Sonastik – Online Sign Language Dictionary
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Why is it a good practice of the Person-Centered Model?
This initiative aligns strongly with person-centred principles because it empowers deaf people to access their own language directly, without dependence on intermediaries. It promotes autonomy, respects linguistic and cultural identity, and provides tools that individuals can use at their own pace and according to their own goals. By removing communication barriers rather than expecting the person to adapt, the approach shifts control to the user and reinforces equality, participation and self-determination — essential elements in any person-centred model.
Integrated Assessment (Person, Family, Housing) and Life History
There is no individual assessment or examination of personal life histories. Instead, the initiative responds to a broader social need shared by many deaf individuals: the lack of accessible and reliable sign-language resources. Communication barriers are understood as environmental constraints, not personal deficits. By providing a comprehensive, video-based dictionary, it strengthens individuals’ capacity to navigate daily life, education and social interactions, acknowledging that communication access is fundamental to autonomy.
Personalised Care and Support Plan for the Life Project
Although it does not create personalised care plans, the resource supports individual life projects by offering flexible tools for learning, communication and participation. Users can integrate the content into their daily routines, educational goals, work environments or personal development. Its self-directed nature means each person decides how, when and why to use the resource, reinforcing the principles of autonomy and personalised support.
Support groups
No formal support groups are included, but the platform indirectly strengthens community cohesion. By offering a shared linguistic reference, it fosters mutual understanding, peer learning and cultural connection among deaf individuals, families, educators and interpreters. This shared resource contributes to informal support networks and collective identity.
Case Management and Resource Coordinator
The initiative does not manage individual cases, yet it functions as a centralised hub for sign-language knowledge. It coordinates linguistic resources in one accessible digital space, improving consistency and quality across educational, social and professional contexts. For teachers, interpreters and families, it acts as a reliable foundation upon which support practices can be built.
Highlined results
Has improved access to communication resources, expanded educational opportunities and strengthened cultural and social empowerment of the deaf community in Estonia. Its digital nature makes it a transferable practice to other linguistic and cultural contexts. The resource has become a widely used reference for Estonian Sign Language and International Sign, enhancing communication in schools, workplaces and community settings. It contributes to greater visibility and acceptance of sign language and supports more independent communication for deaf individuals. Its digital accessibility broadens its reach and strengthens inclusion.
Inspiring ideas for other enviorments. It can works! 😉
This model demonstrates how a digital sign-language dictionary can transform communication access at national scale. It is easily adaptable for other countries seeking to support signing communities or preserve minority sign languages. The approach shows that technology can reinforce linguistic rights, cultural identity and social inclusion with relatively simple but impactful tools.
Other observations
Estonian Association of the Deaf (EAD)