What type of communication method includes oral speech combined with sign language?

The method that combines oral speech with sign language is known as total communication. This approach is designed to enhance communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing by using multiple means of communication simultaneously. The idea is to utilize various communication modalities, such as spoken language, sign language, facial expressions, gestures, and even written words, to provide a more comprehensive way to express ideas and information.

Total communication encourages flexibility in communication strategies, allowing individuals to use whatever means is most effective for them in a given context. This is particularly beneficial in educational settings, filling gaps that may arise from relying solely on one mode of communication.

Bilingual-bicultural approaches focus on using both English and American Sign Language (ASL) but emphasize cultural aspects, which makes them distinct from total communication. ASL is a specific form of sign language used predominantly in the deaf community but does not inherently include speech. Cued speech serves a different purpose and involves using hand shapes and movements alongside spoken language to support speechreading, rather than a combination of speech and sign language.