How simple sign-supported communication can help colleagues, service users, customers and visitors feel included.
Good communication is at the heart of every inclusive workplace. It helps people feel confident, understood and able to take part fully in everyday conversations, meetings and services. Introducing Signalong is one practical way we can make communication more accessible for people who may use speech, signs, gestures, facial expression or visual support to understand and be understood.
What is Signalong?
Signalong is a key word sign-supported communication system based on British Sign Language and used in spoken word order. It combines speech, signs, body language, facial expression and tone of voice to strengthen the link between a word and its meaning. It is designed to support people with communication needs, learning disabilities and autism.
Why introduce it at work?
Using Signalong at work is not about replacing speech. It is about adding another route into communication. A few consistent signs for everyday words such as hello, help, yes, no, toilet and finished can reduce anxiety, support understanding and show that communication needs are respected. When teaching Signalong it is best to start with vocabulary which is motivating to the individual, however a few basic core signs in the workplace is a good start. Signalong supports understanding so staff using signs regularly creates a signing rich environment which makes it more likely that any supported people will use the signs themselves.
For colleagues, it can make interactions clearer and more welcoming. For customers, service users and visitors, it can create a stronger sense of dignity and belonging. For teams, it encourages everyone to slow down, check understanding and think more carefully about how messages are shared.
Visual support for communication
Signing systems like Signalong help because:
Many learners are visual thinkers
Signs slow down communication, giving more processing time
Signs make the speaker visually identifiable
Signs provide an alternative expressive tool
These benefits make signing powerful for both understanding and expressing messages.
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Signalong, BSL and Makaton: understanding the difference
It is important to use the right communication approach for the person. British Sign Language is a complete, natural language with its own grammar, structure and culture, used by many Deaf people in the UK. Signalong and Makaton are different: they are sign-supported communication systems that are usually used alongside spoken English to support understanding and expression. If someone uses BSL, the best approach is to ask what communication support they prefer, which may include a qualified BSL interpreter.
Why Signalong is preferred for people with learning disabilities
1. Clear, precise methodology
Signalong breaks every sign down into handshape, orientation, placement, and movement, supported by clear line drawings. This precision means practitioners can accurately reproduce signs without needing extra classes or a trainer, making it more accessible and scalable.
2. One sign per concept (and one concept per sign)
Signalong was originally developed in special school, so it uses a consistent one‑concept‑one‑sign approach. This reduces confusion and helps learners with communication support needs build reliable associations. It uses English word order and is easier to learn than BLS for people with existing language difficulties associated with learning disability. Â
3. Large vocabulary (9,000+ signs)
Signalong offers a very wide sign library — over 9,000 signs — giving practitioners flexibility to support people with diverse needs, including vocabulary for different communities in the UK.
4. Highly accessible learning materials
This is one of the main advantages of Signalong . Signalong’s manuals, online library and resources use clear illustrations and structured descriptions, unlike some systems that rely on stick figures or minimal text. This improves accuracy and confidence for new learners.
5. Training that focuses on practitioner skill development
Signalong offers accredited courses and workshops that build real signing competence, giving practitioners flexibility in choosing signs appropriate for each individual. At total Communication Services CIC we teach 250 signs in our 1 day workshop as well as the methodology. Other systems suggest multiple training sessions are required which is additional cost in terms of releasing staff and covering course fees.
6. Self-advocates chose this system
For Total Communication Services CIC this is the most important reason we use Signalong. Work in the 1990s in Oldham Learning disability services involved consulting service users about the sign support systems available. They chose Signalong as their preferred approach. Since then, Oldham services have led the way in continuing to use Signalong across services and age ranges. To our knowledge this is the only large consultation and user led decision which led to policy change across a range of services, we need to listen to their voice.Â
Why choose Total Communication Services CIC
for Signalong training ?
Total Communication Services CIC is ideally placed to deliver Signalong training because its work is rooted in communication rights, choice, personalisation and emotional well-being for people with learning disabilities. As a Community Interest Company, its focus is on practical social impact: helping services, families and organisations make communication more accessible in everyday life.
