Every year on 28 August, we come together to celebrate
Makaton International Awareness Day. It is a special
opportunity to reflect on the power of communication and the positive
impact Makaton has on people's lives around the world.
Celebrate “Together” with Makaton
This Makaton International Awareness Day, let’s honour the connections
made possible through Makaton and continue to spread inclusion,
communication, and understanding across the world.
This year’s theme is: Together
The Power of Together
Makaton helps build connections between people of all ages and
abilities. From sharing a smile and signing “hello” in the classroom,
to singing and signing with friends at social clubs, Makaton plays a
vital role in creating meaningful friendships.
Here’s How You Can Take Part
Makaton Song Music Video - Call for Entries
A huge thank you to everyone who joined our Makaton and Electric Umbrella
songwriting workshops or sent in a recording for our Makaton International
Awareness Day song. We loved hearing your lyric ideas and voices, and really
appreciate everyone who took part!
Be part of the official Makaton Song music video!
We're inviting Makaton users, families, friends and supporters to appear in
the official music video, which will launch on Makaton International
Awareness Day, and we want as many Makaton users as possible to get involved!
Here’s how to take part
Record yourself signing along to the song, which has been created in
collaboration with Electric Umbrella. This is a fantastic opportunity to show
your Makaton skills, celebrate your talents and help raise awareness of
Makaton when the song and music video are released on Makaton International
Awareness Day.
You will find two useful links below:
-
Practice video – Use this to practise signing along to the
song.
-
Alphabet video – During the part of the song where it asks
you to say your name, you can sign the first letter of your first name using
the Makaton Alphabet.
There is also a line in the song that says, "Do you like...".
This is your chance to say and sign something that you enjoy doing. It could
be reading, dancing, maths, signing, football, science, dinosaurs, or anything
else that you are passionate about!
If you're not sure how to sign your favourite hobby or activity, you can look
up the signs in the Makaton Library.
Before you send your video or photo
Everyone taking part must complete the Media Permission Consent Form:
Complete the Media Permission Consent Form
Unfortunately, we can't include any photos or videos without a completed
consent form.
Optional
Feel free to wear your Makaton clothing or hold a Makaton flag, or simply wear
your own clothes! Anyone can take part, including Makaton users, families,
Tutors, Trainers, workplaces, schools and day centres.
Send us your entry
Deadline: 9:00am, Friday 31st July 2026
Email:
[email protected]
Subject: MIAD Song Project 2026
For large video files, please use a file transfer service such as WeTransfer.
Makaton International Awareness Day – Friday 28th August 2026
Join us for a special online watch party with Electric Umbrella to celebrate
the launch of The Makaton Song. More details will be coming soon!
Thank you for helping make this year's Makaton International Awareness Day
extra special!
We can't wait to see your videos and photos! The more Makaton users that get
involved, the more we can raise awareness of Makaton and celebrate everything
it helps people achieve.
Join In on Social Media
Post your own Makaton friendship stories or photos using
#MakatonTogether.
Learn and Share the Sign for “Together”
Help spread awareness by learning and sharing the sign for
“Together”.
Organise a Makaton-Themed Event
You could host a garden party, coffee morning, signing session, or
another Makaton-themed activity in your community.
Makaton Merchandise
Makaton International Awareness Day merchandise is available to
purchase ahead of the big day.
Get your T-shirts, flags, Mak the Bear, Makaton cups, badges and more
in the Makaton shop.
Special Online Event
Join us for a special live event to celebrate
Makaton International Awareness Day.
- Date: Friday 28 August 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (UK time)
- Location: Online via Zoom
Register now
Enjoy an hour of connection, community, and celebration as
we mark this global day for inclusion.
Share Your Stories
What has brought you together with someone through Makaton? Do you have
a special Makaton memory with your friends or family? Have you seen the
magic of Makaton in a moment that meant something special to you?
We’d love to hear your story! Email us at
[email protected]
and be part of the celebration.