Communicate and connect

Speech and Language Therapy student Hana describes her experience of being involved in training, in our Communicate and Connect project.

The Importance of training

by Hana Parveen

Who I Am and How I Discovered Signalong

As a University of Manchester student currently completing my first-year placement, I have been fortunate to experience a wide range of learning opportunities. One of the most meaningful discoveries during this time has been Signalong and seeing first-hand how effective staff training can embed inclusive communication into everyday practice.

This is the first time I was introduced to Signalong which is a communication system designed to support individuals with learning disabilities and additional communication needs. Signalong combines key word signing alongside speech and can be used as part of a total communication approach incorporating symbols, pictures, and other visual supports. These tools work together to help individuals better understand others and express themselves, promoting confidence, independence, and meaningful interaction and enabling them to connect more meaningfully with others.

Experiencing the Training Sessions

Throughout my placement, I had the opportunity to observe two Signalong training sessions. These sessions were provided by therapists and self-advocates from Total Communication Services CIC as part of their project Communicate and Connect. The project was funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and it supported the team to find more ways of enabling people with learning disabilities to connect via communication.

 I was able to help deliver a segment of the training myself when helping out with the interactive games. Being involved in the sessions provided valuable insight into how structured training supports staff learning and encourages the consistent use of signing within everyday support. It was an amazing chance to get real hands on experience about what happens behind the scenes.

Interactive and Engaging Learning

The training sessions were highly interactive and enjoyable, which played a key role in their success. Staff took part in a range of games adapted to include signing, such as memory pairs, beer pong, and other activities.

These games encouraged repetition, teamwork, and confidence-building in a relaxed environment, allowing staff to practise signing without fear of making mistakes. 

One particularly impressive outcome of the training was the number of signs staff were able to learn. By keeping a tally throughout the sessions, it became clear that staff collectively learned up to 250 new signs. This highlighted the effectiveness of the training approach and demonstrated how quickly skills can develop when learning is practical and engaging.

The Importance of Embedding Signalong in Practice

Discussions with support staff further emphasised the importance of embedding Signalong into everyday practice. Many staff members shared that, prior to the training, they had not considered keeping records of their service users' communication abilities such as the communicative stage they were at, or which symbols, pictures, or words they were able to recognise. The training encouraged reflection and highlighted the importance of understanding and documenting these details to provide consistent, person-centred support.

Impact on Service Users

Embedding Signalong into daily interactions allows staff to meet individuals at their communicative level. For people with communication needs, being understood can have a profound impact on wellbeing, independence, and inclusion. Signalong helps reduce communication barriers and ensures individuals are given a stronger voice in their everyday lives.

Staff Feedback and Confidence

Feedback from the training sessions demonstrated clear positive outcomes. Staff confidence ratings were significantly higher after the training than before, with many participants reporting that they felt more capable and motivated to use signing regularly. This increase in confidence is essential for ensuring Signalong is used consistently rather than being forgotten over time.

Concluding thoughts

Overall, my experience with Total Communication Services CIC training during my placement has been extremely rewarding.

It has highlighted the importance of staff training not only in developing skills, but in embedding inclusive communication approaches that genuinely improve the quality of support. Being involved in this process and seeing co-delivery in action has been a highlight of my placement and has strengthened my interest in accessible, person-centred practice.