Kay Evans
Oct 14, 20253 min read
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Makaton Explained
An Introduction for Everyone
What Is Makaton?
Makaton is a unique way of communicating that uses signs, symbols, and speech together. It helps people who have difficulties with speaking, understanding, or remembering words. Makaton is often used with children and adults who have communication challenges, such as those with learning disabilities, autism, Down’s syndrome or after a stroke.
How Does Makaton Work?
When using Makaton, you speak at the same time as using simple hand signs and showing pictures (symbols). For example, if you want to say “drink”, you would say the word “drink”, make a sign that shows drinking, and, if needed, show a picture representing a drink. This makes it easier for people to understand and remember what is being said.
Why Use Makaton?
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Makaton helps Communication: It gives people who struggle to speak a way to express themselves and understand others.
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Makaton builds Confidence: People can join in more conversations and activities, making them feel more included.
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Makaton is easy to learn: Many signs are based on British Sign Language (BSL) but Makaton is simpler and designed for everyday use.
Who Uses Makaton?
Makaton is used in homes, schools, nurseries, hospitals, and care homes. Families, teachers, carers, and speech therapists often learn Makaton to help those they support communicate better.
Is Makaton Only for People Who Cannot Speak?
No, Makaton can help anyone who has trouble communicating, even if they can talk a little. It supports both understanding and speaking and often helps people develop their spoken language over time.
Summary
In summary, Makaton is a supportive way to help people communicate by combining speech, signs, and symbols. It is easy to learn, widely used, and can make a big difference in people’s lives by helping them connect with those around them.
Who Wants Makaton Training?
Understanding the Diverse Demand for Makaton Communication Skills
Key Groups Seeking Makaton Training
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Educators: Teachers, teaching assistants, and other educational staff are increasingly interested in Makaton training. By integrating Makaton into their curriculum, they can better support students with communication challenges, create inclusive classrooms, and foster accessible learning environments.
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Healthcare Professionals: Nurses, doctors, therapists, and other healthcare workers often encounter patients with speech and language difficulties. Makaton training empowers them to communicate more effectively, leading to improved care, patient comfort and a more supportive healthcare experience.
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Specialist Services: Teams working in disability support, mental health, and social care frequently interact with individuals who face communication barriers. Makaton equips these professionals to provide more personalised, effective support and helps their clients express their needs and preferences.
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Event Staff and Venue Workers: Staff at locations such as Legoland, London Zoo, and other popular attractions are increasingly trained in Makaton. This training enables them to better accommodate and communicate with disabled visitors, ensuring events and venues are accessible and welcoming to all.
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Individuals with Communication Difficulties: People of all ages and abilities, including those with learning disabilities, autism or acquired communication disorders, benefit directly from learning Makaton. It enhances their ability to express themselves, build relationships, and participate more fully in everyday life.
Wider Impact and Growing Demand
These groups represent just a portion of the diverse audience for Makaton training. As society becomes more aware of the varied ways people communicate, the value of Makaton continues to grow. Individuals and professionals alike increasingly view Makaton as an essential skill for enhancing inclusion, accessibility, and effective communication in a wide range of settings.
Conclusion
Makaton training is not limited to one sector or group; it is relevant and beneficial across education, healthcare, specialist services, leisure industries and for individuals themselves. The growing demand reflects a broader commitment to breaking down communication barriers and enabling everyone to be understood.
Congratulations to the KMJ Property Team in Forest Row!
What Are The Differences Between Makaton and BSL?
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BSL is an officially recognised language. Makaton is not.
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BSL is the language of the Deaf community. Makaton is a form of signing mostly used by hearing people who have learning disabilities, autism or different communication needs.
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In Makaton, words are used in spoken word order. BSL has its own syntax and word order that is different to spoken language.
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There are regional differences in BSL. Makaton uses the same signs across the country.
Top tips for using Makaton
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Practise using the signs and symbols as much and as often as you can.
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Always speak as you sign or use symbols.
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Hold eye contact, and use facial expressions while signing.
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Try to use short, clear sentences.
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If your young person doesn’t want to sign, you could try helping them to move their hands in an encouraging way. But go at their pace.
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Be patient, gentle and persistent.
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Most of all, have fun with it! Learning should be fun and creative.
What's in the pipeline?
Brilliant delegates for Level 1!
So enthusiastic that they asked for more!
Happy Valentine's Day to the WorkWise group!
This Month's news
I am training for the Frontline accreditation. This means I will be able to present appropriate courses to those in front line services, such as the Emergency Teams, Doctors, Nurses, Care Workers and Dentists
I'm looking forward to working with the local Youth Club and Beaver Scouts this month. Makaton Tasters for them all!
And TA training in a Crawley School in June- this will be a course of 3 sessions focussing on Level 1.
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