Many estimates say 5,000, but these are exaggerations derived from the 14,000 deaf people in Finland (many of whom do not speak Finnish Sign Language).
At that time, instruction taught signs but followed Finnish word order (see Manually Coded Language).
Despite the ban, students in deaf schools continued to use sign language secretly in dormitories.
Sign language became a tool for rehabilitation and education, and it began to be taught in courses for parents of deaf children.
In 1979, interpreter services became part of disability legislation, and in 1995, sign language gained constitutional status.
Additionally, it has been possible to complete basic studies in sign language and communication at the University of Turku.
[5][6][7] One can study to become a sign language instructor at Pohjois-Savo Folk High School in Kuopio, at Rovala-Opisto in Rovaniemi, and at Turku Christian Institute.