Who uses Makaton?
Makaton users include...
People with learning or communication difficulties
Makaton is the UK's leading language programme for adults and
children with learning or communication difficulties. It is also used
by everyone who shares their lives, for example, parents and other
family members, friends and carers, and education and health
professionals.
How Makaton helps people living with...
People developing their language and literacy skills
Makaton is used for teaching communication, language and literacy
skills with children and adults who are at an early stage of
communication and language development. This structured approach can
also help people who are learning English as an additional language,
helping them to communicate straightaway, while also supporting their
learning.
Mainstream schools
Makaton is regularly used in mainstream schools, to support all
children to develop communication, language and literacy skills. It is
also supports integration, as children with and without language
difficulties can communicate with each other, learn and play together
more easily.
People looking after babies and young children
There is a special Makaton Signing for Babies training, available to
parents, family members and professionals who wish to sign with the
babies and children in their care. Signing while speaking, has been show
to encourage the development of communication and language skills. It
can also give carers a greater understanding of a baby's wants and
needs, which can help reduce frustration.
All of us
Makaton symbols are widely used in public buildings such as schools,
hospitals, courts and libraries, to help people find their way around.
So, you may be using Makaton in daily life without even knowing it!