An Post is celebrating the language of Lámh with a special hand-shaped ‘Hello’ stamp. Developed in Ireland, Lámh signing is a manual sign system used in tandem with spoken words which helps adults and children who need signs to support their spoken communication with others. It is a vital stepping stone to communicating with the world.
With a very innovative design by Irish company, Unthink, the new ‘N’ rate national stamp is cut in the shape of hand making the universal sign of greeting and incorporates the printed word ‘Hello’.
Lámh currently has 588 signs and is continuously developing to include new contemporary words.
Lámh, which operates as a charity, encourages everybody to use Lámh signing as part of their regular speech, even a few words can make a big difference. This supports not only Lámh users, but also their families and friends, teachers, other students and health workers in their daily lives.
Lámh run regular training sessions and over 18,000 people have already learned how to use Lámh signing in the last five years, with people of all ages getting involved all the time.
MAKING LIFE EASIER
This new hand shaped stamp, an ‘N’ rate stamp and a specially designed first day cover envelope, are available at www.anpost.ie/shop (with free delivery) and in selected post offices nationwide since 9th October.
Mary Cullen, manager of Lámh, welcomed the new stamp issue.
“Having a stamp featuring Lámh signing is a fantastic celebration of this communication system used by so many children and adults around Ireland. More people knowing about Lámh signing and even simply learning to sign ‘Hello’ makes life easier, happier and more inclusive for everyone.”
Lámh and An Post encourage everyone to ‘Share the Lámh’, to get involved and learn the basics, like ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Lámh signing – as part of Lámh Awareness Day on 15th October.
To learn more about Lámh visit, https://www.lamh.org/
