Signing environment in an institution: Teaching sign vocabulary to residents with mental retardation for communication with deaf peers
✍ Scribed by Kazuko Nozaki; Akira Mochizuki; Chizuko Yairo; Tamao Tsunoda
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 1991
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 961 KB
- Volume
- 6
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 1072-0847
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
✦ Synopsis
Abstract
Two experiments were conducted so that deaf adults with mental retardation could develop their communication skills in an institution. Deaf and hearing residents were taught sign vocabulary using the following four procedures: sign language lessons in a large group, posters, review lessons, and distribution of a sign language book. Experiment 1 was a pilot study to assess the effect of a sign language lesson, and Experiment 2 was a systematic study to evaluate the 4 procedures using a multiple baseline design. Sign language use in natural settings was monitored for 10 months, starting with the first sign language lesson. Results showed that a sign language lesson was an effective way for most hearing residents to acquire expressive signs. Three out of 4 deaf residents learned expressive signs gradually during experiments. In natural settings, hearing residents were seen to use signs spontaneously with deaf residents in many different social contexts. Additional comprehensive assessment was conducted to confirm whether or not residents could understand one another's expressive signs. Seven out of 10 residents showed correct responses more than 80% of the time.