Ready? On Body Signing

This is a tactile signing communication system for learners with complex or multi-sensory impairment. Very often, these learners receive very little information about what is happening during their day; their functional needs are met, but not communicated to them.

"Ready?", is the most important sign, to alert them to be ready for something that is about to happen. It maybe time for food or a drink, time for a clean-up, toileting or time to sing or prepare for home.

Ready? Is Dudley’s On Body Signing system, designed by a multi-agency team of professionals (Qualified Teachers of the Deaf, Qualified Teachers of the Vision Impaired, Speech and Language Therapists, Specialist SEND teachers) to provide the learner with information about what is going to happen, what is expected of them or to provide other communication using tactile feedback. It is a form of signed communication, based on more traditional hand signs, that is performed on the body to allow the learner to feel the sign.

Consistency is key to the success of this form of communication as the learner needs to encounter the sign every time, in order to build the association with the action and the sign. Be sensitive to the learner’s needs, use them appropriately and be aware of sensitive areas of the body, gastro tummy buttons, diabetic pumps, or any other medical apparatus they may be using.

The vocabulary of 18 signs should be introduced gradually to allow the learner to develop understanding at a pace that suits them. Use your voice and facial expressions to reassure.

• Start with one or two signs. (Ready & Finished is a good start)
• Be consistent. Try and get into the habit of using them.
• Use simple spoken language as well.
• Use Objects of Reference alongside if appropriate.
• Don’t rush.
• Observe the impact over time – hopefully, less startled responses, reduced anxiety, more smiles.

Ready? Finished Again/More Drink Eat/Food Feel/Touch Hello Goodbye Good Morning Hometime Like Look Sing Smell Stop Think Toilet Well Done/Good/Clever

Project Manager
Cassidy Woodrow

Photography Lecturer / Project Coordinator
Phil Brooks

Teacher of the Deaf
Alice Lumley

Teacher of the Vision Impaired
Clare Warrington

Hand Model
Jaanvi Singh

Photographer
Maddie Wellsbury

Photography Assistants
Ashleigh Miles
Miah Bryan

Signing Demonstrators
Faith Totney
Sophia Evans

Videographer
Jonathan Roberts

Webpage Designer
Ashani Allen

'Ready? On Body Signing System' Logo Designer
Sam Smith