At Integrated Pediatric Therapies (IPT), we celebrate the diversity of how people communicate.

There are hundreds of sign languages used globally, each with its own unique gestures, syntax, and facial expressions native to the countries they originate from.

• American Sign Language (ASL) is the most widely used sign language in the United States and Canada. It has its roots in French Sign Language (LSF) and was brought to North America by French educator Laurent Clerc in the early 19th century. ASL evolved over time, adopting new signs and grammar structures to fit the needs of the deaf community in North America.
• British Sign Language (BSL) is the predominant sign language in the United Kingdom with a rich history dating back to the 1620s. BSL has been influenced by several other sign languages, including LSF and Irish Sign Language.
• International Sign (IS) is used by the deaf community in international settings, such as deaf events and international meetings. IS is not a standard sign language and does not have a specific grammar or vocabulary. It is made up of signs borrowed from various sign languages and used as a form of communication between signers who do not share a common sign language.

Sign languages are complex and rich languages that have evolved over time to meet the communication needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Each sign language has its own special history and cultural significance and is a testament to the diversity of human communication and the resilience of deaf communities worldwide.