Makaton Training
What is Makaton?
Makaton is a communication programme that combines speech, signs and symbols to support people who have difficulty communicating. It can help people express their needs, make choices, develop understanding and participate more fully in everyday life. Makaton is flexible and can be adapted to each person's individual communication needs. With more than 20 years of experience as a Makaton tutor, I have seen first-hand the profound impact that accessible communication can have. Providing children, young people and adults with a voice, a reliable way to express themselves and be understood is life-changing.
Makaton empowers individuals to participate, to connect, and to thrive. It removes barriers, reduces anxiety, and builds confidence. Supporting someone to communicate isn’t just important; it is transformative.
Why is Makaton important
Communication is fundamental to inclusion, independence and quality of life. When someone cannot easily communicate what they want, need or feel, it can create frustration, anxiety and barriers to everyday life. Makaton provides additional ways for people to express themselves and for others to understand them, helping people communicate their choices, feelings and needs. It can also support understanding, build confidence and create more meaningful connections with the people around them. By giving people more ways to communicate, we can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be heard, understood and included.
Makaton & The Oliver McGowan Training
Makaton is introduced within Oliver McGowan Tier 2 training, reflecting the importance of accessible communication when supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people. For me, this connection is particularly meaningful. I became a Makaton Regional Tutor in 2005 because I am passionate about giving people who may not have a voice, or who communicate differently, a way to be heard.
Makaton Training with Inclusive Futures
My training is practical, engaging and focused on using Makaton confidently in everyday situations. As a Makaton Regional Tutor, I want people to leave training not simply knowing some signs and symbols, but understanding why communication matters and how they can help someone to be heard, understood and included. It is vital that peoples needs, choices, voices and communication is heard and understood.
Everyone deserves a voice. Everyone deserves to be heard.
For more information on the history and development of the Makaton Language Programme, please visit www.makaton.org
Please note: Makaton is a communication programme using speech, signs and symbols; it is distinct from British Sign Language (BSL).