The Tactile Framework
A framework for learners developing bodily-tactile communication and tactile sign language skills.
Supporting children with deafblindness, I kept hitting the same problem: nothing existed to track their progress and help set goals for bodily-tactile communication and tactile sign language. So I built this framework, and it's free to download.
Request the Tactile FrameworkWhat it does
The framework supports practitioners to assess and develop bodily-tactile communication and tactile sign language, stage by stage. It's a pilot: released for testing and trial, not yet a finished, fully validated tool. Every download, and every piece of feedback, shapes what it becomes.
Who it's for
Deafblind consultants and practitioners with a working understanding of tactile language and language development, such as speech and language therapists, and qualified/specialist sensory teachers.
You'll get the most from the framework if you have tactile sign language skills yourself. Without them, work as a team, a consultant, an intervenor, an interpreter, whoever the observation needs. Training in bodily-tactile communication and tactile sign language before you start is recommended.
The four stages
The framework sets out four stages of tactile communication development.
01
Sensory Learners
Sensory learners experience events in the here and now and rely upon a communication partner to interpret and ascribe meaning to their actions. Expressions may relate to bodily-emotional-traces which have the highest potential for creating meaning.
02
Emergent Language Learners
Emergent language learners use symbolic representations to represent meaning, starting with individual expressions, the expressions are more likely to relate to the learner's perspective of the world. There is still a role for a communication partner to act as a detective and support the growth of early words.
03
Foundation Language Learners
Foundation language learners are combining words, these include signs from the cultural language as well as negotiated individual expressions. There is still a role for the communication partner to resolve ambiguous messages.
04
Language Learners
Language learners are confidently able to use a wide range of signs and sign combinations, signs are from the cultural language, with some individual expressions. Whilst relying on combination of both, they are likely to be making significant progress into adopting the cultural language.
Download & feedback
Download the framework and you'll be asked to join the community of practice mailing list. I use it sparingly, mostly to share updates on the framework itself.
Enter your details on the sign-up form and you'll be taken straight to a page with the download links. If you have any trouble downloading it, or you'd rather ask a question or share feedback first, get in touch directly.
Already got the framework? The feedback survey takes about five minutes. What you tell me shapes what happens next: fixes to this version, and the fuller revision now under way.
Problems downloading, questions about using the framework, or ideas for what's missing? Email steve@steverosetherapy.com.
Training
I'd like to run webinars on using the framework as an observational tool, though none are scheduled yet. Email me if you're interested, and I'll let you know when one's coming up.
Last update: September 2026.