Commentary on “Use of key word signing for children and adults with intellectual disability in an Irish context”

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of key word sign by staff in organisations working with children and adults who have intellectual disabilities.

This commentary provides an overview of both historical and recent research in this area.

After a dearth of research on signing, new studies are emerging, but appear to identify the same issues – and many of the same solutions – as those from 40 years ago.

Sign needs to be seen as a cultural intervention necessitating attitude change and policy development.

Paradigm shifts in the field of intervention and in AAC are needed to address these issues.