A part of our lives

James Ledger, 24, has SLD [severe learning difficulties]. He attends two day placements: one run by Mencap, the other run as a non-profit-making co-operative.

His mother, Kathy Ledger, first heard about Makaton in a parenting magazine, the week before James speech therapist suggested it! James started using Makaton signs in 1983, when he was two years old, and symbols when he was five. She says:

"At first I learnt a few signs a week and would teach them to James. Then my husband and I went on a Makaton course: we picked it up easily as we were using some signs daily. The tutor was very good, she was James's speech therapist as well. I have since been on many courses, including the enhancement course.

"We use the sign and symbol manuals, and Writing with Symbols with Makaton signs and symbols, also the website. I would love to see more videos, DVDs, and books, especially for older people. I used to make all my own books, drawing the symbols and using photos and creating stories.

"James can now have quite detailed conversations in sign, incorporating BSL and finger spelling, he can type on the computer, read quite a lot of words, and write some words. He is also able to make up signs if he doesn't know one for what he wants to say. He also has quite a few 'word sounds' that are recognisable.

"Makaton is a big part of our life with James, as it is his main means of communication. My husband and I sign at a higher level, and my daughter signs at a basic level. My mother understands basic signs.

"I really don't know what James's life would have been like without Makaton. He always has so much to say, and without the means to communicate it I fear he would have had many behavioural problems.  

"James is a very expressive signer and people seem drawn to him. Most people seem able to have a conversation with him, even if they think they don't know any signs. I wish there was more publicity about Makaton available to the general public: hopefully the BBC children's programmes will help. The attitude towards signing has certainly changed."

February 2006