MICA (P) 129/02/2011 Issue No. 2/2011 - MINDS

from 2009 – 2011). The current initiative differs from previous attempts such that (i) a
multidisciplinary AHP team is driving the effort rather than a lone Speech Therapist
and (ii) the implementation plan involves a comprehensive and systematic in-service
training about the common signing approach, via train-the-trainer model with the
relevant qualification.
Key Word Signing and Gesture (KWS&G) is one form of Augmentative and Alternative
Communication (AAC) approach. Its practice is not new and has been developed
for individuals with multiple and severe disabilities in the United Kingdom since
1970s. To date, Key Word Signing and Gesture (also commonly known as Makaton)
is used in over 40 countries worldwide (The Makaton Charity, 2010). KWS&G is used
to support the communication development of hearing children or adults who are
unable to speak, or whose speech is difficult to understand. The use of KWS&G is
not intended to replace speech at all; rather, it is embraced as a total communication
approach where the communication partner would speak and sign at the same time,
and use any visual referent (e.g. object, picture, and/or photograph).
KWS&G typically borrows signs from the deaf community of the host country.
To date, however, there is yet to be KWS&G (Singapore), catered specifically to
the needs and culture of our local context. Despite the fact that KWS&G is used
worldwide, little was known about KWS&G in Singapore.
One of our team members, a Speech Therapist, attended KWS&G (Australia) Presenter Training course at Melbourne in 2009 to be
Singapore’s first qualified Key Word Sign Presenter. This marked the significant beginning of the journey where KWS&G (Australia)
was adopted as an interim common signing approach to meet the immediate needs of the clients within MINDS.
Indeed, the need for developing KWS&G (Singapore), incorporating the signs used in the local deaf community, to better meet the
diverse culture of local context has also been identified.
Fifteen students (aged from 8 to 13, exhibiting unclear and/or limited-nil speech) from MINDS Lee Kong Chian Gardens School have
been identified to be involved in the 2011 one-year pilot study. Specifically, our project team is exploring the potential for change
in creating an ‘environment-culture’ which, in this instance, using KWS&G (along with speech) as part of a total communication
approach when interacting with persons with intellectual disabilities. The findings from the pilot study will then guide decisions
regarding future implementation of KWS&G within MINDS schools and centres.
For a start, appropriate training has to be provided to the adult communication partners (i.e. involved parents and staff) to equip
them with the fundamental knowledge and skills to be able to use KWS&G effectively and efficiently.
The learning and use of KWS&G may be likened to learning a language or embracing a new ‘culture’ of communication. Indeed,
people need to be immersed in an environment where a common communication method (in addition to speech) is being used.
The communication partner’s use of the system signifies and is, clearly, a reflection of the person valuing the Augmentative and
Alternative communication (AAC) system; it is through this that the communication partner promotes its everyday AAC use to others
in everyday environment. So, why wait any longer? Sign with me, and together we sign ~ you will make a difference.
Eva Wei-Lyn Loh,
Speech Therapist
16 mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people