Key Word Sign workshops communicate a world of possibility

By JENNIFER GRANT

You’d think a story about Key Word Sign workshops talks to just that.

But here the narrative gives much more than just a simple nod to this communication strategy.

For Certified Key Word Sign Presenter, Noah’s Ark Canberra Team Leader and Speech Pathologist Alanna Jinks, this new series of workshops – and people’s complex communication needs – is about seeing possibilities, not limitations.

Key Word Sign is one of many forms of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Speech Pathologists can use to support people to communicate as part of multi-modal communication. As a Certified Presenter, Alanna can help their communication partners to learn how and why to use it.

“Running these workshops is about the profound impact they may have on a person’s sense of identity, autonomy and connection with others,” Alanna says.

“Beyond simply getting needs met, AAC opens up the richness of communication, being able to share thoughts, make choices, build relationships and take part in community life.

“I work from the philosophy that everyone has the right to say anything, to anyone, about anything.

“By presuming possibilities rather than limitations, I uphold communication as a human right.

“For people with intellectual disability, AAC also plays a vital role in supported decision-making, ensuring they can express preferences, participate actively in decisions about their own lives and exercise real autonomy.”

Alanna, who has 15 years’ experience as a Speech Pathologist, has been a Key Word Sign workshop presenter for 13 years – supporting families, caregivers, allied health professionals, teachers and community groups.

“We all use different ways to communicate through speech, gestures, expressions, writing, or technology, and this multi-modal communication is equally important for people with complex communication needs,” Alanna says.

"Everyone deserves the right to access and use a range of tools and strategies to express themselves fully and authentically.”

Alanna explains Key Word Sign is a communication tool that uses signs and natural gestures alongside speech to promote interaction and understanding.

It can be especially helpful for children who are still developing language, as it supports their comprehension and gives them another way to express themselves before their speech is fully developed.

“For children whose speech is unclear, Key Word Sign provides a way to get their message across successfully, reducing frustration and encouraging positive communication experiences, because it incorporates natural gestures that many people already use in daily life like waving for ‘bye’ or shrugging for ‘don’t know’.”

Alanna says Key Word Sign is an AAC tool designed for people with complex communication needs who are not deaf.

“When using Key Word Sign, we always speak in English as we sign, so the person is exposed to both the spoken word and the sign at the same time," she says. 

"This helps with language learning and ensures that signs support, rather than replace, speech.

“Auslan, on the other hand, is a unique and evolving language used by and for the Deaf community. It has its own grammar and structure, and it is not spoken alongside English in the same way as Key Word Sign. While both involve signing, their purpose and context are very different.”

Alanna says despite the research and evidence base about AAC some myths that using it as a “last resort” persist; however, research has long shown that it does not hinder language or speech development.

“In fact, it supports progress in communication, language growth and emotional wellbeing. When someone has the means to express themselves fully, they gain not just a voice but also confidence, stronger relationships and a deeper sense of belonging,” she says.

But after so much experience in running these workshops with people from all walks of life, what is the best part for Alanna?

"Seeing participants experience those ‘ah-ha’ moments when they suddenly realise that communication is about more than isolated words or signs, and that the real goal is rich, back-and-forth interaction and access to language,” she says.

“Key Word Sign is an excellent tool, but it’s not the end goal. What’s powerful is when participants recognise how it supports the development and use of language as a whole.”

Online and in-person course options are available. Alanna also designs and delivers tailored KWS workshops, such as supporting schools to establish signing environments within classrooms and embedding communication strategies into everyday practice. These workshops may contribute towards professional development requirements for teachers.

To learn more or register, visit our webpage: Getting Started With Key Word Sign Workshops.