What is the Makaton Language Programme?

Being able to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. Almost everything we do involves communication; everyday tasks such as learning at school, asking for food and drink, sorting out problems, making friends and having fun. These all rely on our ability to communicate with each other.

Makaton is a language programme using signs and symbols to help people to communicate. It is designed to support spoken language and the signs and symbols are used with speech, in spoken word order.

With Makaton, children and adults can communicate straight away using signs and symbols. Many people then drop the signs or symbols naturally at their own pace, as they develop speech.

For those who have experienced the frustration of being unable to communicate meaningfully or effectively, Makaton really can help. Makaton takes away that frustration and enables individuals to connect with other people and the world around them. This opens up all kinds of possibilities.If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.

Makaton uses signs, symbols and speech to help people communicate. Signs 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 is extremely flexible as it can be personalised to an individual's needs and used at a level suitable for them. It can be used to:

• share thoughts, choices and emotions
• label real objects, pictures, photos and places
• take part in games and songs
• listen to, read and tell stories
• create recipes, menus and shopping lists
• write letters and messages
• help people find their way around public buildings

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

Most communication is through speaking to others.  However, some people have difficulty with using speech and they need to use different ways to communicate, like using Makaton symbols and signs.

When we speak, we often use extra tools to help the person we are communicating with understand what we are saying.  For example, if we are asked for directions, we might point (gesture) or draw a picture.  These are clues to help provide more information.

Makaton uses speech with signs (gestures) and symbols (pictures) to help people communicate.  We also use facial expression, eye contact and body language to give as much information as possible.

Signs and symbols give extra information which can be seen.  Research has shown that signs and gestures are easier to learn than spoken words.  This makes sense.  Babies use gestures before they can speak, to tell us what they want.  For example, they might point at the biscuit tin or hold out their arms to be lifted up.  Children and adults can use Makaton to let others know what they want, make choices, share information and understand more.  This helps build and develop important communication and language skills.

• Using Makaton is fun!
• Use signs and symbols as much and as often as you can.
• Always speak as you sign or use symbols.
• Offer lots of encouragement.
• Don't give up!  It may take a while but it is worth it in the end.

Today over 100,000 children and adults, use Makaton symbols and signs, either as their main method of communication or as a way to support speech. 

Makaton is used for teaching communication, language and literacy skills with children and adults who are at an early stage of communication and language development.  This structured approach can also help people who are learning English as an additional language, helping them to communicate straightaway, while also supporting their learning.

Makaton is regularly used in mainstream schools, to support all children to develop communication, language and literacy skills.  It is also supports integration, as children with and without language difficulties can communicate with each other, learn and play together more easily.

There is a special Makaton Signing for Babies training, available to parents, family members and professionals who wish to sign with the babies and children in their care. Signing while speaking, has been show to encourage the development of communication and language skills.  It can also give carers a greater understanding of a baby's wants and needs, which can help reduce frustration.

Makaton symbols are widely used in public buildings such as schools, hospitals, courts and libraries, to help people find their way around.  So, you may be using Makaton in daily life without even knowing it

The Makaton Charity exists to ensure that everyone living with learning or communication difficulties has the tools and resources they need to communicate.  We work towards this through our activities:

• providing training to families, carers, and professionals;
• developing and producing printed and electronic resources;
• working with others to make their information accessible;
• providing advice and support for families and professionals;
• working in partnership to influence society and empower people.
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The Makaton Charity uses a sustainable, cascade approach to sharing Makaton. This ensures the maximum number of people can benefit from using Makaton.

Our nationwide network of over 1,000 licensed Makaton Tutors and Trainers across the UK deliver training to over 30,000 parents, carers and professionals each year.

The Makaton Charity has a wide range of printed and electronic resources extends from nursery rhyme DVDs to vocabulary books covering complex subjects such as bereavement to electronic collections of signs and symbols for computer use.

Accessible information enables Makaton users to participate in life. For example, by working with Local Councils to translate materials using Makaton symbols so that Makaton users can vote in local elections, and with housing associations to provide information about the services they offer.

Our free Family Advisory Service provides information and support to parents and family members of people with a learning or communication difficulty and to the professionals working with them.

Working with partners such as The National Portrait Gallery, Her Majesty's Court Service and the BBC promotes communication and makes Makaton available so more people are able to participate.

The Makaton Friendly scheme recognises organisations that strive to make their services accessible to people who use Makaton to aid their communication.

We are passionate about communication and firmly believe that all children and adults with learning or communication difficulty should be able to access the same services and facilities

Look at the Makaton friendly map on the charity website. Where you can see all of the current Makaton friendly places. Zoos, castles, supermarkets, cafés, schools, hairdressers; where will the next place to become Makaton Friendly be?

We will pin new Makaton Friendly organisations as they are approved. Can you think of any places in your local area that could be Makaton Friendly?

Look out for our Makaton friendly organisations which will have this sticker in their window:

Yes. We will just need some information about the organisation and why they are Makaton friendly. 

The Makaton Friendly scheme is designed to recognise organisations that currently use Makaton and the people that use Makaton to feel welcome and enable them to access services within their community.
All organisations that have been awarded Makaton Friendly status have demonstrated that they:

• Understand that different people use alternative ways to communicate.
• Provide a supportive and welcoming environment so that people who have learning or communication difficulties whatever age, can take part in the services that are provided by your organisation.
• The use of Makaton symbols and signs around the organisation to aid inclusiveness and independence with signage and wayfinding

• Visit our Makaton Friendly places, knowing that Makaton users will be supported and can access the services provided.
• If you visit one of the many organisations that are Makaton Friendly, send your feedback to us. It would be great to hear how people who use Makaton find their visit.
• Spread the word! When an organisation becomes Makaton Friendly they may put up a picture on social media, or write a blog for us: share; spread the word.
• Do you know of an organisation that you think could be Makaton Friendly? 

If you would like more information about the Makaton Friendly scheme, please call us on 01276 606760 or email info@makaton.org