Guidelines for using a Signed Vocabulary

1.		Always speak as you sign. 
Signing will help you to simplify your language.

2.	     Signing must be used in all daily activities and routines. 
People will not sign unless they see it used around them

3.		Signing Helps understanding
People understand by looking as well as listening, use signing help people understand speech.

4.		Make full use of your facial expression when you sign. 
This adds extra meaning to your signed message. Ensure that your facial expression matches what you are saying. 

5.		Signing To Socialise
Always encourage the motivating, social aspects of signing e.g. “Hello”, “Goodbye” etc. We want people to use their signs to socialise and interact with us, not just get the job done.

6.	Appropriate Signs To Choose	
Start with signs that are going to be most useful and meaningful for the individual.

7.		Encourage Signing and Speech
Do not stop signing if the person speaks - it does no harm and will continue to assist the person’s understanding and expression.

8.	Encouragement.
Be positive, act on requests/ communication, whether it be via speech or sign.

9.		Left/Right Hand
Be consistent with which is your leading (dominant) hand and your supporting hand. For single-handed signs always use your leading hand. 

10.	     Accuracy of Signs.
Always try to be as accurate with your own signing to be a clear model for those around you. It may be difficult for some individuals to make the sign. 

11.	     Altered meanings
For example, the sign “No” will change, depending on whether you use it to mean “no?” in the question form or “No way!” meaning absolutely not.

12.	     Signing To Encourage Eye Contact	
Signing can encourage eye contact, looking and attention. The movement and direction of certain signs gives information, e.g. “look” and “go”. Signs made nearer our faces could promote eye contact.

13.	     Key Word Signing
Only sign the main information or “Key” words in the sentence. Signs for clothing and parts of the body are mimed. If you cannot think of a sign then try a mime. 

14.	     Embarrassed By Signing?
We all feel self-conscious when trying out a new skill. Think of the frustration people with learning disabilities must feel when struggling to communicate.