should or should not do.

I am not saying that Sign Language is the only choice but it is definitely a choice that should be offered to and suggested as an option with all the correct information supplied.

Also please remember, these are my personal views (sometimes very strong and passionate) and I do not profess to know everything there is to know about AAC and what is best for each and every child.

There are as many children out there using other forms of AAC and doing just as well as those using sign language.

There are also children out there that have the disabilities I have mentioned and they have never needed AAC (Elysha/s best friend who also has Down syndrome is one).

Then there are those that I have worked with, who are 10 yrs old +, that still have no form of communication going, and their parents are still waiting for their children to start talking because they were advised against using sign language.

Time for coffee, next time I hope to chat about Elysha and some of the obstacle's we have hit over the years. Love to hear what you have to say - ojin me in letting the world know how great Key Word Signing is.

Auslan Tutor on IPhone & IPOD Touch

2009-06-04T10:44:00.000+10:00

Was watching the Channel 10 news the other day and saw a story on the new Auslan Tutor that can be used on IPhone or IPod Touch. I bought this product basically within the first week of release. Elysha loves looking up words and then looking at the sentences, then showing me her interpretation of them.

This program is so easy to use and is lovely and clear. The next section is a copy of what is posted on the RIDBC website

RIDBC: Auslan Tutor for iPhone and iPod

The Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children is always at the leading edge of using technology, and has recently introduced another innovative resource. Developed with the interests of deaf children as its priority, it will also be useful for families and professionals working with children and adults for whom sign is a significant support for communication because of intellectual disability. From the RIDBC website : RIDBC Auslan Tutor is a portable video-based Australian Sign Language (Auslan) teaching resource developed specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch. It is designed for families of young deaf children to assist them to learn Auslan and promote early communication between parent and child. Over 500 signs are included. These signs were carefully chosen as those most needed by families in their interactions with, and teaching of, their young deaf children. Each sign has five corresponding entries which can be viewed on demand as often as necessary. The five entries are:

a photo of the handshape used to form the sign

a video clip demonstrating the single sign

a video clip of the sign used in a phrase

a video clip of the phrase used in a sentence

a text note about Auslan grammar that is pertinent to the sign, phrase, or sentence. These notes have been included to help the user gain a basic understanding of the grammatical structure of Auslan.

Now back to me.

As well as the 500 signs there are an additional 300 signs that are shown on the screen in a different colour - these are additional signs that do not have all of the above features but are there and if you are already using sign language you can workout and therefore add to your language skills.

What I want to do here is reinforce the fact that this is a wonderful, easy to use resource BUT if you are using Key Word Signing for a child/adult with speech and/or developmental delay you need to be aware of:

After going thru the whole library of signs I found that there is a huge difference in the signs being shown and what is available in the Makaton Vocabulary and Key Sign (a supplement to the Makaton Vocabulary) Books.
The variation in signs being used may cause confusion for those using Key Word Signing.
Now as I mentioned before the books contain Auslan signs and in some instances two variations. But not necessarily the only variations available.
When the Makaton Vocabulary book was revised in 2001 there was consultation with people from the Deaf Community throughout Australia (each state approaching someone within their area from the Deaf Community). Once it was confirmed that the signs were correct the book went to print. In 2002 Key Signs - a supplement to the Makaton Vocabulary went thru the same process.
In some instances a sign that is offered maybe what would be referred to as a sign acceptable for a child (easier hand shape or visual comprehension). Also understanding that many users of Makaton (Key Word Signing) have a limited use of language thru comprehension.

One of the points that constantly come up in Key Word Signing is that all signs are used in correct word order to cut down on confusion for the person needing this form of communication. Therefore the sentence section should not be used as it may cause confusion.
This resource is brilliant for use with a child that is deaf or for someone who has a child/adult or works with a child/adult that is using AAC, is further down the track and it has been decided that they will need more than the basics that are available thru Makaton.
These are people like my daughter, Elysha, who truly struggle to be understood verbally, has taken to sign language like a duck to water. Has an understanding & capacity of much more than the basics available thru Makaton, will continue to use sign throughout their lives.

I will leave it at this at the moment as I need to get on with work. Again let me know if you have any questions.

Auslan, Makaton & Key Word Sign

2009-06-03T22:57:00.000+10:00

Although here in Australia, Makaton uses Auslan signs, the signs are not used in the same way as they would be within the deaf community.

As with other sign languages, Auslan grammar and vocabulary is quite distinct from English. Auslan does not follow the same spoken word order as used in the English language and does not contain many of the little filler words we find so necessary when talking. Within the deaf community voice is not used with sign language but facial expression and body language are always used to assist with understanding.

There are times that a sign that is used within one state can be quite different to that used in another state. Those not involved within the deaf community often struggle over these regional differences and the concept that not all the world uses the same sign language.

Most important for someone learning to communicate within the hearing community using Makaton (key word signing) is that voice accompany sign language and that the signs be done in correct word order.
Used with voice, in correct word order and only picking out the most important words as you go. Facial expression and body language are very important , using the correct sign is very important and being able to communicate is the most important.

Is there something you would like to know about Makaton (Auslan) Key Word sign. I am hoping over time that I can raise some of the many issues that have come up within our household. I have learnt Auslan, am a Makaton Presenter and am the Author of a few sign language resources used in Australia.

I am the mother of Elysha, who has down syndrome and is hearing impaired. Elysha is a very fluent young (16) user of sign language. Her education has been within a hearing unit with 8 other students who are deaf/hearing impaired and a wonderful teacher who is also deaf. Elysha communicates without voice and signs only or uses both sign and voice depending on who she is with. I am very, very passionate about sign language support within education.

Time to sign off - will add more asap.

3/06/2009