It happened at the end of the online Bounce Along to Baby Sign class. Session leader Kathryn Halsey asked if anyone had any questions. Zack, 16 months, ran up to the screen waving an Iggle Piggle toy – a character from television show In The Night Garden.
‘A sign for Iggle Piggle?! I had no idea. But with signing, you rely on the visual. Iggle Piggle waddles and carries a blanket,’ Halsey says, miming a waddle and slinging an invisible blanket over her shoulder. That became the sign and Zack's mother was delighted: ‘That's what we’ll use!’ she said.
The example illustrates what the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) sessions are all about: families having fun with their deaf child while learning communication tips relevant to their own lives. The charity runs about four sessions a month, each lasting 45 minutes to one hour, aimed at children aged from birth to four years. They take place online and are free for NDCS members.
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