RTÉ announces the first ever TV series using manual sign language Lámh
Dizzy Deliveries puts a spotlight on communication used by thousands of kids
RTÉjr will broadcast the first ever television series to use manual sign language Lámh, Dizzy Deliveries, this Wednesday 19th October. In a landmark day for children’s content, this live action series will be the first to give a platform to the thousands of kids that use Lámh daily.
This brand-new homegrown series for children, created by Macalla in collaboration with Lámh for RTÉjr, will broadcast its first episode to coincide with National Lámh Day. Dizzy Deliveries teaches Lámh signs, used by children with intellectual disabilities and other communication challenges, in a fun and interactive way. Each episode features a young person with Down syndrome, Autism or other communication difficulties, who use Lámh to support their communication and self-expression.
Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children’s and Young People’s content RTÉ said: “Everyone at RTÉjr is so excited to be involved in commissioning, broadcasting & supporting Dizzy Deliveries, RTÉjr’s first ever Lámh series. Diversity and inclusion is at the very core of this project which is so important to RTÉjr. Dizzy Deliveries will both entertain and enable all children to communicate and engage with each other. We hope it will positively promote and normalise the use of Lámh while incorporating the key elements to all good young children’s television – colour, characters, fun and laughter.”
Manager at Lámh, Mary Cullen said: “Difficulties with communication are often hidden and society may not be aware of the supports that people use, to help with communication. A TV show like Dizzy Deliveries can help society to see that there are lots of different supports that people use to communicate in Ireland, including Lámh. Children who benefit from Lámh will now see other children on TV, who communicate just like they do, which can help them to recognise just how capable they are.”
Watch the Dizzy Deliveries trailer here.
RTÉjr’s Dizzy Deliveries follows Joe the Delivery man played by much-loved magician Joe Daly and Ozzy his robot side-kick on their adventures. Lámh tutor Deirdre Coleman plays the character of Aisling who gives Joe his daily jobs and teaches Lámh to the viewers. Audiences will join Joe on his zany adventures delivering packages to children across Ireland.
The first episode of Dizzy Deliveries will air on RTÉjr on Wednesday October 19 at 09.50am and repeats at 12.10pm and 4.30pm each weekday thereafter on RTÉjr and RTÉ player. Dizzy Deliveries is directed by renowned BAFTA award winning writer and director Nia Ceidiog, whose writing credits include the original Fireman Sam series. Nia was producer and director of the hugely acclaimed Something Special series with Mr. Tumble for CBeebies.
The catchy theme tune for Lámh is written and performed by award winning actor and performer Maria Doyle Kennedy and actor, composer, and producer Kieran Kennedy.
Dizzy Deliveries was produced by Macalla for RTÉjr with support from the BAI Sound and Vision fund. It was filmed throughout the country in locations such as Dublin Zoo, Howth Cookery School, Blarney Castle, Dunshaughlin Fire Station and Laytown Beach.
About RTÉjr
RTÉjr is a dedicated Irish children’s channel on TV, radio, and online. This service is part of public service broadcaster RTÉ’s free to air offering for younger people. Completely advertisement-free, the service is primarily aimed at children under 7 although some content will be also suitable for older kids. RTÉjr also offers online services which allow children to access original, entertaining and educational content that reflects their lives and is made exclusively for them. Let’s make screentime a good time.
About Lámh Ireland
Lámh Ireland is a charity organisation advocating for and promoting the use of the Lámh communication system and providing training to more than 4,000 people each year. The main aim of Lámh is to develop, promote and maintain Lámh as an augmentative system of communication for people with intellectual disabilities and communication support needs in Ireland. If you would like further information on Lámh please visit www.lamh.org
About Lámh
Lámh is a key word signing system used by children and adults with an intellectual disability, who also need support with their communication. People who use Lámh have Down syndrome, autism, or other disabilities. Lámh is quite simple to learn and use and there are nearly 600 signs. Lámh is used across Ireland in homes, schools, arts and culture clubs, community hubs, sports clubs, and many more.
Why Use Lámh?
Using Lámh signs can reduce frustration, as the Lámh user is able to use signs to ask for what they want, to answer and to take part in conversations. The Lámh user may be more easily understood when they use signs, and this encourages them to try new words and say more. Signing naturally encourages people to slow down a little so there is more time to work out the message. Signing encourages eye contact and attention to movement; skills that are important for supporting speech development.
About National Lámh Day
Wednesday October 19, 2022 is the inaugural National Lámh Day initiated by Lámh Ireland. It is a campaign of inclusion with the ambition of showing everyone how to use Lámh to say “Hello!” This campaign involves videos, online media, social media channels and a traditional print media campaign all showing the difference a simple ‘Hello!’ can make to a person, using their way of communicating. This simple act can make so many people’s day and bring a smile to thousands who may otherwise only currently communicate with their direct family and SNA’s.