Makaton

Being able to communicate with others is one of the most important skills we need in life.

Makaton uses a combination of speech, signs, and symbols to help people communicate.  It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression. All students at Rotherham Opportunities College have the opportunity to learn Makaton.

With Makaton, signs are used, with speech, in spoken word order. This helps provide extra clues about what someone is saying. Using signs can help people who have no speech or whose speech is unclear. Using printed or drawn symbols can help people who have limited speech and those who cannot sign or prefer not to sign.

Makaton can help people with learning disabilities, autism or difficulties talking to communicate more effectively. The system can be used by anyone.

Makaton uses three techniques:

Speech: Spoken words are always used alongside the signs and symbols.

Signs: Simple gestures derived from British Sign Language (or other sign languages depending on the region) are used to represent words.

Symbols: Visual symbols are used to reinforce the meaning of words.

Want to know more about Makaton? The Makaton Charity website has lots of helpful resources to explore.