157 Have you ever had to communicate with a blind or a deaf person, or to a person with a disability? Tell your classmates about your experience. Braille books are usually larger than ordinary print material. This is because they tend to use more space compared to the latter. Studies show that the Bible is 45 volumes in braille while Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is 10 volumes. Deaf people also have their own name signs : instead of signing out the individual letters of their name, they use a single sign to refer to themselves. These name signs are unique to each individual and can be compared to a nickname. People often choose a sign name that is linked to their hobby, job, or personal characteristics. to cater to: essere rivolto dot: puntino to foster: favorire 316 WORK SPECIAL FORMS OF COMMUNICATION The ability to communicate our needs and wants is one of life s most basic activities, so all people communicate. However, since people with vocal, vision, or hearing impairment or additional disabilities might not be able to use speech or writing , alternative communication methods must be used. The aim is to foster inclusivity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to express themselves, participate in daily life, and achieve their full potential. Technology The way people can be helped to communicate may happen in different ways. Support does not always require sophisticated technology and may come in the form of simple gestures, manual signs, objects, pictures, or symbols (the so called low-technology ), however, sometimes more complex technology can assist people to communicate in different ways. Augmentative and Alternative Communication Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a range of strategies and tools which cater to individuals with speech impairments, autism, or other conditions that affect verbal communication. It may be simple letter or picture boards or advanced computer systems. Advanced AAC systems often include high technology devices like eye-tracking technology, voice synthesis, and customisable interfaces tailored to the user s specific needs. Braille Braille is a tactile writing system used by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Developed by Louis Braille in the 19th century, it consists of raised dots arranged in patterns to represent letters, numbers, and punctuation. Readers feel the dots with their fingertips to decode the text . Modern advancements, such as Braille displays and printers, have integrated this system into digital technology, making written information more accessible. Sign language Sign language is a visual language that uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. It is primarily used by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing . It is not a direct translation of spoken language but has its own grammar and syntax, making it a rich and complex means of communication. There are around 300 sign languages in the world, with each country or region often having its own, such as American Sign Language (ASL) or British Sign Language (BSL).