Author/Designer Aileen Ryan

The 'Key Sign'book presents 250 additional signs that families,carers and clinicians can use to expand communication and interactions. It is presented with easy to read descriptions and illustrations. All of the signs presented in this book are Auslan signs.

Aileen's decision to produce this book was based on over seven years of presenting workshops in Early Childhood settings and having parents, carers and professionals constantly requesting additional signs that were not available in the 'Makaton Vocabulary' Book. Over those years Aileen put together this list and presented the idea to Makaton Australia who added their own suggestions. Aileen did the layout and design so that it corresponded with the 'Makaton Vocabulary' book. The Makaton Australia state co-ordinators then wrote the descriptions for each sign and the book was produced by Makaton Australia.

Aileen presented this book to Makaton Australia as she felt passionately about trying to increase resources available for people using sign language. One stipulation being that she receive a royalties payment on sales that will continue to be paid to her daughter, Elysha, upon Aileen's death.

Features:

• 'Key sign' Book has an additional vocabulary to expand communication and interaction.
• The signs in this book extend on the Makaton Vocabulary and there is no doubling up on the signs available.
• The 'Key Sign' Book is layed out in A4 Landscape style with eight sign language graphics per page.
• Individual signs are arranged in alphabetical order and written descriptions accompany each sign.
• An alphabetical index is also available.
• The book includes regional variations and truely expands on the language available for Early Childhood settings.
• Regional variations are explained as being "although Auslan is Australian Sign Language there are some instances where a sign may vary from State to State".
• In the front of the 'Key Sign' book there is a list of these signs that have more than one choice and a check list for each State letting you know which sign is more commonly used within your State.