Makaton Information
Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It is designed to support spoken language and the signs and symbols are used with speech, in spoken word order. This helps provide extra clues about what someone is saying. Using signs can help people who have no speech or whose speech is unclear. Using symbols can help people who have limited speech and those who cannot, or prefer not to sign.
Makaton helps people who experience the frustration of not being able to communicate effectively, it takes away the frustration and enables individuals to communicate and connect with those around them.
Makaton comprises two vocabularies-
1. The Core Vocabulary consists of essential words and concepts
2. a larger, open-ended topic-based resource vocabulary which is used in association with the Core Vocabulary.
Today over 100,000 children and adults, use Makaton symbols and signs. Most people start using Makaton as children then naturally stop using the signs and symbols as they no longer need them. However, some people will need to use Makaton for their whole lives.
Become Makaton Friendly
The Makaton Friendly scheme recognises organisations that strive to make their services accessible to people who use Makaton to aid their communication. Visit https://www.makaton.org/aboutMakaton/makatonFriendly/ for more information and to sign up. Organisations in the scheme feature on a Makaton Friendly Map and have Makaton Friendly stickers/logo to use.
Resources
Videos of useful Makaton signs – Lightyear Foundation YouTube Channel
Training
Find your nearest Makaton Course here.
The Makaton Charity also offers in-house training, sending one of their tutors to your organisation to train a group of staff together. The recommended group size is 8-15. For groups 15+, The Makaton Charity sends an additional tutor, and the group is split in two. Call 01276 606777 for prices and more info.