What is Makaton?
Makaton is a communication tool that utilises speech, signs and symbols to aid communication. It is designed to support spoken language and helps people with communication difficulties to understand and be understood. Makaton is a type of unaided AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) - to learn more about AAC, check out our previous blog post here. Makaton is used across a wide range of settings, including homes, schools, hospitals, and the community.
Origins and Development
Makaton was developed in the 1970s by speech and language therapist Margaret Walker, alongside Kathy Johnston and Tony Cornforth. The name "Makaton" is derived from the initial letters of their names. The program was initially created to help deaf adults with learning disabilities but has since expanded to support individuals with various communication challenges.
How Makaton Works
Signs: Makaton incorporates signs from British Sign Language (BSL) to help convey meaning. Signs are used alongside spoken words to enhance understanding and communication. This dual approach makes it easier for individuals to grasp the meaning of the words.
Symbols: Makaton uses simple, black and white symbols to represent words. These symbols are designed to be easily recognizable and can be used on communication boards, in books, or as flashcards. Symbols are particularly useful for those who struggle with reading or have visual processing difficulties.
Speech: Spoken language is an integral part of Makaton. It is used in conjunction with signs and symbols to reinforce understanding and support language development.
The Makaton website has lots of free resources, including sheets like this with useful Makaton signs.
Who Uses Makaton?
Makaton is used by a diverse group of people, including:
Children with Developmental Delays: Makaton supports children who have delays in speech and language development, including those with autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.
Adults with Communication Needs: Adults with learning disabilities, stroke survivors, or those with conditions like dementia benefit from Makaton to maintain and enhance their communication abilities.
Educational Settings: Teachers and educators use Makaton to support inclusive learning environments. It helps all students to communicate and understand each other, promoting a more inclusive classroom.
Healthcare Professionals: Makaton is used by speech and language therapists, nurses, and other healthcare providers to communicate effectively with patients who have communication difficulties.
Benefits of Makaton
Enhanced Communication: Makaton helps individuals express their needs, thoughts, and feelings more effectively, reducing frustration and improving quality of life.
Supports Language Development: By combining signs, symbols, and speech, Makaton promotes language acquisition and development, particularly in young children and those with developmental delays.
Inclusive Communication: Makaton enables better communication in diverse settings, fostering inclusion and understanding among people with different communication needs.
Improved Social Interaction: Individuals using Makaton can engage more fully in social interactions, build relationships, and participate in community activities.
Using Makaton
If you are new to Makaton and want to start learning how to use it, you should:
Do some training: Parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals often undergo training to learn how to use Makaton effectively. Training programmes are available through the Makaton Charity and other organizations.
Practice and use it consistently: Regular practice and consistent use of signs, symbols, and speech are crucial for effective communication. Integrating Makaton into daily routines helps reinforce learning.
Check out some Makaton resources: Various resources, such as Makaton symbol books, flashcards, and online tools, are available to support users. There are lots of resources on the Makaton website and multiple YouTube channels that share videos about Makaton (such as Makaton with Lucinda). Makaton also features in some children’s TV shows, Something Special is a great one!
Access community support: Joining support groups or networks of Makaton users can provide additional guidance, encouragement, and shared experiences.
The signs used in Makaton are taken from British Sign Language (BSL). Sometimes they look exactly the same, or sometimes the BSL sign is simplified slightly so that it is more accessible for those that struggle with gross motor skills or hand eye coordination. This is the sign for “help” in both British Sign Language and Makaton.
Makaton is a powerful tool that transforms the lives of individuals with communication challenges. By integrating signs, symbols, and speech, it provides a comprehensive approach to communication that supports understanding and expression. Whether used in homes, schools, or healthcare settings, Makaton fosters inclusivity, enhances language development, and improves the overall quality of life for its users.
For more information and resources, you can visit the official Makaton Charity website here.