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30-08-23
On Monday 28th August we celebrated Makaton International Awareness Day, this day marked the 50th Anniversary of the Makaton Language programme.
Makaton is an incredible language programme that empowers individuals with communication challenges to express themselves and connect with the world around them. Through a combination of signs, symbols, and speech, Makaton bridges communication gaps, fostering understanding and inclusivity.
Makaton was first developed by a speech therapist named Margaret Walker in the 1970s. It was named using a few letters from the names of the first three Makaton teachers: Margaret Walker (MA), Katherine Johnston (KA) and Tony Cornforth (TON). Symbols were first added to the Makaton programme in the 1980s.
Today over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton symbols and signs, either as their main method of communication or as a way to support speech. By using Makaton, children and adults can take a more active part in life, because communication and language are the key to everything we do and learn.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, a family member, or a friend, incorporating Makaton signs into your interactions can make a world of difference. It's about embracing diversity, showing kindness, and ensuring that everyone's voice is heard.
To mark this special day, we're excited to share a video with you all, showcasing some valuable Makaton signs that you can easily learn and integrate into your caregiving routines.
If you would like more information about Makaton or to learn more signs, please visit their website www.makaton.org.
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