'Sign On' a graphic Irish sign language dictionary aims to improve communication between hearing people and the deaf community.
The new Irish sign language dictionary was launched by the National Association For The Deaf. It contains all the basic signs used by deaf people, printed in a new, simplified form.
Published during International Deaf Awareness Week 'Sign On' aims to provide a clear and effective first step in facilitating sign language communication between hearing people, and their deaf relatives,friends and workmates.
Altogether, there are about 300 signs in the book, and it’s the first of a planned series of such publications. Later books will have signs at a more complex level.
Niall Keane, National Association For The Deaf, explains why an updated Irish Sign Language book was needed,
It’s only the second time a Sign Language book has been printed in Ireland. About ten to fifteen years ago our association printed one, but it was in photographs, and we found that photographs aren’t very clear for catching graphic signs. So this book is done in graphic. It simplifies the whole thing, and allows people reading the book to follow instructions and actually see the sign for themselves.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 29 September 1992. The reporter is Kevin McDonald.
