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

Purpose: 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. Design/methodology/approach: This commentary provides an overview of both historical and recent research in this area. Findings: 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. Social implications: Sign needs to be seen as a cultural intervention necessitating attitude change and policy development. Originality/value: Paradigm shifts in the field of intervention and in AAC are needed to address these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]