Introducing Signalong in the Workplace

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.

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.  

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. 

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.org 

to discuss your workplace requirements.