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Celebrating Makaton: Building a More Inclusive Business Through Communication

Updated: Oct 29


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.


Last year I was invited to Lloyds Banking Group to deliver 9 bank focussed taster sessions to the staff teams there. The feedback was incredible and really highlighted the need for raising awareness of communication tools such as Makaton and how it can support people with their communication across all age groups.


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


Further Reading & Sources



Three team members from Lloyds Banking Group Bristol practising the Makaton signs they have learnt during training
Team members from Lloyds Banking Group, Bristol

**Disclaimer**


The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and thoughts and information expressed in these blogs are from my own personal thoughts and real life experiences, they do not contain advisory content. While always striving to provide accurate and up-to-date content, there are no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of any information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. 

 

All information on the site is provided in good faith, however, no representation or warranty is made of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the site.

 

These blogs are created from my own personal experience and are for general information purposes and are not, in any way, advisory. Where needed I have included research and reference links and further reading articles.

 

At times I have used AI generated content to reword my own thoughts and may include AI research of  information relevant to the blog and to create images relevant to my blogs, however whenever possible I have used my own images with permission from those featured in the images. My blogs are open to fair use.

 

Any questions or queries please do get in touch - alimakatontutor@gmail.com

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