The team brings specialist experience across speech and language therapy, communication assessment, accessible information, advocacy, co-production, Intensive Interaction, Talking Mats, communication passports and person-centred communication. That breadth matters because effective Signalong training is not just about learning signs; it is about understanding how people communicate, how environments can support or block communication, and how staff can use signs meaningfully in real situations.
Total Communication Services CIC also offers tailored training and resources for organisations, including Signalong workshops and practical follow-up support. This means training can be shaped around the needs of a particular workplace, team or service user group, rather than delivered as a one-size-fits-all session. Their knowledge, specialist skills and commitment to inclusive communication make them a strong partner for any organisation wanting to embed Signalong with confidence and purpose.
Contact : alison@totalcommunication.orgÂ
to discuss your workplace requirements.
Updated: May 9
As part of the National Lottery funded Communicate and Connect project, we have been working closely with services who provide support for adults with learning disabilities, particularly Persona Care and support Bury. Support workers can be overlooked as key to the success of communication with people with learning disabilities. Many are highly skilled, adapting their communication, altering their spoken language and using sign support. Our next blog was written by such a support worker from Persona Care and Support Bury.
We were approached by Coral after the training to say she had written something to support our next bid. We decided it would make a great blog so we could share her views from the perspective of support staff.
‘My name is Coral Mulligan and I am a support worker, supporting adults with learning disabilities at one of the many day centres run by Persona Care and Support. I am hoping to make a difference and advocate for those who do not have the capabilities to be able to voice their needs vocally. Within the day centres at Persona, we support a variety of lovely individuals who differ in terms of their level of support needs and ways of communication. As a member of staff my first priorities are to; deliver care and support that is person centred, safeguard the individuals and build positive relationships with them. Being able to communicate with who I support to learn more about them, ask questions and understand them is an essential part of my role. Those I support communicate with staff to express feelings, likes and dislikes and also concerns. This ensures the safety and positive well-being of all at the centre.
A part of my role is to undertake many forms of training which can be mandatory or voluntary. I recently put myself forward, as did other staff at Persona, to take part in a days training of Signalong with Alison and Helen from Total Communication Services CIC. This was a training session that was offered, however only a certain number of staff were able to participate in this, meaning a lot of staff did not get to experience this. During this training session we learned many essential signs that I have been using now myself in my work. The sessions were led by Alison and Helen from Total Communication Services CIC and students studying speech and language therapy at university and are currently focusing on connecting and communicating with others.
The knowledge, understanding and passion those people had have inspired me greatly. They made the training session fun, interactive and very memorable, providing very helpful books with basic signs I am going to need in everyday life. The books were to take home with us so we can further our own knowledge. Our staff knowledge was tested and put to practice when they visited our different day services to teach Signalong to the individuals we support. Again, this was a fun session which even more staff and the individuals gained a lot from. For the second time I was a witness to the passion, knowledge and thought put into the sessions that made who I support all feel included and learn new skills. At Persona we focus on the enablement of who we support. The training I have received will allow us to develop a way to confidently and competently use Signalong in our roles which will subsequently empower those who communicate non- verbally, which is a large amount of those I support.
Some of the people I support can face communication barriers daily and they are considered to be very vulnerable in their day-to-day lives. From this training I am confident I can communicate basic needs and wants with them. to ensure I am person centred. This consequently improves the relationships, and their safety and wellbeing by having a better understanding of one another. The people I support will now feel more included and a part of the community as Signalong is an inclusive form of communication.
The value and appreciation I have placed upon this training as well as Total Communication Services CIC for delivering this, is immense, and I am so glad that myself, my colleagues and people I support will benefit from this. I truly do believe other companies will benefit just as much and everyone learning Signalong will better the quality of lives of non-verbal people. As a company and staff team we ourselves face many barriers which include funding for the best resources, that are also accessible to who we support. To further develop what we have learnt we will need the best resources we can find, many of which I believe should come from Total Communication Services CIC due to the understanding they have of Signalong, the passion they exude and the connection they have secured with Persona. We have discussed many ideas that have been agreed on by other staff that will further benefit who I support.
