My name is Ellie, and I work as a gymnastics assistant coach. I work alongside my coach, Jo Dicken. I teach preschool gymnastics at Stainsby Gym. I have been doing this role for seven years now.
I have been fortunate to have known Jo all my life, and once I left school, she offered me a position with her. I use Makaton as part of my coaching. This helps me to explain to the children what I want them to do, and it also helps them to understand me, as I sometimes have a little difficulty with talking.
The children have learned many signs, and it always makes me happy when they show me what they know. I love my assistant coaching role. I feel valued and respected by my coach, Jo, the children, and the children’s parents and carers.
I have worked hard to gain some qualifications with British Gymnastics, thanks to Jo. This has helped me to start planning activities and sessions for the children and also to feel confident delivering these skills.
I have been involved with gymnastics since I was six months old, and for many years I knew it was something I wanted to do as part of my career. Jo supported me in doing this, encouraging me to gain skills and try out new ideas with the children.
I love going to work, and it gives me a feeling of self-worth when I know I am helping the children. I have used Makaton all my life, and now I travel all over sharing this skill with others. In particular, I do this for care staff, youth groups, social groups, school staff, and peers.
I feel strongly that everyone should have access to Makaton. I find that the children I work with learn so fast, and it doesn’t just help those who find talking difficult—it also helps children if they are feeling a bit shy or unsure.
I also use Makaton in my other work placements, which include a community food bank and café, a florist, and visits with my friendship dog to people with dementia. Makaton helps me to communicate with all these people and also allows me to gain independence and enhance my own life opportunities.
My family have always encouraged me to follow my dreams and supported me to do so. My mum travels nationally with me to share these skills with National Care Group staff too.
I think the use of Makaton should be made mandatory in all schools and learning environments. I would like to share with other families and people with disabilities that you should always follow your dreams. Our family motto has always been that there’s nothing I can’t do, but sometimes I need to get to my dream in a different way. We are all unique.
To other families of children with disabilities, I would like to say: have expectations, look for ways to achieve those dreams, and encourage others to use Makaton. The more it’s used, the more people will understand it and feel comfortable using it in their everyday lives—helping people with disabilities feel comfortable, included, valued, and seen.
British Gymnastics and Jo have definitely helped me achieve this.