October 2010

The Communication teams on both sites launch an exciting new initiative to increase signing by staff.

‘Sign of the Day’ on the Brighton site introduces one new sign per day to enable staff to develop their signing skills at a manageable rate.  All education staff are given a practical demonstration at their morning briefing session and the ‘Sign of the Day’ is displayed (and practiced) across the site, in classrooms, corridors and work areas alike.

On the School site in Seaford, their focus has been on teaching the signing of simple sentences or phrases.  Seaford have also introduced a ‘phrase of the day’, which is displayed clearly by the serving area in the Dining Hall, ensuring viewing by all and sparking some great conversations.

Signing provides a visual representation of language and is used by people with varying communication difficulties.   Signing is a therefore an essential means of communication for the majority of our students.  There has been a marked increase in signing by staff on both sites already  and a keen enthusiasm to learn and sign more!