A specialist further education college is challenging children and adults to learn Makaton and to help raise funds for the organisation.
The BBC reported that number of students at The National Star College in Ullenwood in Gloucestershire use Makaton to assist their speaking, while others use it as their primary form of communication.
The college is helping people who have been sponsored eto learn Makaton in May. No specific fundraising target has been set but the college told the BBC “every penny raised will go towards supporting young people with complex disabilities.”
The BBC featured Jak, the Student Union president, who is a “Makaton Master”. Emily Lewis, a speech and language therapist, said she has been working with Jak for the four years since he arrived at the college, but not many of his friends use the system.
Emily said that since Jak began using Makaton his confidence has grown and he regularly enjoys showing what he can sign as well as signing assemblies so other students can understand.
She said: “Jak was a brilliant signer when he first arrived but was a little reluctant to sign with his peers. Now, he’s grown so much more confident with speaking in his groups, with his peers and with new staff members. He’s just been able to interact more with a lot more people.”
Emily added that Makaton is more simplified than British Sign Language.
She said: “Makaton is easier to learn the system and it has set symbols as well as the signs, so you can learn the symbols and signs alongside them.
“You’re using a total communication approach and you’ve got those things to anchor it as well, so the meaning of the word is understood when you’re saying it, when you’re signing it and when you’re seeing the symbol.”
