Makaton Basics

Whether you're just starting with Makaton or looking to refresh your skills, this category covers the fundamentals of Makaton signing, symbols, and speech support. Learn the difference between Makaton and British Sign Language (BSL), how to use Makaton in daily life, and the top signs everyone should know.

A person signing the Makaton sign for 'thank you' in a checked brown and white shirt, they are wearing a grey t-shirt under their shirt, they are smiling whilst signing.

Celebrating Makaton: Building a More Inclusive Business Through Communication

Makaton empowers us to do just that. It gives us practical tools to ensure that everyone—regardless of how they communicate—feels seen, heard, and understood. Learning just a few simple signs, or incorporating visual supports into your business environment, can completely transform someone’s experience. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being willing—to listen, to adapt, and to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong.

Ali Pennington

Aug 42 min read

Somerset Sports and Activity Partnership team members, sitting around a table in a meeting room, looking at each other and practising the Makaton sports signs they are learning

If You Support a Makaton User, You Need Makaton Training — Here’s Why

You’re Building a Two-Way Street Makaton isn’t just about helping someone express their needs — it’s about shared communication. If they’re using signs or symbols and you don’t understand them, that street becomes one-way, and frustrating fast.

Ali Pennington

Aug 12 min read