Signalong is a great and necessary way of communicating that I wish more people know, understand and are taught. It is a vital way to communicate and connect with people. I hope Total Communication Services can receive more funding so they are able to share these training sessions, Signalong resource packs with many more people so thousands of other people can feel and notice the positive impact this will have in the work place, communities and one day the world. As one staff member in one company I feel the benefit of just two sessions. Imagine the wider impact they can have with the funding allowing them to reach more people and do more sessions with better resources to share.
The National Lottery Fund is a distinguished way to help those achieve inspirational ideas and Total Communication is absolutely a service that is more than deserving of some funding to benefit many people in terms of communication, connection and inclusion.’
Taking a Total Community Approach
Communication plays a vital role in how we learn, work, maintain relationships and participate within society. Around 90% of individuals with learning disability also experience communication difficulties. Some individuals have profound and multiple learning disabilities that may pose an extreme limitation to communication, spanning from language, facial expressions to eye contact and dexterity. Due to such variation in learning disabilities and other disabilities, communication is personal to the individual and therefore takes a person-centred approach. A Total Communication approach refers to adapting communication in the most accessible and effective way for the service user. Total Communication often requires a marriage of communication strategies including non-verbal, written, verbal and manual.
Signalong is one such strategy used by service users and their support staff. It is a keyword signing system and, unlike BSL, is not a language as it has no independent grammar or syntax. Instead, Signalong uses simplified keyword signs adapted from BSL to support people with communication difficulties. It has been found to be a useful alternative communication channel and a valuable addition to a communication toolkit, empowering service users to make choices about daily routines and communicate non-verbally, particularly during times of stress and frustration.
Within the social model of disability, it is thought that prejudice and exclusionary norms in society are the arbiters of who is disabled. Spoken language and understanding social cues is considered the standard form of communication within public services. Oftentimes, adults with learning disabilities benefit from a family member or a support worker assisting them in public spaces such as during hospital visits and on public transport. This is not because service users are not able to communicate, but because the world is not equipped to communicate in the style appropriate to the service user.
Support staff have a responsibility to respect people’s chosen forms of communication and use them themselves. In this sense, staff and carers have an important role for adults with learning disabilities, particularly in advocacy in public space. Despite this, constant support can place adults with learning disabilities vulnerable to forms of abuse and/or neglect. It is important that individuals are afforded ample opportunity to communicate and execute autonomy. To allow for appropriate communication, adults with learning disabilities require skilled communication partners. Individuals with intellectual and psychological differences are disabled by a world that was not built with them in mind. This is not just the way of life; this is not inevitable. Public service workers would benefit from communication training like Signalong, to increase accessibility to basic needs. Total Communication Services CIC is dedicated to social action. The non-profit organisation works with service users, carers and the wider community to enable people to understand and express decisions and opinions, access services, maintain health and wellbeing, and develop personalised services.
Collaborating with local day centres along with self-advocates from Bury and Rochdale People First, we have coproduced four films based on vocabulary relevant to service users. These topics included ‘daily living,’ ‘activities,’ ‘advocacy,’ and ‘fire prevention.’ The latter of the four was created in collaboration with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. During the placement, we participated in and facilitated staff workshops demonstrating signs related to these four topics. The reception from staff members was overwhelmingly positive. But this is only the beginning.
Fire Prevention and Education (2020)
In 2020, Total Communication Services CIC partnered with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) to develop a video simulating a rescue from a car accident. In the simulation a service user was ‘rescued’ by the fire service. During the rescue the firefighters communicated with the service user what they were doing to give a forewarning. The fire service used visual aids, (see below), and speech to communicate this.
The firefighters were enthusiastic and proactive during the simulation, providing scrap cars to provide a realistic experience and utilised the training exercise.
Unfortunately, due to external pressures on the service, we have not been able to continue our work with the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, as of yet.
