St. Michael's House is delighted to launch our Lámh Signs and Videos Initiative, helping to make communication more accessible, inclusive, and engaging across our services.
Lámh is a sign system used by children and adults with communication difficulties. It uses simple hand signs and key words to help people understand and express themselves more easily.
At St. Michael's House we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to communicate, participate and have their voice heard. Communication is at the heart of inclusion. It helps people make choices, express their needs and preferences, build relationships and take an active role in their communities. By using a total communication approach, we can support people to communicate in the way that works best for them.
As part of this initiative, we have created a special video highlighting why Lámh is so important. In the video, John, Courage, Katie and Marie Louise from Northwood Hub share their own experiences and explain how Lámh helps them communicate, connect with others, and express themselves every day.
The video also features Caroline Howorth, Speech & Language Manager for Adult Services, who explains what Lámh is, how it supports a total communication approach in St. Michael’s House, and why communication accessibility is so important for the people we support.
Alongside the video, our new Lámh signs and resources will support individuals, peers, staff, families, and the wider organisation to learn and use Lámh in a fun, practical and engaging way. Whether you are learning your first sign or building your confidence, there is something for everyone to get involved in.
We hope this initiative will encourage greater understanding, build confidence in communication, and create more opportunities for meaningful connections, participation and inclusion across our services and communities.
This initiative is the result of a collaborative effort involving adults who use our services, staff, the Advocacy Team in the Quality, Safety & Risk Department, the Speech & Language Therapy Department, the Communications Department, and the Activity Hub.
By working together, we are helping to create an environment where communication is supported, valued, and accessible to everyone.
Watch the video, learn some new signs, and join us in creating a more inclusive communication culture where every voice can be heard.