Celebrating Makaton: Building a More Inclusive Business Through Communication

Makaton, a unique and powerful communication programme that combines speech, signs, and symbols to support individuals with communication difficulties. Whether you're working in education, health and social care, retail, hospitality, or any other customer-facing industry, Makaton has the potential to reshape how we connect with and serve others.

Why Makaton Matters in Business

As a business owner, I’ve learned that accessibility isn’t optional—it’s essential. Providing good customer service goes far beyond being friendly or offering a smile. True service means meeting people where they are—especially when communication is a barrier.

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.

The Reality of Communication Difficulty

In the UK alone, millions of people live with some form of communication difficulty. This includes:

• Children with autism,

• Adults recovering from strokes,

• People with learning disabilities,

• Individuals who experience anxiety in busy, verbal environments.

  
  

Each of these individuals may rely on alternative forms of communication to navigate their day-to-day lives. When businesses like yours invest in understanding and using tools like Makaton, you’re doing more than making your services accessible—you’re saying to your customers: "You are welcome here."

Accessibility is Good Business

Let’s be clear: inclusion isn’t a box to tick. It’s a commitment to better service, stronger relationships, and community connection.

When someone with a communication difficulty has a positive experience at your business, that moment resonates far beyond the individual. Families remember. Support workers remember. Word spreads. And most importantly—people come back.

Inclusivity builds loyalty, trust, and reputation. It also shows your business stands for more than just transactions—it stands for people.

Where to Begin

You don’t need to become fluent in Makaton or other any other communication tool overnight. You don’t need to overhaul your entire customer service strategy. But you can start small:

• Learn a few basic signs like hello, thank you, or toilet.

• Display simple visual symbols in your space.

• Attend awareness events and training opportunities.

• Encourage your team to become more communication-aware.

  
  

Events like today are designed to open the door to those possibilities. They help us shift our mindset from “accommodating” to understanding.

A More Inclusive Future Starts Here

By being here—reading this blog, attending events, asking questions—you’re already taking a step toward a more inclusive, accessible, and people-focused business.

Let’s continue to raise awareness. Let’s keep learning. Let’s use tools like Makaton to break down barriers and build up communities.

Because communication isn’t one-size-fits-all and when we embrace that truth, everyone benefits. Ready to be more inclusive? Drop me an email alimakatontutor@gmail.com

A person signing 'thank you'