Battle of the Hands showcases other communication methods

ONE does not usually expect to encounter “hand to hand” tactics at a song contest but that was exactly how competitors at a talent show with a difference showcased their skills.

Deemed the “Battle of the Hands”, the competition saw mainly adults with intellectual disabilities using sign language and actions to perform their favourite tunes.

The competition was part of Lámh Day, an event organised through the services of St John of God to promote alternative modes of communication.

And the judges had their own hands full, having to decide on imaginative entries including versions of hits by Abba as well as Westlife.

“We want everyone in the community to recognise that there is more than one way to communicate. In general, there is a lot of emphasis on speech,” said organiser and senior speech therapist Tara Ghalaieny. “This means that many of the people we support have to rely on someone else to help them communicate as they go about their daily lives.”

Lámh is an adapted form of sign language used in Ireland, where users make signals with their hands instead of, or with speech. The form was developed in the early 1980s and is now commonly used by many people throughout Ireland in their daily home, education and work settings.

The abbreviated form uses 500 signs and is particularly helpful for people with intellectual disabilities. But Lámh also helps families and loved ones communicate better with and understand users, as Dublin mother-of-three Brid MacDermott explained:

“My son Ben is four and has Down Syndrome. He doesn’t talk yet but I find this method allows him to communicate better without just pointing at something, like when he wants a drink, food or when we’re getting into the car. It eases his frustration too.”

Judges at yesterday’s Battle of the Hands at Dublin’s Ballyfermot civic centre included city Independent councillor Vincent Jackson and Lámh development officer Mary Cullen.

About 70 participants took part in the competition, illustrating versions of songs such as Big Girls Don’t Cry by American singer Fergie and hits by Irish group Westlife as well as Abba.

* See www.lamh.org or www.sjog.ie or more details