In 1966, Doctor R. Orin Cornett at Gallaudet University developed cued speech. This visual communication system has been adapted for more than fifty languages. Cued speech is a method whereby the speaker adds eight handshapes in four different locations to distinguish between similar sounds. This adds clarity to the spoken language by identifying each distinctive speech sound. It is used for phonic instruction; articulation therapy; and for individuals, regardless of the etiology, who have difficulty with speech. Some late-deafened adults rely on the assistance of cued speech for lip reading and maintaining their functional speech control.