Peer-facilitated sign language training for a geriatric stroke victim with chronic brain damage

The possibility of sign language training for a psycho-geriatric, aphasic, brain damaged patient was investigated over a 66-week period. Training progressed from finger dexterity tasks, physical manipulation of the patient's hand, and visual prompting to requests for a particular sign without supplementary cues. Midway through the program a peer was included in an effort to generalize the use of sign to others on the ward. The patient learned 14 signs. Data on sign language usage and social behaviors taken during three measurement periods indicate that, when the peer was present during training, performance was highest and there was an increase in the patient's level of socialization as measured by eye contact, gestures, and attempted speech. Retention of the signs and increased social responsivity were still observed two and four months after the termination of the program.