Speaking the same language

Xera Xera Greaves, 14, has Down's Syndrome. She's been using Makaton for six years.

Her mother, Tarnall Greaves, tells her story:

"Makaton is brilliant and an essential part of our lives.

"It's really helped with Xera's communication and has given her so much confidence. It was very frustrating when Xera was unable to make herself be understood, but Makaton opened up a new world for us. And Xera's speech improved rapidly too.

"Now Xera has a wide range of signs and comes home from school with new signs every day. Recently she has been encouraging all of us in her family to learn more . We now have signs plastered on the walls and we have started to play games that help us to remember them.

"Thanks to Makaton, we are all speaking the same language.

"My partner and I have even started using Makaton when we are out socialising without Xera, and people are always interested in what we are doing. I think Makaton should be taught in all schools as a second language."

November 2011