In the meantime, we have been editing the simulation video and preparing our own Signalong resource for fire prevention vocabulary. We hope to continue working with GMFRS as we believe fire prevention and communication for adults with learning disabilities to be vital.
Public Transport Workshop (1998)
This approach to working with the community is not new, it has always been a fundamental part of a total communication approach. In 1998, Therapists from Total Communication Services CIC partnered with Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) in preparation for Oldham’s new bus station. GMPTE requested advice for using symbols to signpost the bus station. Co-producing with local service users we developed a workshop to generate some feedback. Each participant and support worker were provided with an envelope containing three exercises: get 135 bus for one stop and return; find the toilets; look for stand for bus to Oldham. From completing these exercises, the participants provided some positive feedback and some constructive criticism:
Room for improvement:
o  More symbols and clearer signs for directions
o  Signs and information posters would be better on the ground – to help wheelchair users
o  Crossing could be safer
o  There were no seatbelts for wheelchair users
Positives:
o  Automatic doors
o  All on one level without steps
o  Painted floor demonstrates the safest walkway
o  Everything in the bus station is nearby
This workshop served great use for service users in Oldham and was well received by GMPTE. Consulting adults with learning disabilities is a vital step in improving accessibility of public services. This was a great step towards greater inclusion in public transport services. Accessible information is only one part of the puzzle.
During my time here at Total Communication Services CIC Â I have had the privilege to converse with advocates from Bury and Rochdale People First groups. One of the times I attended a self-advocate session, an advocate discussed feeling that bus drivers could perhaps benefit from learning some keyword signs in Signalong, to aid productive communication. The advocate reported feeling distressed on the bus and that he would have benefited from using Signalong with the bus driver. There are oftentimes we may need to alert bus drivers to something suspicious on the buses or ask for further accommodations. Not being able to express this would be extremely frustrating and even dangerous. This is a potential avenue for future training programmes, which would improve autonomy and decision-making.
The Royal Oldham Hospital (1999)
A further example of work with the community as part of a total communication approach can be seen with the innovative work with the Royal Oldham hospital. A multidisciplinary Symbols Group in Oldham worked with adults with learning disabilities, speech and language therapist, and hospital staff to improve access to public services through symbol-based communication. After identifying barriers caused by text-only signage at the Royal Oldham Hospital, the group designed and tested simple symbols to help navigate complex environments. Trials showed that symbols were effective through straightforward picture-matching, even for people unfamiliar with them. Following a successful pilot, the hospital committed to introducing symbol-based signage and involving departments in the design process. The project demonstrates how adapting public environments, rather than expecting individuals to adapt, is a practical and powerful step towards inclusive public services.
A similar approach could be taken for disseminating health information. Healthcare professionals must explain treatment plans and diagnoses to patients. It is important to be able to express oneself to receive appropriate care. Without skilled communication partners, adults with learning disabilities may not understand what is being asked of them. This is not to be confused with the mental capacity to make decisions about their own care but instead the information is not being communicated in an accessible manner. It is vital to not misconstrue communication difficulties for a lack of mental capacity to make decisions. To improve comprehension, a variety of methods should be used by healthcare professionals, tailored to the patient’s communication needs.
Final Notes
Accessible communication should not be viewed as an optional adjustment, but as a fundamental requirement of inclusive practice. Adults with learning disabilities are too often expected to adapt to systems that were never designed with them in mind. A Total Communication approach challenges this imbalance by placing responsibility on services, professionals, and communities to communicate better.
Training in strategies such as Signalong equips public service workers with practical tools to increase accessibility, reduce distress, and promote autonomy. Small changes in how we communicate can have profound effects on safety, dignity, and participation within society. Meaningful inclusion requires awareness but more importantly it requires action.
Total Communication Services CIC will continue to work alongside service users, carers, and professionals to develop accessible resources and promote communication equity. We encourage organisations, public services, and community groups to reflect on whose input is currently being excluded. Communication is a shared responsibility, and inclusion begins when we choose to listen differently.
