Lochaber woman signs her way to new business

When Elaine Malcolm (41) was growing up she was fascinated by the sign language a friend used to communicate with her deaf brother. Little did she know then that one day that interest in signing would lead her to a new and fulfilling career.

With help from HIE Lochaber, Elaine of North Ballachulish, Onich, Fort William, has just set up her own business running workshops to teach sign language to babies before they can even talk.

Launched last month under the name 'Baby Sign Time,' the new enterprise is believed not just to be a first for the Lochaber area, but also for the Highlands and Islands. Elaine has already run a series of workshops that have been very well received by local parents. Next week she is undertaking a one-off training session for SCMA - the Scottish Child Minding Association.

It is all a big change for Elaine who left her career in information management when she had her own son, Kai, now two-and-a-half. But it is a change that she finds much more fulfilling than her former work.

Before establishing 'Baby Sign Time,' Elaine spent a year studying for her British Sign Language Stage One certificate and is currently working towards her Stage Two qualification.

She works with small groups of a minimum of four and a maximum of eight babies aged from approximately six months to two years and their parents or carers.

Elaine explained: "Signing takes advantage of the fact that although babies cannot talk until they are about 18 months old because their vocal chords are not sufficiently developed, they are capable of communicating their needs and thoughts using sign language from about six months of age. All children communicate with gestures before they have the ability to speak. For example they point, clap their hands or wave bye-bye."

Elaine uses a range of songs, nursery rhymes, props and lots of cuddly toys to keep her young clients entertained while teaching the adults. They are shown 40 plus signs over a series of six, one-hour workshops. Elaine said: "Children love signing to music as it ties together rhythm, movement and flow. It's also an excellent exercise for motor co-ordination. The workshops also have a social side with parents enjoying a cup of tea and a chat."

Elaine believes the research indicating that signing makes for a happier and more contented child holds true and cites her own son as an example.

As well as receiving grant assistance from HIE Lochaber, Elaine attended their 3 day business start up course covering all aspects of business start-up, including market research, cash-flow forecasting and tax and legal obligations.  She also received one to one sessions with a business advisor who listened to her ideas and helped to develop action plans.

Charlotte Wright, HIE Lochaber said: "It is encouraging to see such a high number of women starting such a diverse range of businesses in the Lochaber area." 

Elaine hopes in the future to expand her business into the childcare and education sectors and has already written to local nurseries with an introduction to baby sign language.

For further information or to book a place on a baby signing class, contact Elaine Malcolm on 01855 821102.

http://www.stv.tv/content/news/main/display.html?id=opencms:/news/Babies_to_be_taught_sign_language