Dwylo'r Enfys
helps children with and without communication difficulties to
communicate. Following on directly from this success, and in conjunction
with Ceidiog, The Makaton Charity received funding from the Welsh
Government to create Welsh language Makaton resources and training to
enable Welsh communities to access Makaton in their own language. In
addition, a website called Arwydd/Sign was created to offer an online space
for parents and practitioners to share their experiences.
The original idea for Dwylo'r Enfys came from Ruth Thomas - mum to
six year old Enfys. Ruth and her family have first-hand experience of
using Makaton to communicate - Makaton transformed life for Ruth and
her family and she wanted to share this experience.
Ruth's vision was for a Welsh language Makaton programme for children with learning and communication difficulties:
"I wanted to create a Welsh Makaton visual point of reference which
would promote the social inclusion of children with communication and
learning difficulties, depicting them in their everyday settings with
their friends and families, reflecting a true picture of how life really
is in Wales today."
The show's original format was developed and produced by preschool
specialist and experienced producer Nia Ceidiog and the Ceidiog team.
Though the show targets and
stars children with special communication needs, its audience includes all children regardless of their needs. Nia Ceidiog says that this was an
extremely important project:
"Communication is a two way process - and it's important that
children who don't have special communication needs learn about Makaton
too. The programme is a great contribution to Welsh life and the Welsh
people."