I had been worried that she may not want to try to talk once she was a confident signer - but this has not at all been the case. It has encouraged her speech all the way.

I first learned basic Makaton at the age of 14-15. Now, I run a theatre school for children, young people, and adults with a wide range of additional support needs and use Makaton every day...

In 2016 a young girl had a "magical" surprise when a Santa on board a train started to communicate with her using Makaton. 2 years later Betsy and Santa are reunited on the train...

Linda B is co-founder of SoLO Choir.“Makaton has given me a community wider and fuller, happier and funnier, than I could have envisaged when I sat in that darkened auditorium at the start of the Christmas play seven years ago.”

Want to know more about six-year-old Tom, whose reaction to Rob Delaney signing Using Makaton with Ten in a Bed on CBeebies went viral?

The pupils, parents and friends of our school embrace being part of something so inclusive and enjoyable, they feel the same joy and pleasure when signing as I do, we have created our own Makaton community.

All the dates, times, venue, people and signs had all been co-ordinated. It was certainly going ahead, 10 in the Bed was going to be amazing!

Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project recognised the need for Makaton. “It really helps improve a visit for people who use Makaton..."