Makaton
Moderator: Christie Tsang, Speech and Language Therapist, Owner of Christie Speech Therapy
Guest: Sarah Norman, Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Senior Makaton Trainer
Guest: Mark Lovegrove, Integrated Therapy Assistant and Makaton Trainer
I had the privilege to host Sarah Norman, a Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Senior Makaton Trainer, and Mark Lovegrove, an Integrated Therapy Assistant and Makaton Trainer from the UK, on ZOOM to discuss the benefits of using Makaton signs and symbols to support the language development of young children.
Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression.
Being able to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. Almost everything we do involves communication; everyday tasks such as learning at school, asking for food and drink, sorting out problems, making friends and having fun. These all rely on our ability to communicate with each other.
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 symbols can help people who have limited speech and those who cannot, or prefer not to sign.
For those who have experienced the frustration of being unable to communicate meaningfully or effectively, Makaton really can help. Makaton takes away that frustration and enables individuals to connect with other people and the world around them. This opens up all kinds of possibilities.