British Sign Language (BSL)
British Sign Language is a visual means of communicating using gestures, facial expression, and body language. Sign Language is used mainly by people who are Deaf or have hearing impairments.
Our BSL Tutor, Kat Bennett, who is a native BSL user has been very busy creating useful videos which you can find on our AHIS YouTube channel.
Sign Supported English (SSE)
Sign Supported English (SSE) is similar to British Sign Language (BSL) only in terms of borrowing BSL signs to communicate. But BSL has its own grammatical rules which make it very different from English. SSE uses the same grammatical rules as English. SSE is mainly used to support spoken English and is often used in education.
The video below gives you a detailed look into the differences between BSL and SSE.
Makaton
Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression.
In the following video from CBeebies, parents of children who use Makaton explain how it has helped them communicate. And Makaton Tutor Kate Duggan explains how Makaton is beneficial for children (and adults) of all ages and abilities.
For more information about Makaton please click here.
Total Communication
The total communication approach is about finding and using the right combination of communication methods for each person. This approach helps an individual to form connections, ensures successful interactions and supports information exchanges and conversations. A combination of methods are used, which reinforce each other and strengthen meaning for the individual.
Here are some examples of different formal and non-formal types of communication that can be used:
- Non-verbal: including body movements, breathing patterns and eye pointing. Textures, smells, temperature, intensive interaction and routine can also support communication by allowing an individual to anticipate what is going to happen next.
- Language-based communication: including speech, lip reading, deafblind manual alphabet, giving and receiving information in large print, braille and block alphabet, and sign systems, including British Sign Language (BSL) and Makaton. Sign systems may be independent sign, on body sign or hand under hand sign.
- Symbol systems: including using objects of reference (real objects and object symbols), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), line drawings, pictures and photographs.
When looking at communication it is important to understand the two different types of language skills, expressive and receptive. How somebody expresses themselves can form a foundation for learning and offer a starting point on which to build communication development.
Expressive communication is when you are sending a message, this may be in response to another person or to initiate communication. Receptive communication is when you receive a message from another person. An individual’s expressive and receptive communication skills may not be the same. People will use a combination of the communication methods listed above, both expressively and receptively. For example, a person may receive and understand information in sign language and need symbols to help reinforce the meaning, but will use sign language and speech to express themselves.
