Traditional forms of communication, such as spoken language, may not be accessible to everyone. Fortunately, there are alternative methods that facilitate communication for individuals with speech or language impairments. Among these alternatives are signing and communication boards, which offer unique ways for people to express themselves and engage with others. Sign language is basically visual-gestural language that is having facial expressions, body movements as well as hand shapes, to convey meaning. It is not solely a universal language; rather, different countries and regions have their own sign languages with distinct vocabularies and grammatical structures. American Sign Language (ASL), for example, is widely used in the United States and Canada, while British Sign Language (BSL) is predominant in the United Kingdom. Sign languages are rich and complex, capable of expressing a wide range of concepts and emotions.
They offer deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals a means to communicate fluently and effectively, both within their community and with hearing individuals who learn sign language. One of the notable advantages of sign language is its visual nature, which allows for communication in environments where spoken language may be challenging, such as noisy or dark settings. Additionally, sign language foster’s cultural identity and community cohesion among users.
Deaf culture, which encompasses shared experiences, values, and traditions, is often expressed and preserved through sign language. Communication boards, on the other hand, provide a visual aid for individuals who may have difficulty with spoken or written language. These boards typically consist of a grid or set of symbols representing words, phrases, or concepts. Users point to or select these symbols to construct sentences or convey messages. Communication boards can be customized to suit the individual's needs, preferences, and communication abilities. Some boards feature symbols accompanied by text, while others may incorporate pictures or photographs for greater clarity and comprehension.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices often integrate communication boards with digital technology, offering dynamic and interactive interfaces. These devices may include speech-generating capabilities, allowing users to select symbols on the board and have them converted into spoken words. AAC devices range from simple, portable tablets to more advanced systems with customizable software and predictive text features. Both sign language and communication boards have their strengths and limitations, and the choice between them depends on factors such as individual preferences, communication goals, and accessibility requirements. Some individuals may prefer sign language for its expressiveness and cultural significance, while others may find communication boards more practical and versatile in certain situations. Despite their differences, sign language and communication boards share a common goal: to empower individuals with communication impairments and facilitate meaningful interaction with others.
For sign language, individuals can enrol in classes or workshops to learn the language from qualified instructors. Likewise, training programs and resources are available for communication board users, including guidance on selecting and using appropriate symbols and techniques for effective communication.