‘Makaton is a language programme using signs and symbols to help people to communicate. It is designed to support spoken language; the signs and symbols are used with speech, in spoken word order’ (The Makaton Charity, 2017).

This Makaton taster session is an introductory and experiential session. Delegates will learn about the Makaton Language Programme: what it is, how it works and who it is used by. They will see demonstrations of approximately forty signs and symbols. Delegates can use and try these signs and symbols in their own workplace or with the individual(s) with communication needs.

By the end of the session delegates will be able to:

• Explain, in brief, what MLP (The Makaton Language Programme) is.
• Describe the underpinning principles of the MLP and how they apply to children with communication needs.
• Make 40 immediately useful signs and recognise the matching symbols.
• Demonstrate how to use these signs and symbols in their relative settings.
• Determine the next formal training steps they should take.
• Locate the identified Makaton professional they need to contact to further their Makaton skills, gain advice, or register their interest in attending a formal workshop

Trainer – Mike Harris