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Used in the UK for more than 25 years, and in over 40 countries around the world, the Makaton Vocabulary is a well established language programme for encouraging and developing communication, using speech, signs and written symbols.
Originally part of a research project, Makaton was devised by Speech and Language Therapist, Margaret Walker MBE, in response to the practical need for a communication system for a group of people with communication and learning difficulties and their carers. Now administered by a charitable trust (The MVDP) all the proceeds from the publications and training provided goes towards the creation of new materials and vocabulary selections for the ever widening group of users.
So popular and widely used is Makaton that it is the chosen communication method for a wide variety of documents, including The Patient's Charter and The Mental Health Act.
Based in the UK on BSL, other countries around the world incorporate signs from their own sign languages.
The MVDP provides:
• a wide variety of resource materials including books, videos, audio
cassettes and computer graphics
• training courses and workshops
• a national network of trained Makaton Tutors who can provide local
training
• a user membership scheme a translation service to enable children and
adults to access public information.
The Makaton Vocabulary uses Signs Symbols and Speech to develop communication skills in children and adults with communication and learning difficulties. Makaton consists of a Core Vocabulary covering the basic words for communication in Sign and Symbol format. This is enhanced by the Resource Vocabulary. Ideal for assisting in the development of literacy and numeracy skills, the Resource Vocabulary was provides the essential language required by pupils, teachers and parents to access the early levels of the National Curriculum (English, Maths, Science, Geography, History and Technology). This resource is recently enhanced in 1999 by the Animals, Transport and Vehicles vocabulary selection.
Makaton Symbols and Signs are matched to all the concepts in the vocabularies to be used with speech, the written word or on their own. They provide a visual representation of language which increased understanding and makes expressive communication easier. This multi-modal approach, where one mode facilitates the other, has been shown to increase opportunities for personal expression and development, participation in interaction and socialisation and to increase access to education, training and public information.
Signs from BSL, matched to the Makaton words and concepts are used in spoken and written word order and do not follow BSL gammar as used by deaf people. In this way, Makaton sign use is more similar to Signed Supported English (SSE). The main objective in using Makaton is to encourage the understanding or speech and wherever possibly to develop expressive speech. Normal conversational speech is always used as one signs key words and concepts.
Makaton Symbols are carefully designed in order to build on users previous knowledge and experience, thus aiding memory and recognition. As users communication needs develop grammatical elements can be added to the signs and symbols including verbs and tenses.
Further vocabulary selections are in preparation including Physical growth and development, People, places and buildings, Religion and custom, Personal possessions and clothing, Household and cookery.
We sell Makaton Symbols for use with Clicker.
Visit the Makaton Web site.